I value JLA's opinion - they have genuine knowledge of the speakers they represent
CIPD
I value JLA's opinion - they have genuine knowledge of the speakers they represent
CIPD
JLA provide impartial advice on who best fits your event brief, but we’re not afraid to steer you in the direction of our tried and tested favourites. In this section our agents describe their own impressions from working with individual speakers, presenters and performers. View by agent or category, and look out for recommendations on speaker or artist records.
by Ella O'Kane
If you’re after a big sports star, they don't come much bigger than Bruno. When a former heavyweight World Champion walks into the room it tends to focus the mind. With Garry Richardson as the interviewer, you get a story of extraordinary highs and lows – with a lot of laughs thrown in.
Abandoman 
by Siobhan Jackman
I put Abandoman in front of one usually reserved technology crowd, and by the end of the evening the CEO was dancing on the table screaming for an encore. The foremost (and only) Irish ‘hip-hop improv’ act are a must for any audience with even the tiniest capacity for fun. Book them now!
Lucy Adams 
by Adam Harkness
Thanks to her experience in turbulent times at the BBC, Lucy's speech is incredibly insightful – but she also has a natural ability to engage the room. The self-confessed "recovering HR director" even manages to inject a sense of fun. Whether she's asked to talk about the scourge of annual appraisals or the challenges of virtual teams, you will come away with a fresh perspective.
Rt Hon Lord (Andrew) Adonis 
by Allan Grant
Andrew has a brain the size of planet – condensing swathes of information into a speech that’s always tight to the brief and laced with humour. I've seen him speak on topics from infrastructure and education to collaboration. You can feel delegates paying close attention: they know they’re getting an inside view from one of the most influential policy makers in Westminster.
Terry Alderton 
by Andy Hickman
Forget he was in Eastenders, Terry’s comedy persona is as far from soaps as you can get. It’s an earthquake of energy, random accents and disembodied catchphrases verging on performance art. (But unlike performance art, he’s belly-achingly funny.) Terry is an original, capable of conquering any crowd.
Buzz Aldrin 
by Andrew Stoney
You can't fail to feel excited and honoured to listen to Buzz. He's a living legend and a true pioneer, who's dedicated his life to space exploration. 45 years after walking on the moon he's still amazingly sprightly, with his sights firmly set on colonising Mars. In my view any audience would be inspired by Buzz's story – and transfixed by his vision of the future.
Clare Balding 
by Anke Schuster
Wearing her conference presenter hat Clare brings a lightness of touch that gets the best out of anyone, from guest stars to business types. She makes it so easy for them to convey their own struggles and achievements – and she’s a joy to have on your team.
John Barrowman 
by Ruby Porter
John has the charm of Captain Jack, the professionalism of a primetime presenter and the talent to belt out a show tune - all good reasons to book him. He flirts with everyone and takes some beating if you’re looking for an injection of showbiz glitz.
Beardyman 
by Simon King
Beardyman isn’t just possessed of a rare skill, he’s a truly versatile performer. He can silence a room in awe, have them tap their feet and stand to applaud all within five minutes. I've watched him evolve from gifted beatboxer into a headline star – embracing comedy and unbelievable vocal gymnastics.
Angellica Bell 
by Jethro Fox
Some clients would only consider Angellica for young audiences, but she's much more versatile than that. She can move seamlessly between fun and serious, she really holds the audience and she’s refreshingly flexible with things like timings and scripts.
Caspar Berry 
by Tom Mclaughlin
In his conference speech Caspar teaches you about probability and risk. After dinner he gives you a taste of the nerve tingling thrills of poker – complete with steely expressions, fingers tapping on chips and eyes darting around to detect a hint of weakness in others. It’s fabulous to see him generate so much excitement without anyone risking a bean of their own money!
Professor David Blanchflower 
by Ben Arnold
There are economists, forecasters and analysts – and then there's Danny. He’s straight talking, unafraid to cover ground many fear to tread, and he cuts through the gamesmanship. I particularly like his analogy about economic recovery: “It’s like visiting the doctor. Everyone wants to know when they’ll get better, but the best we can do is monitor progress and treat accordingly.”
Rt Hon Lord (David) Blunkett
by Ruby Porter
Whatever your own political persuasion, when you listen to David you realise his conviction is utterly genuine. Add the fact that he's been blind since birth, and his achievements begin to hit home. But what might really surprise you is the warmth, the wealth of anecdotes and a delightful sense of humour.
Rachel Botsman 
by Barbara de Lacy
Not only have Rachel’s book and ideas helped me make lifestyle choices, she’s also got some absolutely essential advice for twenty-first century businesses. Her speeches are peppered with nuggets that you’ll find yourself repeating to friends and colleagues for days to come. 200,000 views within two weeks of her latest TED Global talk going online say it all.
Gyles Brandreth
by Allan Grant
It’s a cliché, but Gyles’ personality alone can fill a room. He really enjoys what he does and it shows. Clients love him: he’s a delight to work with, he adapts to any situation, and most importantly he’s a terrific raconteur.
Kevin Bridges
by Barbara de Lacy
Much has been made of Kevin’s age but it’s still difficult to believe he’s so young when you see him perform. He’s got confidence in spades, and event producers love him because he’s so accommodating and mature. I love his cheeky grin as he waits for the audience to catch up with his punchline.
Derren Brown
by Barbara de Lacy
When you’re lucky enough to stumble on a free date between filming and touring, Derren’s an absolute pleasure to work with. Production is blissfully simple in any space, and he really understands corporate audiences. You end up with a fast-paced, hugely entertaining show which will baffle everyone!
Guy Browning 
by Emily Collier
In the words of one client, listening to Guy is “like being at The Comedy Store, but with a business message!” I’ve seen him have a group of stockbrokers on their feet impersonating athletes, pondering moral queries and roaring with laughter at his advice on how to manage your boss. They were putty in a master’s hands!
Todd Buchholz
by Simon King
Todd is not the brash, over-bearing financier his Wall Street to White House CV suggests. He uses a host of unconventional analogies to explain what’s going on in the markets, geopolitics and economics. Mix this with unbridled enthusiasm for business, sharp intelligence and delivery bordering on stand-up. You can expect lessons from history, politics and showbusiness.
William Butler-Adams
by Siobhan Jackman
Bounding onstage, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're watching a cross between Boris Johnson and Willy Wonka (minus the Oompa Loompas). But there's more to WBA than meets the eye. As he extols the virtues of British engineering, you feel a sense of pride - not just about where we've been, but where we're going. Maybe the future of manufacturing isn't so bleak after all!
Ed Byrne 
by Jessica Mears
Ed has a remarkable ability to judge audiences. Whatever mood you’re in before he walks on, you’ll be laughing at yourself by the end – and his jokes will follow you around the next day. I won’t be able to think about pillow talk in quite the same way ever again!
Simon Calver
by Barbara de Lacy
Simon’s LoveStory speech, with a film illustrating each early year of the business, demonstrates the ideals he still sticks to - you must be the culture of your business, and you mustn’t compromise or delegate that responsibility. Listening to him, you know he practises as he preaches: rewarding customers, continually challenging his people and developing relationships wherever he sees potential.
Alastair Campbell
by Allan Grant
I love how Alastair balances humour, gossip and serious messages. The story about the Deputy PM punching an egg-throwing voter is typical: Alastair gets a call from Prezza (in pantomime Yorkshire): "Hello… Errr… I've just thumped someone." After telling us what happened, he gives the audience a genuine insight into how to manage a potential PR disaster. It's a fantastic listen.
Alan Carr
by Allan Grant
Offstage Alan is like his onscreen persona: down to earth, self-deprecating and wickedly funny. But he really delivers onstage. His opening routine intersperses topical gags with industry-specific material, and his energy is unrelenting. I can't recommend him highly enough.
Alan Chambers
by Barbara de Lacy
When you first meet Alan his expression is so deadpan it’s hard to believe he motivates people in such large numbers. See him in front of an audience and he’s utterly captivating. You suddenly realise how he’s able to lead groups of big egos through the harshest environments in the world. And you’ve got to admire a man who takes his 10-year old son on a trip to the North Pole!
Dan Cobley 
by Shae Roberts
To say Dan has his finger on the pulse of technology is an understatement. His insights into what we should expect in our homes and businesses in the future are truly thought provoking – as is his advice on how to harness current technology to make a workplace thrive. You’re watching an expert at the top of his game, with a wonderfully accessible and humorous presentation style.
Rt Hon Lord (Sebastian) Coe 
Reverend Richard Coles 
by Carrie Ralfe
Richard's speech is one of the warmest I’ve heard. After a glance back to his days as a pop star, he describes the shock of wearing cassocks and sharing a dormitory at the age of 40. If you’re a fan of Rev. (for which he is the inspiration), Richard will leave you in fits of giggles.
Sean Collins
by Simon King
Offering a delightful deadpan take on British quirks, Sean is a cut above the average circuit comedian. He shares his amazement at how readily we accept most things don't work (transport, people etc), his amusement at foreigners' expectations and his daily frustrations with his family. He hits the mark with any crowd, from rowdy to reserved.
Nina Conti
by Ella O'Kane
You’re in for a treat with Nina, particularly if it’s one of your colleagues that gets pulled up onstage. With a wealth of characters at her fingertips it’s always going to be a fun show. I’m constantly amazed at her skill as well as her quick wit – especially when Monkey sings Time to Say Goodbye!
Hal Cruttenden
by Allan Grant
Hal's comedy is perfect for corporate audiences. He's instantly endearing - with McIntyre-style energy, stage presence (and campness) along with wonderfully self deprecating put-downs. I’m still laughing at the gag about ignoring his child's schooling because she didn't ask him about his own day.
Jamie Cullum
by Allan Grant
The first thing you notice working with Jamie is how down to earth he is – there’s no ‘white lilies and champagne’ nonsense on his rider! But onstage his star status comes across, powering through a mix of covers and original material. At Jamie’s last gig for me he even invited guests to sing with him!
BJ Cunningham
by Andy Hickman
It begins as a battery of anecdotes, delivered with a mischievous sense of humour. Then, amid jaw dropping and laughter, a rallying cry emerges: leap at every opportunity, don’t fear the Goliaths who obstruct your path, and always come back fighting. As well as all that, his almost spiritual distillation of the concept of ‘brand’ will have you throwing your old definition into the dustbin.
Karen Darke
by Allan Grant
Karen’s achievements since her accident stretch from extreme adventure to elite sport. If the basic premise of a motivational speech is to inspire you to adapt to the situation and scale new heights, it never feels more real than when listening to Karen. She’s been though such a horrific chain of events, yet remains defiantly positive. It feels like a real privilege to hear her story.
Andrew Davis
by Jethro Fox
Andrew cuts through the gimmickry and helps you create a proper social media strategy. As well as waxing lyrical on how to create great content, he encourages you to pin down elusive ROI. But for me Andrew’s real magic is the way he equips you with the tools and confidence to keep making the right decisions - even when the game changes all over again.
Alex Depledge 
by Georgia Sharp
We’ve all had that feeling that we could be entrepreneurs, if we just had the time. Or the funds. Or the skills. Alex tells you that all you need is to be brave. With zero experience of coding, she and a friend built an app in her bedroom and turned it into a multi-million pound business. Alex’s talk is eye-opening, frank and at times very funny. It’s also truly inspiring, in an ‘anyone can do it’ way that’s more believable than any other entrepreneur I’ve heard.
Fraser Doherty
by Ruby Porter
With his big smile and positive energy, Fraser radiates charm. You can’t help smiling back when he talks about selling jam door to door, and laughing out loud at the thought that his Grandma has no idea of the intellectual property value of her recipes. SuperJam seems to embody Fraser’s own character: authentic, unpretentious and with no added preservatives!
