Full seminar programme confirmed for the growing your own business exhibition and conference

Experts from leading industry companies such as Coffee Nation, Business Link, Streetcar, Business Post and A Womanís Place will be among an array of successful and inspiring speakers during the comprehensive seminar programme at the Growing Your Own Exhibition & Conference on 1 & 2 April 2005 at Olympia, London.

All the presenters at the Growing Your Own Business Conference are leading entrepreneurs in their respective industries, and hold either founding or top-level positions in their companies.

The keynote speaker for the event will be Martyn Dawes, Founder of Coffee Nation. Launched in September 2000 with capital of just 100,000, Dawes has since transformed Coffee Nation into the fastest growing coffee company in the UK, with a turnover approaching 12 million.

Martyn will be speaking about: What does it take to maintain business strength? This will include topics such as taking your business from birth to expansion, staying ahead of the competition and the secrets to maintaining future potential.

Other speakers on Friday include Marcus Markou from BusinessesForSale.com, who will present a seminar titled Evolving into a successful entrepreneur. In this presentation, Marcus will discuss what skills you need as an entrepreneur, developing from failure and learning lessons as you grow, and remaining motivated and inspired. Sally Tanski, Proprietor of Oakley Learning, will speak about Leading your team to increased profitabilityí, covering topics such as motivating your staff towards business goals, inspiring by example through effective management and the importance of training, development and recognition.

Other speakers include Business Link, which will cover funding options for growing businesses - including alternatives for funding and options for second and third round funding - and Kerry Savage, Founder of Savage Publicity, who will talk about building an effective PR strategy on a limited budget.

Paul Carvell, CEO of established express delivery company Business Post, will open day two of the event. His keynote address will reveal his first hand experience of growing Business Post since his appointment as CEO in 2001. Other speakers on Saturday include Jonathan Hollow, Portal Editor of businesslink.gov.uk, who will cover topics such as improving business processes online for better efficiency, and managing suppliers and customers online to maximise business potential. Brett Akker, Founder of Streetcar, will close the event, discussing the key principles of successful selling, including how to nurture existing customers to stimulate future business and expanding your client base.

Also taking place at the event is the Business Advice Zone, where visitors can join other small business owners and experts to network and gain valuable business contacts and advice. A range of companies will be hosting events over the two days, including: A Womanís Place, who will be hosting a network for women and business on Friday; Peter Lusty, a Chartered Accountant, who will be running a business advice clinic on Saturday morning; and a team of business coaches from Action International on Saturday afternoon.

All visitors to the Growing Your Own Business Exhibition & Conference will be entered into a draw to win an IPOD mini. Visitors will also receive a free trial of Business Builder, essential software and services to manage your business and generate customers. Business Builder provides guidance on limited companies, business planning, employing staff, health and safety, HR and records and sales and marketing. It comes with free, full telephone technical support and a monthly newsletter.

Co-located with The British & International Franchise Exhibition, Growing Your Own Business takes place on Friday 1 and Saturday 2 April 2005 at Olympia, London. It features companies and experts offering highly valuable advice and services to enable businesses to expand much faster, increase their efficiency, and most importantly, improve their profitability.

Growing Your Own Business is open from 10:00 each day, closing at 17:00 on Friday 1 April and 16:00 on Saturday 2 April. Callers to the hotline (01280 707433) can purchase tickets by credit card in advance for 8 or 7 each for two or more. Admission on the door is 13.