Meet the network bringing EntFest to life
In 2020, we’ve built a brilliant programme focused around the theme of #IgniteYourPurpose, that reflects what matters most to our community of business leaders and students. Hear how enterprising individuals, organisations and innovators from some of the world’s most exciting brands and businesses have embedded purpose into the heart of their business models and, why purpose makes good business sense.
Thriving entrepreneur, Peter Jones CBE dreamt of becoming a successful businessman when he was just seven, hopeful that one day his dream would become reality. Today, he has interests in a broad range of companies in a variety of sectors ranging from technology and entertainment to property and food.
His businesses generate sales of more than £400 million and employ more than 1,400 people. Having personally invested in more than 40 businesses, he is one of the most loved and recognisable, founding ‘dragons’ on BBC’s Dragons’ Den which has run for thirteen series. Other TV credits include his own show Peter Jones meets, American Inventor and Save our Business in the US along with appearances on Top Gear, The Magicians, James Cordon’s World Cup Live, A Question of Sport and Never Mind the Buzzcocks and many more.
An avid philanthropist, Peter founded The Peter Jones Foundation, a charity where millions has been raised and provided to help thousands of young people have a chance of a brighter future. In 2009 he opened the doors to the Peter Jones Enterprise Academy after developing Britains’ first BTEC qualification in Enterprise and Entrepreneurship.
Peter is currently an Ambassador for Sage.
The infamous Mr Levi Roots - aka “Dragon Slayer”, “Sauce man “and entrepreneur chef first shot to fame on BBC2's Dragon's Den.
With his spirited “Reggae Reggae Sauce” song he charmed Dragons Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh into investing in his spicy sauce, which was a secret recipe, inspired by his grandmother. With an exclusive launch at Sainsbury's, the sauce flew off the shelves and within a couple of weeks was outselling Heinz Tomato Ketchup.
Levi has managed to find time to write several cookbooks. Alongside these, Levi has penned his business guide “You Can Get It If You Really Want”. He is a great advocate for small to medium size businesses and is often found mentoring young entrepreneurs.
Dean Richmond’s career within the pet retail industry goes right back to when he was just a teenager, hand making bird boxes and then cycling round his village to sell them! Fast forward to 1998 when Dean bought Pets Corner from his parents, which then comprised seven shops. Today the business has around 150 stores, employs 950 staff and is the second biggest pet retailer in the UK. Dean attributes his success to sheer determination and hard graft.
Peter Jones CBE, Entrepreneur, Founder, PJF
Levi Roots, Entrepreneur, Musician
Dean Richmond, Founder & CEO, Pets Corner
The Tempest Two are professional adventurers, in the least traditional sense. James and Tom are far from elite, they have no skillset that sets them apart, just a mindset that allows them to achieve things that many perceive as impossible. They have rowed oceans and climbed mountains with no exprience, and have worked with some of the biggest organisations in the world with their Learning & Development company Dose.
The Tempest Two
Katie White, Founder of The Best Medicine encourages us to let go and play; teaching simple laughing techniques that can help our physical and mental wellbeing. She shows people how to access the therapeutic benefits to laughter, helping to manage stress, anxiety and panic – helping students and teachers within schools, organisations such as Teach First, to key note talks at The Royal College of Art. Participants walk away with practical strategies that help to them manage difficult situations as they arise, helping to strengthen emotional resilience.
Katie White, Founder, The Best Medicine
Nisha often jokes she sees people (not dead people like in the movie Sixth Sense, but the potential in people to be great leaders and do great things). It’s this gift of hers that drives her to use coaching and training, as a vehicle, to help her clients lead with confidence, credibility and impact. As a business coach and the founder and CEO of Born To Amplify, Nisha uses a unique combination of games, humour and simple tools and strategies to disrupt and challenge limiting beliefs so that entrepreneurs can grow their business and make a difference in the world.