Giles Duley Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
by Jessica Mears
Giles is one of the greatest storytellers I’ve ever heard. Taking his time with details and with a surprising amount of humour, he shares his experience of dealing with the consequences of nearly being killed by an IED while putting all the focus on the refugees from war that he’s met along the way. He’s so compelling you could hear a pin drop; not just that, he leaves you inspired to do more and make a real difference.
Matt Edmondson 
by Nicola Jones
If you want to inject energy into awards, the diminutive Radio 1 presenter is well worth considering. He has natural enthusiasm, he makes everyone feel relaxed and he leads proceedings without ever succumbing to the temptation of making it all about him.
Huw Edwards
by Allan Grant
Live events give Huw an opportunity to display a wicked sense of humour. Unsurprisingly, he’s quick to a master the brief; what’s extraordinary is the ease with which he mixes serious messages with funny anecdotes – and his ability to make audiences feel they’re attending a very special occasion
Professor Martin Elliott
by Jessica Mears
An extraordinary leader in an extraordinary environment, it's hard not to feel humble listening to Martin! In a wonderfully focused way he makes you want to be receptive to new ideas wherever they come from. While his goal might be trying to fine tune the handover of a baby from operating table to intensive care unit, it’s clear that the principles are the same whatever the process and wherever people have to work together.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
by Allan Grant
For me Wilfred is the perfect speaker. He isn’t one of those entrepreneurs who just dish up clichés. His is a personal story, full of lessons for delegates to take away and put into practice. The methods Wilfred used to take The Black Farmer from a niche, local product to an everyday supermarket brand are a ‘must-hear’ for any business that wants to grow.
Daryl Fielding
by Carrie Ralfe
Daryl adds wit and humility to an impressive resumé. She’s hugely personable and approachable – she seems to embody the ethos she's helped cultivate at brands and businesses across the board. She's also keen to share her sense of fun, tearing up the rulebook and laying some sacred cows to rest; but for me what makes Daryl an exceptional guest speaker is how sensitive she is to the culture and concerns of her audience.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes 
by Lizzie Carr
Fiennes is a living legend. Behind the stiff upper lip and glorious wit is one of the most inspiring leaders you could ever encounter. He shows how his close-knit teams stay ahead of the competition by evaluating the terrain, challenging the status quo and embracing technology. The business analogy is obvious – the effect Ran has on audiences (of any nationality) is a joy to behold.
Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein 
by Rory Wilson
Danny has his audience in stitches with his collection of ‘Rules for Politics.’ I especially like the analogy with hotel towels – and what MPs can learn from footballers. As you’d expect, he also provides a great insight into who’s up to what (and why) in the Westminster village. As much of a joy to watch as he is to work with, Daniel has heads bobbing in agreement right from the off.
Tom Fletcher Author, Naked Diplomacy
by Adam Harkness
Tom manages to do something that not many speakers can – make you feel optimistic about current affairs. While the world might seemingly be spiralling into despair, Tom explains why he believes the ‘co-existors’ will triumph over the wall builders, and that globalisation and digital communication will bring us together and not drive us apart. Humanity just has to try a little bit harder.
Ben Fogle
by Andrew Stoney
It’s hard to imagine that Ben fell into being an adventurer by accident. As he talks about his projects, what becomes clear is his passion and determination – as well as his boundless natural charm. He leaves you thinking that one day you might be able to row across the Atlantic yourself!
Matt Forde
by Barbara de Lacy
Recreating the House of Commons onstage might not sound like everybody’s cup of tea, but Matt pulls it off. Part football obsessive, part PMQs geek, he’s just as much at home dishing out topical stand-up as interviewing George Galloway – and his Ed Miliband impression is uncanny.
Stéphane Garelli
by Ben Arnold
While many economic speakers start by bracing you for whatever gloomy predictions they’re about to deliver, Stephane engages you with a real glint in his eye. Describing the post-recession world as “unusually desynchronised” he guides delegates through each region’s competitiveness, helping to join the dots in a constantly changing business landscape.
Lesley Garrett
by Carrie Ralfe
Lesley is charming and easy to work with – and she delivers a blistering thirty minutes of entertainment. After her performance she mingles with guests and signs autographs – last time in Jersey we had to drag her away!
Bob Geldof
by Emily Collier
When Bob took to the stage, even the most serious looking business types pressed forward to listen. It's a cliché to describe a speaker having an audience 'spellbound' - but Bob's such a natural storyteller that he held their attention effortlessly, speaking without notes and from the heart. Afterwards he posed for selfies with everyone, including the event organisers!”
PY Gerbeau
by Jethro Fox
Despite the fact that he lectures MBA students, there’s no jargon with PY. In his own disarming way, he makes it crystal clear that people are the most important asset in any organisation – so now more than ever, managers need to lead by example. This is real insight from a seasoned CEO and recovery expert. His messages will resonate with everyone.
Will Gompertz 
by Suzy Houghton
Will challenges any perceptions of the artistic world as a breeding ground for tormented, penniless outcasts. Instead he describes the most celebrated exponents as entrepreneurs with a sharp understanding of the zeitgeist. Along with some genuinely hilarious stories, Will’s message to business is crystal clear: to survive and thrive, we must all begin to think like artists.
Ellie Goulding
by Ben Arnold
Performing her own hits from Burn to Starry Eyed via Your Song, Ellie and her band delivered a mesmerising 40-minute show. Chatting with the audience and sharing anecdotes in between numbers, she had my client and all his guests entranced - hanging on her every word.
Professor A.C. Grayling
by Simon King
The word 'philosopher' conjures up images of brooding pretension or high-minded aloofness. Anthony conforms to neither stereotype. He's down-to-earth, witty and understandable. He makes abstract concepts like fairness and ethics genuinely thought-provoking – especially for organisations looking to define their place in the lives of employees and customers.
Professor Germaine Greer
by Andy Hickman
Once over the thrill of meeting a feminist legend, you realise Germaine is an authority on anything from ageing to Australia. She illuminates her argument with casually recalled quotes, taking on lofty concepts with warmth and self-deprecating humour. She manages to cut through the cacophony of politically correct discourse with a bluntness and common sense you just can’t ignore.
Bill Grimsey
by Simon King
Bill has the common touch you might expect from one of the few bosses to go from storeroom to boardroom. When his 4-year old granddaughter pleaded for an iPad, he began to imagine how she’ll be served by retailers of the future. He now gives an unsentimental insider’s view of the commercial realities they face - not forgetting the social side of the high street that affects us all.
Robert Guest 
by Millie Thomas
The breadth of Robert's insight is so impressive. When I last saw him he pulled together anecdotes and analysis on the US, China and Russia – then related their economic policies to the situation in the UK. It made for some striking (and entertaining) contrasts. He takes big and contentious issues and explores their impact in a way that’s immediately relevant and engaging.
Tim Harford
by Jethro Fox
The Undercover Economist was the first book I read when I joined JLA – since then I’ve never failed to be impressed by Tim. He makes you look at everything differently. Hearing his new speech on Big Data was a revelation: you realise the challenge is not to get the biggest data set, but the right data! He has a knack for making the seemingly impenetrable blissfully clear.
Timandra Harkness
by Lizzie Carr
Whenever she hears ‘the government has access to your intimate details, AI is already smarter than everybody you know,’ Timandra arches an eyebrow and says ‘Well, OK, maybe.’ That’s not a casual remark, it’s because she’s a serious scientific investigator set on distinguishing truth from myth. But she’s also a part-time stand-up, hence the fun she has conjuring up a reality show for robots. She’s a fascinating, illuminating, real life wizard.
Austin Healey
by Tom Mclaughlin
When I last worked with Austin the audience loved the travel stories he’d put together for his intro, the production team loved 28 awards being presented bang on time and the client loved the fact that their briefing had been followed to a tee. They were also chuffed he did a ‘Strictly’ twirl to kick the evening off!
Margaret Heffernan
by Jethro Fox
The room falls silent whenever Margaret speaks – like a grounding, unifying experience. She speaks softly but confidently as she explains what we need from today’s leaders and how to optimise workplace culture. She tells stories of good and less good practice, backed up with top grade research and years of business experience. It isn’t rocket science, but that’s the point: she talks with such clarity and lack of cliché that every word sticks.
Dame Kelly Holmes
by Ella O'Kane
Though she's only five foot two Kelly's infectious laugh, her bright personality (and her love of the group selfie) could fill a room twice over. The lightness of her storytelling makes you have to remind yourself that she suffered set back after set back before winning her two gold medals. It's her strength in the face of failure that makes Kelly so empowering. You won't just feel a sense of awe, you'll want her to be your best friend too.
Sir Chris Hoy
by Anke Schuster
You rarely see an audience as awestruck as they are when Chris walks onstage. In an age full of so-called legends, he’s one of the few I work with who truly deserves the accolade - both for his achievements and the reaction he inspires. He exudes determination and charm, and despite all the medals his feet are still very firmly on the ground. He’s an inspiration, in every sense.
John Humphrys
by Tom Mclaughlin
The nation's foremost interviewer brings a lighter touch than you might imagine when chairing company or industry conferences or hosting awards ceremonies. His gravitas and credibility however mean that delegates can be assured that their event is not being overtly stage managed nor participants spoon fed - and woe betide anyone who might think that is the case.
Alex Hunter
by Millie Thomas
Alex speaks with real authority on the successes (and setbacks) of online business, and how peer-to-peer collaboration is changing the consumer experience. His own enthusiasm onstage perfectly echoes his argument that an ability to build relationships with customers online and make them care is what makes you stand out in the increasingly competitive digital space.
Colin Jackson
by Siobhan Jackman
Colin’s modesty comes across the moment you meet him. In fact, his story about learning not to be cocky is one of many lessons to take away. Whether he’s doing a lap round the room with an Olympic flame, exciting you about the possibilities open to you or just making you laugh, he gets everyone involved. And he doesn’t mind being asked about Strictly!
Leo Johnson
by Nicola Jones
Leo convinces you straight away of the importance of ‘future-proofing.’ It’s no mean feat to marry business priorities with the demands of sustainability. He does it with boundless Johnson charm, positivity and real insight backed up by fascinating case studies. I’ve never seen a more entertaining and thought provoking way to set out the challenges and eye up the possible solutions.
Paul Johnson
by Rory Wilson
Paul is clearly an accomplished economist, but it’s his delivery that sets him apart. Immediately likeable on stage, throwing in a bit of humour, Paul reels off statistics that highlight areas relevant to whichever industry he’s talking to and explains what they really tell us. Whether the brief is a general overview, an assessment of government policy or something more specific, Paul makes economics accessible to everyone – and even entertaining!
Lord (Digby) Jones
by Andy Hickman
It’s difficult to avoid being spellbound when you listen to Digby. Trying to work out why, I came up with a list of what seem like oxymorons: a tone of friendly arrogance, a Brummie lilt which adds authority, hard nosed politics borne of true compassion, and a common sense that’s somehow revelatory. Perhaps it is these apparent contradictions that make him so compelling and give him an ability to change even the most steadfast of minds.
Milton Jones
by Andrew Stoney
We’ve worked with Milton for years and it’s great to see him hit the big time. His one-liners are among the best. I’ve seen an entire Great Room captivated, holding on for the next perfectly crafted joke. Sometimes he doesn't even finish the gag – he just leaves you to fill in the gaps. An absolute genius.
Alex Jones
by Siobhan Jackman
At the last event Alex did for me she stayed on site throughout the day, charmed everyone involved, looked gorgeous and did a fabulous job controlling a very excitable room. She’s a wonderful Welsh whirlwind.
Russell Kane
by Emily Collier
Russell drops in hilarious quips throughout the evening. He's intelligent and respectful, but he’s also playful and cheeky – it’s very funny to see him put off his stride whenever a stunning looking woman joins him onstage. The audience is onside for the duration.
