Lord Digby Jones, former director general of the CBI and minister of state for trade and investment, will be guest of honour and keynote speaker at this year’s inaugural Solent Business Awards.
The announcement comes as the final countdown to the closing date begins, with companies having just five weeks to enter before the July 31 deadline.
Awards chairman David Murray said: “We are thrilled to have a guest speaker of the calibre of Lord Jones. He is someone whose immense knowledge and experience of the business sector is respected both in the UK and across the globe, and we are sure he will enthral and inspire our audience in equal measure.”
Trained as a lawyer, Lord Jones spent six and a half years as director general of the CBI, during which time he became known for his forthright views and campaigning on a range of business issues.
He was knighted in 2005 and then in 2007 was appointed minister of state for trade and investment, promoting Britain across the world, travelling to 31 countries in 45 overseas visits.
Today, as well as being an active crossbencher in the House of Lords, he has an impressive list of senior roles, including chairman of Triumph Motorcycles, corporate adviser to JCB and non-executive deputy chairman of the Unipart Expert Practices (UEP) division.
The names of the winners of the Solent Business Awards will be announced on October 22, with a gala dinner at the Hilton Ageas Bowl in Southampton, where Lord Jones will present the awards.
Murray added: “This event is the perfect opportunity to impress both existing and future clients, to demonstrate your success and to say thank you to your employees for all their hard work.
“Competition promises to be very tough and we have already received some impressive entries. Now, with just five weeks to go before the closing date, I would encourage anyone who is thinking of entering to make that commitment and show what a vibrant and exciting place this region is to do business.”
Open to businesses across the Solent and South Central region, the awards both expand and build on the success of the former Hampshire Business Awards.
There are five different categories:
The awards are supported by Taylor Made Computer Solutions and the CBI, for full entry details, visit www.solentbusinessawards.co.uk.
The thriving world of deals is the backbone of the Thames Valley’s property sector. Ensuring…
Malmesbury-based Dyson has unveiled a sophisticated wet floor cleaner for hard floor surfaces. It will…
Paris Smith LLP has been named the ‘Large Firm of the Year’ at the Hampshire…
Research* by Isio and YouGov, who surveyed over 7,000 private sector employees, has found that…
Buckinghamshire-based Starboard Hotels has announced the opening of Ibis Styles Gatwick following a £14 million…
Independent family brewer and pub company Shepherd Neame has been granted use of the royal warrant by…