Natasha Kaplinsky
by Barbara de Lacy
Natasha brings a touch of glamour to the proceedings and dazzles audience and interviewees alike. I’ve seen her equally at home dissecting the prospects for UK Plc with Sir Martin Sorrell as she was entertaining midwives at their awards – she never ever seems to get flustered.
Kevin Keegan 
by Jeremy Lee
Kevin’s talent for storytelling catches audiences by surprise. This is the tale of a boy from Doncaster who suddenly has the world at his feet, complete with the funniest slide show you’ve ever seen. There’s plenty of nostalgia, but it’s also uplifting – even if you don’t have an ounce of interest in football.
Lucy Kellaway
by Suzy Houghton
Lucy’s has a rare ability to make the whole room laugh at itself! Her time at the FT has given her an abundance of beautifully observed stories about life in the corporate jungle, and especially how its inhabitants communicate. Each anecdote is both entertaining and utterly relatable. She not only shows up the madness of company jargon and office politics – she shows that we all tend to go along with it without question!
Myleene Klass
by Carrie Ralfe
Myleene is a woman of many talents, and she’s wonderfully accommodating. If it’s appropriate for the event, she’s happy to combine her presenting and musical skills. More than that, she creates genuine warmth the moment she steps onstage.
Angela Lamont
by Ben Arnold
I’m constantly impressed with Angela’s industriousness. She’s a fastidious researcher and she always seems to have a genuine interest in the topic. My clients re-book her again and again – that says everything.
Lauren Laverne 
by Scarlett Atherton
As well as having a finger on the pulse of current trends, what defines Lauren as an awards host is her warmth. She charms organisers, sponsors and most importantly the audience - and makes every winner feel that it’s their moment.And her Sunderland accent can’t fail to endear her to everyone!
Magnus Lindkvist
by Jeremy Lee
With a dry Nordic dry wit and a multimedia presentation that makes you feel like you’re in a theatre, Magnus challenges our way of thinking about the future. While evolving technologies will have a huge impact, from ‘nanobots’ to new sources of energy, he turns many of our assumptions on their head and paints a reassuring picture of a human race confidently adapting to change.
John Lloyd
by Scarlett Atherton
It’s a mystery why the viewing public isn’t given a chance to see that John’s at least as funny as the stars he’s nurtured. Not only is he the man behind Bean and Blackadder, he also co-wrote After Liff with Douglas Adams. Besides the gags, John is so inspiring when he talks about QI changing the way we learn.
Tamara Lohan Founder & CEO, Mr & Mrs Smith
by Carrie Ralfe
You can tell that Tamara has poured her personality wholeheartedly into the business – that’s what makes her success story so enthralling. The main thing I take away is her ability to capture the value of personal touches in customer service, like sending a bottle of Italian olive oil to help you reminisce about your break in Tuscany. After listening to Tamara speak, I dare you not to go onto her website and book a holiday!
Fred MacAulay
by Jethro Fox
Fred is a national treasure in Scotland, but one of my London-based clients wasn't familiar with him and had always booked a name. Having worked with Fred for years I promised he would storm their awards and respect their senior audience. The day after the event the client declared that he’d delivered 100% – “and it reflected brilliantly on the organisers!”
Dr Pippa Malmgren
by Jeremy Lee
In uncertain times Pippa provides real nuggets of wisdom about the global economy. It's fascinating to listen to someone who talks with such fluency about the factors that are having an impact on just about everything we buy and sell. You walk away feeling much better informed and a little bit smug about the inside knowledge you've gleaned.
Stephen Mangan
by Jethro Fox
The best awards host I've seen all year. If ‘briefability’ were a real word then Stephen has it in spades. The fact that the first winner of the evening ran up to the stage and greeted him with a double high five showed how brilliantly Stephen had immersed himself in the event.
Baroness Manningham-Buller Former Head of MI5; Chair of the Wellcome Trust
by Nicola Jones
Leadership isn't just something Eliza talks about; it's there in everything she does. She handles questions brilliantly, her tone is steady and considered, and she holds the room in a way that only someone who’s used to being listened to can. In fact the former MI5 boss is disarmingly approachable, witty and warm (and not at all scary).
Paul Mason
by Rory Wilson
Paul makes economics and politics personal. Whether he’s exploring the impact of technology on democracy or the future of UK manufacturing, he contextualises his subject in a way that moves it from theory to real life cause and effect. But what I like most about Paul is that he's never afraid to provoke debate and state his own position!
Steph McGovern Steph's Packed Lunch
by Siobhan Jackman
Steph’s a perfect combination of ‘plugged in’ and ‘credible’ – while remaining utterly down to earth. I’ve seen her demystify financial markets for grey-suited conference delegates and whoop up a roomful of excited awards contenders. It’s a fabulous sight to witness. I’m certain Ms McGovern’s profile is on a swift upward trajectory…
Geoff Miller
by Andrew Stoney
With perfect comic timing Geoff tells of his tussles with some of the greats of the game. I’ve watched an audience of 1000 collapse in laughter when he described his lack of athleticism between the wickets. Even if you don’t like cricket, if you appreciate self-deprecating humour you’ll love Geoff Miller.
Nicky Moffat
by Scarlett Atherton
The thing that struck me most when I last saw Nicky speak was how many managers in the audience were avidly taking notes. She offers such tangible advice that it’s hard not to write it down straight away. Add some fascinating anecdotes about her experiences in the army, and she more than proves her point about the value of care and consistency in whichever industry you work. You come away from her speech with a couple of tips to try immediately!
Ian Moore
by Scarlett Atherton
Ian is proving an utterly safe pair of hands. I’ve seen him charm and entertain a big room as well as, if not better than any ‘celebrity’ comic. Sometimes it can be tense watching a corporate audience watching someone they don’t know – with Ian, the client and I were completely relaxed throughout.
Michael Mosley
by Emily Collier
Michael’s tricky to pigeon-hole because he has so many strings to his bow, from popular science and technological innovation to NHS reforms. I always enjoy working with him – he takes the time to understand the background and really gets involved with the client. Michael even based one of his TV shows on an idea that stemmed from an event, so it’s clearly mutually beneficial!
Andrew Neil
by Suzy Houghton
Andrew's knowledge of business and politics is encyclopaedic. He not only ‘gets’ speaking briefs, he’s also extremely useful to have onside. And he runs a very tight ship as a moderator, lightening the mood whenever he finds the opportunity. The result is that Andrew’s sessions become the creative spaces they’re meant to be – a million miles from Death by PowerPoint.
James Nesbitt
by Andrew Stoney
Jimmy is one of the most easy-going hosts. Nothing is too much trouble. He spends time learning about the event, then works with his scriptwriter to put together a funny and relevant intro. He’s professional and utterly charming.
Dara O Briain Mock the Week
by Tom Mclaughlin
We’re often asked for a “safe, but edgy” name – someone sidesplittingly funny who will understand the audience, respect the event and follow the brief. Dara invariably shoots to the top of that list because he nails it time and again. He loves delving into other walks of life and coming up with killer industry gags.
Mark Ormrod 
by Paul Warran
The first thing to strike you about Mark is his resilience and humour. You’ll catch yourself laughing even as he describes retreating from the scene of the bomb blast, and wincing when he recalls standing on his prosthetic limbs forthe first time. The message is clear: measurable goals are the only way to overcome obstacles – whether in business or running across America.
Paddy O’Connell
by Nicola Jones
Paddy exudes wonderful optimism at a time of spreading cynicism. He’s also a natural storyteller. What I like most is the cheeky glint in his eye - whether he’s talking about the joys of Eurovision or what’s it like to know that half your audience is only listening because they’re waiting for The Archers.
Dawn O’Porter
by Georgia Sharp
Dawn's the sort of person you want to spend hours nattering to, but that isn’t what makes her special. When I last worked with her there was a technical problem and she just powered on unperturbed with absolute cool – she has areal gift for putting organisers and audience at ease.
Richard Parks
by Millie Thomas
Despite his reputation as an aggressive rugby player, Richard comes across as a humble guy. His irrepressible enthusiasm for death-defying exploits for charity can’t fail to raise a smile. More importantly, the way he's turned career-ending injury into a source of motivation is a terrific lesson for anyone.
Michael Pawlyn
by Ben Arnold
Not so much a futurist as one who’s actually helping shape the future, Michael shows what can happen when engineering and nature work in harmony to provide solutions to the seemingly impossible – like in his ground breaking Sahara Forest Project. He has a growing international reputation on the back of his TED speech, and he’s one of the few I could listen to again and again.
Robert Peston
by Nicola Jones
After switching from a business to a political brief just as the two have become closely intertwined, Robert is very well placed to consider what might happen next. He has inside knowledge of the pressure points, personalities and potential consequences in both camps – but he’s quick to admit the danger of making predictions. He guides you through the soap opera with gusto and a surprising amount of humour.
Professor Steve Peters
by Ella O'Kane
When Hoy, Wiggins and Pendleton all put their success down to one psychiatrist's mind management techniques, it doesn’t take a great leap to see that corporate audiences want to hear what they too can learn about their fears from Steve Peters. He’s known as a game changer. The question is, can you keep your inner chimp in its cage and perform under pressure???
John Pienaar
by Ruby Porter
I’m always struck by the clarity with which John speaks about the complex issues facing political leaders, and the nation as a whole. He offers serious analysis, up to the minute information and behind the scenes insights into the goings-on at Westminster. But he also has a vast arsenal of anecdotes having spent many hundreds of hours grilling our lords and masters – and standing in front of 10 Downing Street in his favourite raincoat.
Rt Hon Michael Portillo
by Anke Schuster
Michael's charming, self-deprecating and always delivers the right blend of banter and content: it’s obvious he’s enjoying not being a politician. That said, he brings an enormous amount of heavyweight experience to bear – whether he’s facilitating a business debate, mapping out the geopolitical landscape at a conference, handing out industry awards or entertaining guests after dinner.
Romesh Ranganathan
by Ella O'Kane
Romesh's onstage disdain for everyone and everything is utterly infectious. It's rare for someone playing the misanthrope to have so much charm, but he pulls off the perfect balance. His routine meanders over well-trodden paths, but every punch line feels fresh. Watch the audience roar their approval.
Jay Rayner
by Simon King
Jay is everything you need in an after dinner speaker - perhaps it's years of entertaining dining companions. He’s eloquent, easy going and comes with a store of anecdotes about life as a restaurant critic (aka "going out to eat and writing smart-arsed things about it").
Jeffrey Robinson
by Siobhan Jackman
Money laundering might not normally rate high as a source of entertainment, but Jeffrey's revelations about the more murky corners of the business world are absolutely gripping. With his New York comic’s delivery, he has audiences in the palm of his hand with every "You're not going to believe this…" story.
David Rowan
by Andrew Stoney
If you want a speaker to provide a glimpse of what the future holds for your sector and your customers, David is for you. He sees himself as a storyteller, describing ways in which the world is rapidly changing and how technology is creating new opportunities for all businesses. But it comes with a warning: there are serious dangers if you ignore what’s happening around you.
Stephen Sackur HARDtalk
by Allan Grant
I really enjoy working with Stephen. Though he's a hard-hitting journalist who interviews world leaders on a regular basis, he's incredibly affable and clearly ‘gets’ corporate events. It’s a given that he quickly gets on top of a tricky brief – what’s more unusual is that everything’s always so easy to arrange.
Scott Seaborn
by Millie Thomas
Perfectly appropriate for both up-to-the-minute techies and pencil-and-paper types, Scott quickly wins the audience’s respect with live demos and great video shorts. Above all he has a knack for holding onto the ‘human’ in a world of seemingly limitless technological possibilities – reminding us to focus on the useful and ‘personable’ as well as the spellbinding.
Ken Segall
by Siobhan Jackman
Ken’s understated delivery and wry smile might be what you'd expect from a man associated with the coolness of Apple. But it isn't a shallow speech about shiny electronic products; what his stories reveal about simplicity of both design and service goes to the core of how all businesses should operate. It’s magical to watch heads nod and confidence spread throughout the room.
Juan Señor
by Anke Schuster
Every time I work with Juan he makes people’s lives easier. He puts clients’ minds at rest however tricky the brief, and he goes way beyond the call of duty. It feels like he’s one of the team working on the event, rather than the presenter.
Lisa Snowdon
by Anke Schuster
Lisa is a joy to work with, both before the event and on the day. She hosts awards with enthusiasm, charm and bags of authority – a true professional!
Debra Stephenson
by Jessica Mears
When you book Debra you get Miranda Hart, Davina McCall, Anne Robinson and more into the bargain: she’s an excellent impressionist. More than that, she’s lovely to work with – fun, gracious, encouraging and glamorous.
Rory Sutherland
by Scarlett Atherton
As Creative Director of one the most successful ad agencies in the world, Rory wouldn't be out of place in a modern day version of Mad Men. You'll warm to him straight away. He overturns your assumptions, lets you in on branding secrets, and shows how human behaviour isn’t always logical – wrapping it all up with an easy humour and bundles of charm. You’ll come away buzzing with insights and ideas, and a knowing smile.
Daniel Tammet
by Jeremy Lee
Daniel failed at school. He's now a bestselling author, he speaks a dozen languages and he can visualise complex sums using just shapes and colours. When you hear him explain how he transfers these skills, you begin to realise everything can be seen through a different lens. Audiences come away inspired – thinking about ways to embrace change instead of fearing it.
Hamish Taylor
by Lizzie Carr
After proposing Hamish to one client, he immediately put together detailed examples of how he’d address their very exacting brief. He then delivered on it IN SPADES – giving delegates practical ideas for engaging their customers in a much more distinctive way. This has left me with an interesting challenge for the next event: now my client doesn’t believe anyone can top Hamish!
The Lionels
by Ben Arnold
Not only are Rich and his band some of the nicest musicians on the circuit, it’s plain to see they get a kick from entertaining corporate audiences. You don’t always find such genuine helpfulness and enthusiasm among covers band – and it really comes across both to organisers and guests.
The Noise Next Door
by Ella O'Kane
I discovered this bunch at Edinburgh, the stand-out act in a strong year. Their quick wit can’t fail to impress - so it wasn’t surprising when they left the Real Variety Show audience wanting more. They’re fun, young, attention-grabbing and…. perhaps a little bit genius.
Ian Thomas
by Jeremy Lee
Ian is one of the most captivating speakers I’ve ever seen. He’s not an actor, but nobody else can bring to life as vivid a picture of how lions behave - and then use it to demonstrate human teamwork. When he describes how a cub will chase a zebra knowing other members of the pride will join in, you can hear a pin drop. And you know the penny’s dropped too.
Ellis Watson
by Tom Mclaughlin
If you want a speaker to spout the latest management theory, don't book Ellis. If you want enthusiasm and practical tips to equip your team for the challenge, you can’t do better. Ellis has been entrusted with turning around sizeable outfits, so when he talks about reigniting the passion in an organisation you know his words aren’t hot air. He really has been there and done it.
Russell Watson
by Ruby Porter
Apart from Russell’s unquestionable talent and the inspiring way he’s dealt with cancer, what I admire most is his warmth and approachability. Though clearly at home on the world stage, he genuinely loves connecting with small corporate audiences – it only takes a quaver for Russell have you spellbound.
Will Whitehorn
by Millie Thomas
What’s so impressive about Will is how passionate he is about new ideas and innovation, combined with a steely focus on beating the competition! Listening to his story, you realise you're getting an insight into the dawn of mankind's next giant leap – it’s hugely inspiring.
Josh Widdicombe
by Emily Collier
The fresh-faced young comic comes out with unexpectedly dry humour. It’s observational comedy at its best, which will have the audience reminiscing and laughing as if they’re all in on a private joke.
Marc Woods
by Lizzie Carr
If anyone can teach us a lesson about making the most of our circumstances it’s Marc. When he shows clips of the England team winning their gold medal, you can’t help but cheer as his teammate touches the finish line. When he explains just how everybody played their part, you can’t help but feel inspired.
Thimon de Jong
by Paul Warran
After a few moments being mesmerised by his Dutch accent, you realise that it isn’t just Thimon’s delivery that demands your attention. It’s his content. He has an extraordinary ability to deconstruct and explain our behaviour, and show companies how to get ahead of the curve. Suddenly the data start to look like potential customers. Whether or not you’re a digital evangelist (I’m not), you’ll come away with invaluable takeaways.
Professor Marcus du Sautoy
by Ella O'Kane
It's a wonderful thing when a seemingly dry subject is brought to life. As soon as he comes onstage Marcus grabs you, throwing out maths problems and then explaining where we’ve all gone wrong! It’s not new to say that maths is integral to everything, but Marcus goes way beyond platitudes and really gets down to the nitty gritty. Where was he when I needed him at school?!?
Lucy Adams
by Adam Harkness
Thanks to her experience in turbulent times at the BBC, Lucy's speech is incredibly insightful – but she also has a natural ability to engage the room. The self-confessed "recovering HR director" even manages to inject a sense of fun. Whether she's asked to talk about the scourge of annual appraisals or the challenges of virtual teams, you will come away with a fresh perspective.
Rt Hon Lord (Andrew) Adonis
by Allan Grant
Andrew has a brain the size of planet – condensing swathes of information into a speech that’s always tight to the brief and laced with humour. I've seen him speak on topics from infrastructure and education to collaboration. You can feel delegates paying close attention: they know they’re getting an inside view from one of the most influential policy makers in Westminster.
Buzz Aldrin
by Andrew Stoney
You can't fail to feel excited and honoured to listen to Buzz. He's a living legend and a true pioneer, who's dedicated his life to space exploration. 45 years after walking on the moon he's still amazingly sprightly, with his sights firmly set on colonising Mars. In my view any audience would be inspired by Buzz's story – and transfixed by his vision of the future.
Caspar Berry
by Tom Mclaughlin
In his conference speech Caspar teaches you about probability and risk. After dinner he gives you a taste of the nerve tingling thrills of poker – complete with steely expressions, fingers tapping on chips and eyes darting around to detect a hint of weakness in others. It’s fabulous to see him generate so much excitement without anyone risking a bean of their own money!
Professor David Blanchflower
by Ben Arnold
There are economists, forecasters and analysts – and then there's Danny. He’s straight talking, unafraid to cover ground many fear to tread, and he cuts through the gamesmanship. I particularly like his analogy about economic recovery: “It’s like visiting the doctor. Everyone wants to know when they’ll get better, but the best we can do is monitor progress and treat accordingly.”
Rt Hon Lord (David) Blunkett
by Ruby Porter
Whatever your own political persuasion, when you listen to David you realise his conviction is utterly genuine. Add the fact that he's been blind since birth, and his achievements begin to hit home. But what might really surprise you is the warmth, the wealth of anecdotes and a delightful sense of humour.
Rachel Botsman
by Barbara de Lacy
Not only have Rachel’s book and ideas helped me make lifestyle choices, she’s also got some absolutely essential advice for twenty-first century businesses. Her speeches are peppered with nuggets that you’ll find yourself repeating to friends and colleagues for days to come. 200,000 views within two weeks of her latest TED Global talk going online say it all.
Gyles Brandreth
by Allan Grant
It’s a cliché, but Gyles’ personality alone can fill a room. He really enjoys what he does and it shows. Clients love him: he’s a delight to work with, he adapts to any situation, and most importantly he’s a terrific raconteur.
Guy Browning
by Emily Collier
In the words of one client, listening to Guy is “like being at The Comedy Store, but with a business message!” I’ve seen him have a group of stockbrokers on their feet impersonating athletes, pondering moral queries and roaring with laughter at his advice on how to manage your boss. They were putty in a master’s hands!
Todd Buchholz
by Simon King
Todd is not the brash, over-bearing financier his Wall Street to White House CV suggests. He uses a host of unconventional analogies to explain what’s going on in the markets, geopolitics and economics. Mix this with unbridled enthusiasm for business, sharp intelligence and delivery bordering on stand-up. You can expect lessons from history, politics and showbusiness.
William Butler-Adams
by Siobhan Jackman
Bounding onstage, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're watching a cross between Boris Johnson and Willy Wonka (minus the Oompa Loompas). But there's more to WBA than meets the eye. As he extols the virtues of British engineering, you feel a sense of pride - not just about where we've been, but where we're going. Maybe the future of manufacturing isn't so bleak after all!
Simon Calver
by Barbara de Lacy
Simon’s LoveStory speech, with a film illustrating each early year of the business, demonstrates the ideals he still sticks to - you must be the culture of your business, and you mustn’t compromise or delegate that responsibility. Listening to him, you know he practises as he preaches: rewarding customers, continually challenging his people and developing relationships wherever he sees potential.
Alastair Campbell
by Allan Grant
I love how Alastair balances humour, gossip and serious messages. The story about the Deputy PM punching an egg-throwing voter is typical: Alastair gets a call from Prezza (in pantomime Yorkshire): "Hello… Errr… I've just thumped someone." After telling us what happened, he gives the audience a genuine insight into how to manage a potential PR disaster. It's a fantastic listen.
Alan Chambers
by Barbara de Lacy
When you first meet Alan his expression is so deadpan it’s hard to believe he motivates people in such large numbers. See him in front of an audience and he’s utterly captivating. You suddenly realise how he’s able to lead groups of big egos through the harshest environments in the world. And you’ve got to admire a man who takes his 10-year old son on a trip to the North Pole!
Dan Cobley
by Shae Roberts
To say Dan has his finger on the pulse of technology is an understatement. His insights into what we should expect in our homes and businesses in the future are truly thought provoking – as is his advice on how to harness current technology to make a workplace thrive. You’re watching an expert at the top of his game, with a wonderfully accessible and humorous presentation style.
Rt Hon Lord (Sebastian) Coe
Reverend Richard Coles
by Carrie Ralfe
Richard's speech is one of the warmest I’ve heard. After a glance back to his days as a pop star, he describes the shock of wearing cassocks and sharing a dormitory at the age of 40. If you’re a fan of Rev. (for which he is the inspiration), Richard will leave you in fits of giggles.
Karen Darke
by Allan Grant
Karen’s achievements since her accident stretch from extreme adventure to elite sport. If the basic premise of a motivational speech is to inspire you to adapt to the situation and scale new heights, it never feels more real than when listening to Karen. She’s been though such a horrific chain of events, yet remains defiantly positive. It feels like a real privilege to hear her story.
Andrew Davis
by Jethro Fox
Andrew cuts through the gimmickry and helps you create a proper social media strategy. As well as waxing lyrical on how to create great content, he encourages you to pin down elusive ROI. But for me Andrew’s real magic is the way he equips you with the tools and confidence to keep making the right decisions - even when the game changes all over again.
Alex Depledge
by Georgia Sharp
We’ve all had that feeling that we could be entrepreneurs, if we just had the time. Or the funds. Or the skills. Alex tells you that all you need is to be brave. With zero experience of coding, she and a friend built an app in her bedroom and turned it into a multi-million pound business. Alex’s talk is eye-opening, frank and at times very funny. It’s also truly inspiring, in an ‘anyone can do it’ way that’s more believable than any other entrepreneur I’ve heard.
Fraser Doherty
by Ruby Porter
With his big smile and positive energy, Fraser radiates charm. You can’t help smiling back when he talks about selling jam door to door, and laughing out loud at the thought that his Grandma has no idea of the intellectual property value of her recipes. SuperJam seems to embody Fraser’s own character: authentic, unpretentious and with no added preservatives!
Giles Duley Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
by Jessica Mears
Giles is one of the greatest storytellers I’ve ever heard. Taking his time with details and with a surprising amount of humour, he shares his experience of dealing with the consequences of nearly being killed by an IED while putting all the focus on the refugees from war that he’s met along the way. He’s so compelling you could hear a pin drop; not just that, he leaves you inspired to do more and make a real difference.
Professor Martin Elliott
by Jessica Mears
An extraordinary leader in an extraordinary environment, it's hard not to feel humble listening to Martin! In a wonderfully focused way he makes you want to be receptive to new ideas wherever they come from. While his goal might be trying to fine tune the handover of a baby from operating table to intensive care unit, it’s clear that the principles are the same whatever the process and wherever people have to work together.
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
by Allan Grant
For me Wilfred is the perfect speaker. He isn’t one of those entrepreneurs who just dish up clichés. His is a personal story, full of lessons for delegates to take away and put into practice. The methods Wilfred used to take The Black Farmer from a niche, local product to an everyday supermarket brand are a ‘must-hear’ for any business that wants to grow.
Daryl Fielding
by Carrie Ralfe
Daryl adds wit and humility to an impressive resumé. She’s hugely personable and approachable – she seems to embody the ethos she's helped cultivate at brands and businesses across the board. She's also keen to share her sense of fun, tearing up the rulebook and laying some sacred cows to rest; but for me what makes Daryl an exceptional guest speaker is how sensitive she is to the culture and concerns of her audience.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
by Lizzie Carr
Fiennes is a living legend. Behind the stiff upper lip and glorious wit is one of the most inspiring leaders you could ever encounter. He shows how his close-knit teams stay ahead of the competition by evaluating the terrain, challenging the status quo and embracing technology. The business analogy is obvious – the effect Ran has on audiences (of any nationality) is a joy to behold.
Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein
by Rory Wilson
Danny has his audience in stitches with his collection of ‘Rules for Politics.’ I especially like the analogy with hotel towels – and what MPs can learn from footballers. As you’d expect, he also provides a great insight into who’s up to what (and why) in the Westminster village. As much of a joy to watch as he is to work with, Daniel has heads bobbing in agreement right from the off.
Tom Fletcher Author, Naked Diplomacy
by Adam Harkness
Tom manages to do something that not many speakers can – make you feel optimistic about current affairs. While the world might seemingly be spiralling into despair, Tom explains why he believes the ‘co-existors’ will triumph over the wall builders, and that globalisation and digital communication will bring us together and not drive us apart. Humanity just has to try a little bit harder.
Ben Fogle
by Andrew Stoney
It’s hard to imagine that Ben fell into being an adventurer by accident. As he talks about his projects, what becomes clear is his passion and determination – as well as his boundless natural charm. He leaves you thinking that one day you might be able to row across the Atlantic yourself!
Stéphane Garelli
by Ben Arnold
While many economic speakers start by bracing you for whatever gloomy predictions they’re about to deliver, Stephane engages you with a real glint in his eye. Describing the post-recession world as “unusually desynchronised” he guides delegates through each region’s competitiveness, helping to join the dots in a constantly changing business landscape.
Bob Geldof
by Emily Collier
When Bob took to the stage, even the most serious looking business types pressed forward to listen. It's a cliché to describe a speaker having an audience 'spellbound' - but Bob's such a natural storyteller that he held their attention effortlessly, speaking without notes and from the heart. Afterwards he posed for selfies with everyone, including the event organisers!”
PY Gerbeau
by Jethro Fox
Despite the fact that he lectures MBA students, there’s no jargon with PY. In his own disarming way, he makes it crystal clear that people are the most important asset in any organisation – so now more than ever, managers need to lead by example. This is real insight from a seasoned CEO and recovery expert. His messages will resonate with everyone.
Professor A.C. Grayling
by Simon King
The word 'philosopher' conjures up images of brooding pretension or high-minded aloofness. Anthony conforms to neither stereotype. He's down-to-earth, witty and understandable. He makes abstract concepts like fairness and ethics genuinely thought-provoking – especially for organisations looking to define their place in the lives of employees and customers.
Professor Germaine Greer
by Andy Hickman
Once over the thrill of meeting a feminist legend, you realise Germaine is an authority on anything from ageing to Australia. She illuminates her argument with casually recalled quotes, taking on lofty concepts with warmth and self-deprecating humour. She manages to cut through the cacophony of politically correct discourse with a bluntness and common sense you just can’t ignore.
Bill Grimsey
by Simon King
Bill has the common touch you might expect from one of the few bosses to go from storeroom to boardroom. When his 4-year old granddaughter pleaded for an iPad, he began to imagine how she’ll be served by retailers of the future. He now gives an unsentimental insider’s view of the commercial realities they face - not forgetting the social side of the high street that affects us all.
Robert Guest
by Millie Thomas
The breadth of Robert's insight is so impressive. When I last saw him he pulled together anecdotes and analysis on the US, China and Russia – then related their economic policies to the situation in the UK. It made for some striking (and entertaining) contrasts. He takes big and contentious issues and explores their impact in a way that’s immediately relevant and engaging.
Tim Harford
by Jethro Fox
The Undercover Economist was the first book I read when I joined JLA – since then I’ve never failed to be impressed by Tim. He makes you look at everything differently. Hearing his new speech on Big Data was a revelation: you realise the challenge is not to get the biggest data set, but the right data! He has a knack for making the seemingly impenetrable blissfully clear.
Timandra Harkness
by Lizzie Carr
Whenever she hears ‘the government has access to your intimate details, AI is already smarter than everybody you know,’ Timandra arches an eyebrow and says ‘Well, OK, maybe.’ That’s not a casual remark, it’s because she’s a serious scientific investigator set on distinguishing truth from myth. But she’s also a part-time stand-up, hence the fun she has conjuring up a reality show for robots. She’s a fascinating, illuminating, real life wizard.
Austin Healey
by Tom Mclaughlin
When I last worked with Austin the audience loved the travel stories he’d put together for his intro, the production team loved 28 awards being presented bang on time and the client loved the fact that their briefing had been followed to a tee. They were also chuffed he did a ‘Strictly’ twirl to kick the evening off!
Margaret Heffernan
by Jethro Fox
The room falls silent whenever Margaret speaks – like a grounding, unifying experience. She speaks softly but confidently as she explains what we need from today’s leaders and how to optimise workplace culture. She tells stories of good and less good practice, backed up with top grade research and years of business experience. It isn’t rocket science, but that’s the point: she talks with such clarity and lack of cliché that every word sticks.
Dame Kelly Holmes
by Ella O'Kane
Though she's only five foot two Kelly's infectious laugh, her bright personality (and her love of the group selfie) could fill a room twice over. The lightness of her storytelling makes you have to remind yourself that she suffered set back after set back before winning her two gold medals. It's her strength in the face of failure that makes Kelly so empowering. You won't just feel a sense of awe, you'll want her to be your best friend too.
Sir Chris Hoy
by Anke Schuster
You rarely see an audience as awestruck as they are when Chris walks onstage. In an age full of so-called legends, he’s one of the few I work with who truly deserves the accolade - both for his achievements and the reaction he inspires. He exudes determination and charm, and despite all the medals his feet are still very firmly on the ground. He’s an inspiration, in every sense.
Alex Hunter
by Millie Thomas
Alex speaks with real authority on the successes (and setbacks) of online business, and how peer-to-peer collaboration is changing the consumer experience. His own enthusiasm onstage perfectly echoes his argument that an ability to build relationships with customers online and make them care is what makes you stand out in the increasingly competitive digital space.
Colin Jackson
by Siobhan Jackman
Colin’s modesty comes across the moment you meet him. In fact, his story about learning not to be cocky is one of many lessons to take away. Whether he’s doing a lap round the room with an Olympic flame, exciting you about the possibilities open to you or just making you laugh, he gets everyone involved. And he doesn’t mind being asked about Strictly!
Leo Johnson
by Nicola Jones
Leo convinces you straight away of the importance of ‘future-proofing.’ It’s no mean feat to marry business priorities with the demands of sustainability. He does it with boundless Johnson charm, positivity and real insight backed up by fascinating case studies. I’ve never seen a more entertaining and thought provoking way to set out the challenges and eye up the possible solutions.
Paul Johnson
by Rory Wilson
Paul is clearly an accomplished economist, but it’s his delivery that sets him apart. Immediately likeable on stage, throwing in a bit of humour, Paul reels off statistics that highlight areas relevant to whichever industry he’s talking to and explains what they really tell us. Whether the brief is a general overview, an assessment of government policy or something more specific, Paul makes economics accessible to everyone – and even entertaining!
Lord (Digby) Jones
by Andy Hickman
It’s difficult to avoid being spellbound when you listen to Digby. Trying to work out why, I came up with a list of what seem like oxymorons: a tone of friendly arrogance, a Brummie lilt which adds authority, hard nosed politics borne of true compassion, and a common sense that’s somehow revelatory. Perhaps it is these apparent contradictions that make him so compelling and give him an ability to change even the most steadfast of minds.
Kevin Keegan
by Jeremy Lee
Kevin’s talent for storytelling catches audiences by surprise. This is the tale of a boy from Doncaster who suddenly has the world at his feet, complete with the funniest slide show you’ve ever seen. There’s plenty of nostalgia, but it’s also uplifting – even if you don’t have an ounce of interest in football.
Lucy Kellaway
by Suzy Houghton
Lucy’s has a rare ability to make the whole room laugh at itself! Her time at the FT has given her an abundance of beautifully observed stories about life in the corporate jungle, and especially how its inhabitants communicate. Each anecdote is both entertaining and utterly relatable. She not only shows up the madness of company jargon and office politics – she shows that we all tend to go along with it without question!
Magnus Lindkvist
by Jeremy Lee
With a dry Nordic dry wit and a multimedia presentation that makes you feel like you’re in a theatre, Magnus challenges our way of thinking about the future. While evolving technologies will have a huge impact, from ‘nanobots’ to new sources of energy, he turns many of our assumptions on their head and paints a reassuring picture of a human race confidently adapting to change.
Baroness Manningham-Buller Former Head of MI5; Chair of the Wellcome Trust
by Nicola Jones
Leadership isn't just something Eliza talks about; it's there in everything she does. She handles questions brilliantly, her tone is steady and considered, and she holds the room in a way that only someone who’s used to being listened to can. In fact the former MI5 boss is disarmingly approachable, witty and warm (and not at all scary).
Paul Mason
by Rory Wilson
Paul makes economics and politics personal. Whether he’s exploring the impact of technology on democracy or the future of UK manufacturing, he contextualises his subject in a way that moves it from theory to real life cause and effect. But what I like most about Paul is that he's never afraid to provoke debate and state his own position!
Nicky Moffat
by Scarlett Atherton
The thing that struck me most when I last saw Nicky speak was how many managers in the audience were avidly taking notes. She offers such tangible advice that it’s hard not to write it down straight away. Add some fascinating anecdotes about her experiences in the army, and she more than proves her point about the value of care and consistency in whichever industry you work. You come away from her speech with a couple of tips to try immediately!
Michael Mosley
by Emily Collier
Michael’s tricky to pigeon-hole because he has so many strings to his bow, from popular science and technological innovation to NHS reforms. I always enjoy working with him – he takes the time to understand the background and really gets involved with the client. Michael even based one of his TV shows on an idea that stemmed from an event, so it’s clearly mutually beneficial!
Andrew Neil
by Suzy Houghton
Andrew's knowledge of business and politics is encyclopaedic. He not only ‘gets’ speaking briefs, he’s also extremely useful to have onside. And he runs a very tight ship as a moderator, lightening the mood whenever he finds the opportunity. The result is that Andrew’s sessions become the creative spaces they’re meant to be – a million miles from Death by PowerPoint.
Mark Ormrod
by Paul Warran
The first thing to strike you about Mark is his resilience and humour. You’ll catch yourself laughing even as he describes retreating from the scene of the bomb blast, and wincing when he recalls standing on his prosthetic limbs forthe first time. The message is clear: measurable goals are the only way to overcome obstacles – whether in business or running across America.
Richard Parks
by Millie Thomas
Despite his reputation as an aggressive rugby player, Richard comes across as a humble guy. His irrepressible enthusiasm for death-defying exploits for charity can’t fail to raise a smile. More importantly, the way he's turned career-ending injury into a source of motivation is a terrific lesson for anyone.
Michael Pawlyn
by Ben Arnold
Not so much a futurist as one who’s actually helping shape the future, Michael shows what can happen when engineering and nature work in harmony to provide solutions to the seemingly impossible – like in his ground breaking Sahara Forest Project. He has a growing international reputation on the back of his TED speech, and he’s one of the few I could listen to again and again.
Robert Peston
by Nicola Jones
After switching from a business to a political brief just as the two have become closely intertwined, Robert is very well placed to consider what might happen next. He has inside knowledge of the pressure points, personalities and potential consequences in both camps – but he’s quick to admit the danger of making predictions. He guides you through the soap opera with gusto and a surprising amount of humour.
Professor Steve Peters
by Ella O'Kane
When Hoy, Wiggins and Pendleton all put their success down to one psychiatrist's mind management techniques, it doesn’t take a great leap to see that corporate audiences want to hear what they too can learn about their fears from Steve Peters. He’s known as a game changer. The question is, can you keep your inner chimp in its cage and perform under pressure???
John Pienaar
by Ruby Porter
I’m always struck by the clarity with which John speaks about the complex issues facing political leaders, and the nation as a whole. He offers serious analysis, up to the minute information and behind the scenes insights into the goings-on at Westminster. But he also has a vast arsenal of anecdotes having spent many hundreds of hours grilling our lords and masters – and standing in front of 10 Downing Street in his favourite raincoat.
Rt Hon Michael Portillo
by Anke Schuster
Michael's charming, self-deprecating and always delivers the right blend of banter and content: it’s obvious he’s enjoying not being a politician. That said, he brings an enormous amount of heavyweight experience to bear – whether he’s facilitating a business debate, mapping out the geopolitical landscape at a conference, handing out industry awards or entertaining guests after dinner.
Jay Rayner
by Simon King
Jay is everything you need in an after dinner speaker - perhaps it's years of entertaining dining companions. He’s eloquent, easy going and comes with a store of anecdotes about life as a restaurant critic (aka "going out to eat and writing smart-arsed things about it").
Jeffrey Robinson
by Siobhan Jackman
Money laundering might not normally rate high as a source of entertainment, but Jeffrey's revelations about the more murky corners of the business world are absolutely gripping. With his New York comic’s delivery, he has audiences in the palm of his hand with every "You're not going to believe this…" story.
David Rowan
by Andrew Stoney
If you want a speaker to provide a glimpse of what the future holds for your sector and your customers, David is for you. He sees himself as a storyteller, describing ways in which the world is rapidly changing and how technology is creating new opportunities for all businesses. But it comes with a warning: there are serious dangers if you ignore what’s happening around you.
Stephen Sackur HARDtalk
by Allan Grant
I really enjoy working with Stephen. Though he's a hard-hitting journalist who interviews world leaders on a regular basis, he's incredibly affable and clearly ‘gets’ corporate events. It’s a given that he quickly gets on top of a tricky brief – what’s more unusual is that everything’s always so easy to arrange.
Scott Seaborn
by Millie Thomas
Perfectly appropriate for both up-to-the-minute techies and pencil-and-paper types, Scott quickly wins the audience’s respect with live demos and great video shorts. Above all he has a knack for holding onto the ‘human’ in a world of seemingly limitless technological possibilities – reminding us to focus on the useful and ‘personable’ as well as the spellbinding.
Ken Segall
by Siobhan Jackman
Ken’s understated delivery and wry smile might be what you'd expect from a man associated with the coolness of Apple. But it isn't a shallow speech about shiny electronic products; what his stories reveal about simplicity of both design and service goes to the core of how all businesses should operate. It’s magical to watch heads nod and confidence spread throughout the room.
Rory Sutherland
by Scarlett Atherton
As Creative Director of one the most successful ad agencies in the world, Rory wouldn't be out of place in a modern day version of Mad Men. You'll warm to him straight away. He overturns your assumptions, lets you in on branding secrets, and shows how human behaviour isn’t always logical – wrapping it all up with an easy humour and bundles of charm. You’ll come away buzzing with insights and ideas, and a knowing smile.
Daniel Tammet
by Jeremy Lee
Daniel failed at school. He's now a bestselling author, he speaks a dozen languages and he can visualise complex sums using just shapes and colours. When you hear him explain how he transfers these skills, you begin to realise everything can be seen through a different lens. Audiences come away inspired – thinking about ways to embrace change instead of fearing it.
Hamish Taylor
by Lizzie Carr
After proposing Hamish to one client, he immediately put together detailed examples of how he’d address their very exacting brief. He then delivered on it IN SPADES – giving delegates practical ideas for engaging their customers in a much more distinctive way. This has left me with an interesting challenge for the next event: now my client doesn’t believe anyone can top Hamish!
Ian Thomas
by Jeremy Lee
Ian is one of the most captivating speakers I’ve ever seen. He’s not an actor, but nobody else can bring to life as vivid a picture of how lions behave - and then use it to demonstrate human teamwork. When he describes how a cub will chase a zebra knowing other members of the pride will join in, you can hear a pin drop. And you know the penny’s dropped too.
Ellis Watson
by Tom Mclaughlin
If you want a speaker to spout the latest management theory, don't book Ellis. If you want enthusiasm and practical tips to equip your team for the challenge, you can’t do better. Ellis has been entrusted with turning around sizeable outfits, so when he talks about reigniting the passion in an organisation you know his words aren’t hot air. He really has been there and done it.
Russell Watson
by Ruby Porter
Apart from Russell’s unquestionable talent and the inspiring way he’s dealt with cancer, what I admire most is his warmth and approachability. Though clearly at home on the world stage, he genuinely loves connecting with small corporate audiences – it only takes a quaver for Russell have you spellbound.
Will Whitehorn
by Millie Thomas
What’s so impressive about Will is how passionate he is about new ideas and innovation, combined with a steely focus on beating the competition! Listening to his story, you realise you're getting an insight into the dawn of mankind's next giant leap – it’s hugely inspiring.
Marc Woods
by Lizzie Carr
If anyone can teach us a lesson about making the most of our circumstances it’s Marc. When he shows clips of the England team winning their gold medal, you can’t help but cheer as his teammate touches the finish line. When he explains just how everybody played their part, you can’t help but feel inspired.
Thimon de Jong
by Paul Warran
After a few moments being mesmerised by his Dutch accent, you realise that it isn’t just Thimon’s delivery that demands your attention. It’s his content. He has an extraordinary ability to deconstruct and explain our behaviour, and show companies how to get ahead of the curve. Suddenly the data start to look like potential customers. Whether or not you’re a digital evangelist (I’m not), you’ll come away with invaluable takeaways.
Professor Marcus du Sautoy
by Ella O'Kane
It's a wonderful thing when a seemingly dry subject is brought to life. As soon as he comes onstage Marcus grabs you, throwing out maths problems and then explaining where we’ve all gone wrong! It’s not new to say that maths is integral to everything, but Marcus goes way beyond platitudes and really gets down to the nitty gritty. Where was he when I needed him at school?!?
Buzz Aldrin
by Andrew Stoney
You can't fail to feel excited and honoured to listen to Buzz. He's a living legend and a true pioneer, who's dedicated his life to space exploration. 45 years after walking on the moon he's still amazingly sprightly, with his sights firmly set on colonising Mars. In my view any audience would be inspired by Buzz's story – and transfixed by his vision of the future.
Clare Balding
by Anke Schuster
Wearing her conference presenter hat Clare brings a lightness of touch that gets the best out of anyone, from guest stars to business types. She makes it so easy for them to convey their own struggles and achievements – and she’s a joy to have on your team.
Caspar Berry
by Tom Mclaughlin
In his conference speech Caspar teaches you about probability and risk. After dinner he gives you a taste of the nerve tingling thrills of poker – complete with steely expressions, fingers tapping on chips and eyes darting around to detect a hint of weakness in others. It’s fabulous to see him generate so much excitement without anyone risking a bean of their own money!
Rt Hon Lord (David) Blunkett
by Ruby Porter
Whatever your own political persuasion, when you listen to David you realise his conviction is utterly genuine. Add the fact that he's been blind since birth, and his achievements begin to hit home. But what might really surprise you is the warmth, the wealth of anecdotes and a delightful sense of humour.
Gyles Brandreth
by Allan Grant
It’s a cliché, but Gyles’ personality alone can fill a room. He really enjoys what he does and it shows. Clients love him: he’s a delight to work with, he adapts to any situation, and most importantly he’s a terrific raconteur.
Guy Browning
by Emily Collier
In the words of one client, listening to Guy is “like being at The Comedy Store, but with a business message!” I’ve seen him have a group of stockbrokers on their feet impersonating athletes, pondering moral queries and roaring with laughter at his advice on how to manage your boss. They were putty in a master’s hands!
Todd Buchholz
by Simon King
Todd is not the brash, over-bearing financier his Wall Street to White House CV suggests. He uses a host of unconventional analogies to explain what’s going on in the markets, geopolitics and economics. Mix this with unbridled enthusiasm for business, sharp intelligence and delivery bordering on stand-up. You can expect lessons from history, politics and showbusiness.
Simon Calver
by Barbara de Lacy
Simon’s LoveStory speech, with a film illustrating each early year of the business, demonstrates the ideals he still sticks to - you must be the culture of your business, and you mustn’t compromise or delegate that responsibility. Listening to him, you know he practises as he preaches: rewarding customers, continually challenging his people and developing relationships wherever he sees potential.
Alastair Campbell
by Allan Grant
I love how Alastair balances humour, gossip and serious messages. The story about the Deputy PM punching an egg-throwing voter is typical: Alastair gets a call from Prezza (in pantomime Yorkshire): "Hello… Errr… I've just thumped someone." After telling us what happened, he gives the audience a genuine insight into how to manage a potential PR disaster. It's a fantastic listen.
Alan Chambers
by Barbara de Lacy
When you first meet Alan his expression is so deadpan it’s hard to believe he motivates people in such large numbers. See him in front of an audience and he’s utterly captivating. You suddenly realise how he’s able to lead groups of big egos through the harshest environments in the world. And you’ve got to admire a man who takes his 10-year old son on a trip to the North Pole!
Rt Hon Lord (Sebastian) Coe
Reverend Richard Coles
by Carrie Ralfe
Richard's speech is one of the warmest I’ve heard. After a glance back to his days as a pop star, he describes the shock of wearing cassocks and sharing a dormitory at the age of 40. If you’re a fan of Rev. (for which he is the inspiration), Richard will leave you in fits of giggles.
BJ Cunningham
by Andy Hickman
It begins as a battery of anecdotes, delivered with a mischievous sense of humour. Then, amid jaw dropping and laughter, a rallying cry emerges: leap at every opportunity, don’t fear the Goliaths who obstruct your path, and always come back fighting. As well as all that, his almost spiritual distillation of the concept of ‘brand’ will have you throwing your old definition into the dustbin.
Fraser Doherty
by Ruby Porter
With his big smile and positive energy, Fraser radiates charm. You can’t help smiling back when he talks about selling jam door to door, and laughing out loud at the thought that his Grandma has no idea of the intellectual property value of her recipes. SuperJam seems to embody Fraser’s own character: authentic, unpretentious and with no added preservatives!
Giles Duley Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
by Jessica Mears
Giles is one of the greatest storytellers I’ve ever heard. Taking his time with details and with a surprising amount of humour, he shares his experience of dealing with the consequences of nearly being killed by an IED while putting all the focus on the refugees from war that he’s met along the way. He’s so compelling you could hear a pin drop; not just that, he leaves you inspired to do more and make a real difference.
Huw Edwards
by Allan Grant
Live events give Huw an opportunity to display a wicked sense of humour. Unsurprisingly, he’s quick to a master the brief; what’s extraordinary is the ease with which he mixes serious messages with funny anecdotes – and his ability to make audiences feel they’re attending a very special occasion
Professor Martin Elliott
by Jessica Mears
An extraordinary leader in an extraordinary environment, it's hard not to feel humble listening to Martin! In a wonderfully focused way he makes you want to be receptive to new ideas wherever they come from. While his goal might be trying to fine tune the handover of a baby from operating table to intensive care unit, it’s clear that the principles are the same whatever the process and wherever people have to work together.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
by Lizzie Carr
Fiennes is a living legend. Behind the stiff upper lip and glorious wit is one of the most inspiring leaders you could ever encounter. He shows how his close-knit teams stay ahead of the competition by evaluating the terrain, challenging the status quo and embracing technology. The business analogy is obvious – the effect Ran has on audiences (of any nationality) is a joy to behold.
Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein
by Rory Wilson
Danny has his audience in stitches with his collection of ‘Rules for Politics.’ I especially like the analogy with hotel towels – and what MPs can learn from footballers. As you’d expect, he also provides a great insight into who’s up to what (and why) in the Westminster village. As much of a joy to watch as he is to work with, Daniel has heads bobbing in agreement right from the off.
Tom Fletcher Author, Naked Diplomacy
by Adam Harkness
Tom manages to do something that not many speakers can – make you feel optimistic about current affairs. While the world might seemingly be spiralling into despair, Tom explains why he believes the ‘co-existors’ will triumph over the wall builders, and that globalisation and digital communication will bring us together and not drive us apart. Humanity just has to try a little bit harder.
Ben Fogle
by Andrew Stoney
It’s hard to imagine that Ben fell into being an adventurer by accident. As he talks about his projects, what becomes clear is his passion and determination – as well as his boundless natural charm. He leaves you thinking that one day you might be able to row across the Atlantic yourself!
PY Gerbeau
by Jethro Fox
Despite the fact that he lectures MBA students, there’s no jargon with PY. In his own disarming way, he makes it crystal clear that people are the most important asset in any organisation – so now more than ever, managers need to lead by example. This is real insight from a seasoned CEO and recovery expert. His messages will resonate with everyone.
Professor Germaine Greer
by Andy Hickman
Once over the thrill of meeting a feminist legend, you realise Germaine is an authority on anything from ageing to Australia. She illuminates her argument with casually recalled quotes, taking on lofty concepts with warmth and self-deprecating humour. She manages to cut through the cacophony of politically correct discourse with a bluntness and common sense you just can’t ignore.
Robert Guest
by Millie Thomas
The breadth of Robert's insight is so impressive. When I last saw him he pulled together anecdotes and analysis on the US, China and Russia – then related their economic policies to the situation in the UK. It made for some striking (and entertaining) contrasts. He takes big and contentious issues and explores their impact in a way that’s immediately relevant and engaging.
Tim Harford
by Jethro Fox
The Undercover Economist was the first book I read when I joined JLA – since then I’ve never failed to be impressed by Tim. He makes you look at everything differently. Hearing his new speech on Big Data was a revelation: you realise the challenge is not to get the biggest data set, but the right data! He has a knack for making the seemingly impenetrable blissfully clear.
Austin Healey
by Tom Mclaughlin
When I last worked with Austin the audience loved the travel stories he’d put together for his intro, the production team loved 28 awards being presented bang on time and the client loved the fact that their briefing had been followed to a tee. They were also chuffed he did a ‘Strictly’ twirl to kick the evening off!
John Humphrys
by Tom Mclaughlin
The nation's foremost interviewer brings a lighter touch than you might imagine when chairing company or industry conferences or hosting awards ceremonies. His gravitas and credibility however mean that delegates can be assured that their event is not being overtly stage managed nor participants spoon fed - and woe betide anyone who might think that is the case.
Colin Jackson
by Siobhan Jackman
Colin’s modesty comes across the moment you meet him. In fact, his story about learning not to be cocky is one of many lessons to take away. Whether he’s doing a lap round the room with an Olympic flame, exciting you about the possibilities open to you or just making you laugh, he gets everyone involved. And he doesn’t mind being asked about Strictly!
Leo Johnson
by Nicola Jones
Leo convinces you straight away of the importance of ‘future-proofing.’ It’s no mean feat to marry business priorities with the demands of sustainability. He does it with boundless Johnson charm, positivity and real insight backed up by fascinating case studies. I’ve never seen a more entertaining and thought provoking way to set out the challenges and eye up the possible solutions.
Lord (Digby) Jones
by Andy Hickman
It’s difficult to avoid being spellbound when you listen to Digby. Trying to work out why, I came up with a list of what seem like oxymorons: a tone of friendly arrogance, a Brummie lilt which adds authority, hard nosed politics borne of true compassion, and a common sense that’s somehow revelatory. Perhaps it is these apparent contradictions that make him so compelling and give him an ability to change even the most steadfast of minds.
Kevin Keegan
by Jeremy Lee
Kevin’s talent for storytelling catches audiences by surprise. This is the tale of a boy from Doncaster who suddenly has the world at his feet, complete with the funniest slide show you’ve ever seen. There’s plenty of nostalgia, but it’s also uplifting – even if you don’t have an ounce of interest in football.
Lucy Kellaway
by Suzy Houghton
Lucy’s has a rare ability to make the whole room laugh at itself! Her time at the FT has given her an abundance of beautifully observed stories about life in the corporate jungle, and especially how its inhabitants communicate. Each anecdote is both entertaining and utterly relatable. She not only shows up the madness of company jargon and office politics – she shows that we all tend to go along with it without question!
John Lloyd
by Scarlett Atherton
It’s a mystery why the viewing public isn’t given a chance to see that John’s at least as funny as the stars he’s nurtured. Not only is he the man behind Bean and Blackadder, he also co-wrote After Liff with Douglas Adams. Besides the gags, John is so inspiring when he talks about QI changing the way we learn.
Fred MacAulay
by Jethro Fox
Fred is a national treasure in Scotland, but one of my London-based clients wasn't familiar with him and had always booked a name. Having worked with Fred for years I promised he would storm their awards and respect their senior audience. The day after the event the client declared that he’d delivered 100% – “and it reflected brilliantly on the organisers!”
Geoff Miller
by Andrew Stoney
With perfect comic timing Geoff tells of his tussles with some of the greats of the game. I’ve watched an audience of 1000 collapse in laughter when he described his lack of athleticism between the wickets. Even if you don’t like cricket, if you appreciate self-deprecating humour you’ll love Geoff Miller.
Michael Mosley
by Emily Collier
Michael’s tricky to pigeon-hole because he has so many strings to his bow, from popular science and technological innovation to NHS reforms. I always enjoy working with him – he takes the time to understand the background and really gets involved with the client. Michael even based one of his TV shows on an idea that stemmed from an event, so it’s clearly mutually beneficial!
Andrew Neil
by Suzy Houghton
Andrew's knowledge of business and politics is encyclopaedic. He not only ‘gets’ speaking briefs, he’s also extremely useful to have onside. And he runs a very tight ship as a moderator, lightening the mood whenever he finds the opportunity. The result is that Andrew’s sessions become the creative spaces they’re meant to be – a million miles from Death by PowerPoint.
Paddy O’Connell
by Nicola Jones
Paddy exudes wonderful optimism at a time of spreading cynicism. He’s also a natural storyteller. What I like most is the cheeky glint in his eye - whether he’s talking about the joys of Eurovision or what’s it like to know that half your audience is only listening because they’re waiting for The Archers.
Robert Peston
by Nicola Jones
After switching from a business to a political brief just as the two have become closely intertwined, Robert is very well placed to consider what might happen next. He has inside knowledge of the pressure points, personalities and potential consequences in both camps – but he’s quick to admit the danger of making predictions. He guides you through the soap opera with gusto and a surprising amount of humour.
John Pienaar
by Ruby Porter
I’m always struck by the clarity with which John speaks about the complex issues facing political leaders, and the nation as a whole. He offers serious analysis, up to the minute information and behind the scenes insights into the goings-on at Westminster. But he also has a vast arsenal of anecdotes having spent many hundreds of hours grilling our lords and masters – and standing in front of 10 Downing Street in his favourite raincoat.
Rt Hon Michael Portillo
by Anke Schuster
Michael's charming, self-deprecating and always delivers the right blend of banter and content: it’s obvious he’s enjoying not being a politician. That said, he brings an enormous amount of heavyweight experience to bear – whether he’s facilitating a business debate, mapping out the geopolitical landscape at a conference, handing out industry awards or entertaining guests after dinner.
Jay Rayner
by Simon King
Jay is everything you need in an after dinner speaker - perhaps it's years of entertaining dining companions. He’s eloquent, easy going and comes with a store of anecdotes about life as a restaurant critic (aka "going out to eat and writing smart-arsed things about it").
Jeffrey Robinson
by Siobhan Jackman
Money laundering might not normally rate high as a source of entertainment, but Jeffrey's revelations about the more murky corners of the business world are absolutely gripping. With his New York comic’s delivery, he has audiences in the palm of his hand with every "You're not going to believe this…" story.
Rory Sutherland
by Scarlett Atherton
As Creative Director of one the most successful ad agencies in the world, Rory wouldn't be out of place in a modern day version of Mad Men. You'll warm to him straight away. He overturns your assumptions, lets you in on branding secrets, and shows how human behaviour isn’t always logical – wrapping it all up with an easy humour and bundles of charm. You’ll come away buzzing with insights and ideas, and a knowing smile.
Ellis Watson
by Tom Mclaughlin
If you want a speaker to spout the latest management theory, don't book Ellis. If you want enthusiasm and practical tips to equip your team for the challenge, you can’t do better. Ellis has been entrusted with turning around sizeable outfits, so when he talks about reigniting the passion in an organisation you know his words aren’t hot air. He really has been there and done it.
Marc Woods
by Lizzie Carr
If anyone can teach us a lesson about making the most of our circumstances it’s Marc. When he shows clips of the England team winning their gold medal, you can’t help but cheer as his teammate touches the finish line. When he explains just how everybody played their part, you can’t help but feel inspired.
Professor Marcus du Sautoy
by Ella O'Kane
It's a wonderful thing when a seemingly dry subject is brought to life. As soon as he comes onstage Marcus grabs you, throwing out maths problems and then explaining where we’ve all gone wrong! It’s not new to say that maths is integral to everything, but Marcus goes way beyond platitudes and really gets down to the nitty gritty. Where was he when I needed him at school?!?
Clare Balding
by Anke Schuster
Wearing her conference presenter hat Clare brings a lightness of touch that gets the best out of anyone, from guest stars to business types. She makes it so easy for them to convey their own struggles and achievements – and she’s a joy to have on your team.
John Barrowman
by Ruby Porter
John has the charm of Captain Jack, the professionalism of a primetime presenter and the talent to belt out a show tune - all good reasons to book him. He flirts with everyone and takes some beating if you’re looking for an injection of showbiz glitz.
Angellica Bell
by Jethro Fox
Some clients would only consider Angellica for young audiences, but she's much more versatile than that. She can move seamlessly between fun and serious, she really holds the audience and she’s refreshingly flexible with things like timings and scripts.
Gyles Brandreth
by Allan Grant
It’s a cliché, but Gyles’ personality alone can fill a room. He really enjoys what he does and it shows. Clients love him: he’s a delight to work with, he adapts to any situation, and most importantly he’s a terrific raconteur.
Kevin Bridges
by Barbara de Lacy
Much has been made of Kevin’s age but it’s still difficult to believe he’s so young when you see him perform. He’s got confidence in spades, and event producers love him because he’s so accommodating and mature. I love his cheeky grin as he waits for the audience to catch up with his punchline.
Guy Browning
by Emily Collier
In the words of one client, listening to Guy is “like being at The Comedy Store, but with a business message!” I’ve seen him have a group of stockbrokers on their feet impersonating athletes, pondering moral queries and roaring with laughter at his advice on how to manage your boss. They were putty in a master’s hands!
Ed Byrne
by Jessica Mears
Ed has a remarkable ability to judge audiences. Whatever mood you’re in before he walks on, you’ll be laughing at yourself by the end – and his jokes will follow you around the next day. I won’t be able to think about pillow talk in quite the same way ever again!
Alastair Campbell
by Allan Grant
I love how Alastair balances humour, gossip and serious messages. The story about the Deputy PM punching an egg-throwing voter is typical: Alastair gets a call from Prezza (in pantomime Yorkshire): "Hello… Errr… I've just thumped someone." After telling us what happened, he gives the audience a genuine insight into how to manage a potential PR disaster. It's a fantastic listen.
Alan Carr
by Allan Grant
Offstage Alan is like his onscreen persona: down to earth, self-deprecating and wickedly funny. But he really delivers onstage. His opening routine intersperses topical gags with industry-specific material, and his energy is unrelenting. I can't recommend him highly enough.
Sean Collins
by Simon King
Offering a delightful deadpan take on British quirks, Sean is a cut above the average circuit comedian. He shares his amazement at how readily we accept most things don't work (transport, people etc), his amusement at foreigners' expectations and his daily frustrations with his family. He hits the mark with any crowd, from rowdy to reserved.
Hal Cruttenden
by Allan Grant
Hal's comedy is perfect for corporate audiences. He's instantly endearing - with McIntyre-style energy, stage presence (and campness) along with wonderfully self deprecating put-downs. I’m still laughing at the gag about ignoring his child's schooling because she didn't ask him about his own day.
Matt Edmondson
by Nicola Jones
If you want to inject energy into awards, the diminutive Radio 1 presenter is well worth considering. He has natural enthusiasm, he makes everyone feel relaxed and he leads proceedings without ever succumbing to the temptation of making it all about him.
Huw Edwards
by Allan Grant
Live events give Huw an opportunity to display a wicked sense of humour. Unsurprisingly, he’s quick to a master the brief; what’s extraordinary is the ease with which he mixes serious messages with funny anecdotes – and his ability to make audiences feel they’re attending a very special occasion
Ben Fogle
by Andrew Stoney
It’s hard to imagine that Ben fell into being an adventurer by accident. As he talks about his projects, what becomes clear is his passion and determination – as well as his boundless natural charm. He leaves you thinking that one day you might be able to row across the Atlantic yourself!
Matt Forde
by Barbara de Lacy
Recreating the House of Commons onstage might not sound like everybody’s cup of tea, but Matt pulls it off. Part football obsessive, part PMQs geek, he’s just as much at home dishing out topical stand-up as interviewing George Galloway – and his Ed Miliband impression is uncanny.
Robert Guest
by Millie Thomas
The breadth of Robert's insight is so impressive. When I last saw him he pulled together anecdotes and analysis on the US, China and Russia – then related their economic policies to the situation in the UK. It made for some striking (and entertaining) contrasts. He takes big and contentious issues and explores their impact in a way that’s immediately relevant and engaging.
Timandra Harkness
by Lizzie Carr
Whenever she hears ‘the government has access to your intimate details, AI is already smarter than everybody you know,’ Timandra arches an eyebrow and says ‘Well, OK, maybe.’ That’s not a casual remark, it’s because she’s a serious scientific investigator set on distinguishing truth from myth. But she’s also a part-time stand-up, hence the fun she has conjuring up a reality show for robots. She’s a fascinating, illuminating, real life wizard.
Austin Healey
by Tom Mclaughlin
When I last worked with Austin the audience loved the travel stories he’d put together for his intro, the production team loved 28 awards being presented bang on time and the client loved the fact that their briefing had been followed to a tee. They were also chuffed he did a ‘Strictly’ twirl to kick the evening off!
John Humphrys
by Tom Mclaughlin
The nation's foremost interviewer brings a lighter touch than you might imagine when chairing company or industry conferences or hosting awards ceremonies. His gravitas and credibility however mean that delegates can be assured that their event is not being overtly stage managed nor participants spoon fed - and woe betide anyone who might think that is the case.
Colin Jackson
by Siobhan Jackman
Colin’s modesty comes across the moment you meet him. In fact, his story about learning not to be cocky is one of many lessons to take away. Whether he’s doing a lap round the room with an Olympic flame, exciting you about the possibilities open to you or just making you laugh, he gets everyone involved. And he doesn’t mind being asked about Strictly!
Alex Jones
by Siobhan Jackman
At the last event Alex did for me she stayed on site throughout the day, charmed everyone involved, looked gorgeous and did a fabulous job controlling a very excitable room. She’s a wonderful Welsh whirlwind.
Milton Jones
by Andrew Stoney
We’ve worked with Milton for years and it’s great to see him hit the big time. His one-liners are among the best. I’ve seen an entire Great Room captivated, holding on for the next perfectly crafted joke. Sometimes he doesn't even finish the gag – he just leaves you to fill in the gaps. An absolute genius.
Russell Kane
by Emily Collier
Russell drops in hilarious quips throughout the evening. He's intelligent and respectful, but he’s also playful and cheeky – it’s very funny to see him put off his stride whenever a stunning looking woman joins him onstage. The audience is onside for the duration.
Natasha Kaplinsky
by Barbara de Lacy
Natasha brings a touch of glamour to the proceedings and dazzles audience and interviewees alike. I’ve seen her equally at home dissecting the prospects for UK Plc with Sir Martin Sorrell as she was entertaining midwives at their awards – she never ever seems to get flustered.
Myleene Klass
by Carrie Ralfe
Myleene is a woman of many talents, and she’s wonderfully accommodating. If it’s appropriate for the event, she’s happy to combine her presenting and musical skills. More than that, she creates genuine warmth the moment she steps onstage.
Angela Lamont
by Ben Arnold
I’m constantly impressed with Angela’s industriousness. She’s a fastidious researcher and she always seems to have a genuine interest in the topic. My clients re-book her again and again – that says everything.
Lauren Laverne
by Scarlett Atherton
As well as having a finger on the pulse of current trends, what defines Lauren as an awards host is her warmth. She charms organisers, sponsors and most importantly the audience - and makes every winner feel that it’s their moment.And her Sunderland accent can’t fail to endear her to everyone!
Fred MacAulay
by Jethro Fox
Fred is a national treasure in Scotland, but one of my London-based clients wasn't familiar with him and had always booked a name. Having worked with Fred for years I promised he would storm their awards and respect their senior audience. The day after the event the client declared that he’d delivered 100% – “and it reflected brilliantly on the organisers!”
Stephen Mangan
by Jethro Fox
The best awards host I've seen all year. If ‘briefability’ were a real word then Stephen has it in spades. The fact that the first winner of the evening ran up to the stage and greeted him with a double high five showed how brilliantly Stephen had immersed himself in the event.
Paul Mason
by Rory Wilson
Paul makes economics and politics personal. Whether he’s exploring the impact of technology on democracy or the future of UK manufacturing, he contextualises his subject in a way that moves it from theory to real life cause and effect. But what I like most about Paul is that he's never afraid to provoke debate and state his own position!
Steph McGovern Steph's Packed Lunch
by Siobhan Jackman
Steph’s a perfect combination of ‘plugged in’ and ‘credible’ – while remaining utterly down to earth. I’ve seen her demystify financial markets for grey-suited conference delegates and whoop up a roomful of excited awards contenders. It’s a fabulous sight to witness. I’m certain Ms McGovern’s profile is on a swift upward trajectory…
Geoff Miller
by Andrew Stoney
With perfect comic timing Geoff tells of his tussles with some of the greats of the game. I’ve watched an audience of 1000 collapse in laughter when he described his lack of athleticism between the wickets. Even if you don’t like cricket, if you appreciate self-deprecating humour you’ll love Geoff Miller.
Ian Moore
by Scarlett Atherton
Ian is proving an utterly safe pair of hands. I’ve seen him charm and entertain a big room as well as, if not better than any ‘celebrity’ comic. Sometimes it can be tense watching a corporate audience watching someone they don’t know – with Ian, the client and I were completely relaxed throughout.
Andrew Neil
by Suzy Houghton
Andrew's knowledge of business and politics is encyclopaedic. He not only ‘gets’ speaking briefs, he’s also extremely useful to have onside. And he runs a very tight ship as a moderator, lightening the mood whenever he finds the opportunity. The result is that Andrew’s sessions become the creative spaces they’re meant to be – a million miles from Death by PowerPoint.
James Nesbitt
by Andrew Stoney
Jimmy is one of the most easy-going hosts. Nothing is too much trouble. He spends time learning about the event, then works with his scriptwriter to put together a funny and relevant intro. He’s professional and utterly charming.
Dara O Briain Mock the Week
by Tom Mclaughlin
We’re often asked for a “safe, but edgy” name – someone sidesplittingly funny who will understand the audience, respect the event and follow the brief. Dara invariably shoots to the top of that list because he nails it time and again. He loves delving into other walks of life and coming up with killer industry gags.
Paddy O’Connell
by Nicola Jones
Paddy exudes wonderful optimism at a time of spreading cynicism. He’s also a natural storyteller. What I like most is the cheeky glint in his eye - whether he’s talking about the joys of Eurovision or what’s it like to know that half your audience is only listening because they’re waiting for The Archers.
Dawn O’Porter
by Georgia Sharp
Dawn's the sort of person you want to spend hours nattering to, but that isn’t what makes her special. When I last worked with her there was a technical problem and she just powered on unperturbed with absolute cool – she has areal gift for putting organisers and audience at ease.
Robert Peston
by Nicola Jones
After switching from a business to a political brief just as the two have become closely intertwined, Robert is very well placed to consider what might happen next. He has inside knowledge of the pressure points, personalities and potential consequences in both camps – but he’s quick to admit the danger of making predictions. He guides you through the soap opera with gusto and a surprising amount of humour.
John Pienaar
by Ruby Porter
I’m always struck by the clarity with which John speaks about the complex issues facing political leaders, and the nation as a whole. He offers serious analysis, up to the minute information and behind the scenes insights into the goings-on at Westminster. But he also has a vast arsenal of anecdotes having spent many hundreds of hours grilling our lords and masters – and standing in front of 10 Downing Street in his favourite raincoat.
Rt Hon Michael Portillo
by Anke Schuster
Michael's charming, self-deprecating and always delivers the right blend of banter and content: it’s obvious he’s enjoying not being a politician. That said, he brings an enormous amount of heavyweight experience to bear – whether he’s facilitating a business debate, mapping out the geopolitical landscape at a conference, handing out industry awards or entertaining guests after dinner.
Jay Rayner
by Simon King
Jay is everything you need in an after dinner speaker - perhaps it's years of entertaining dining companions. He’s eloquent, easy going and comes with a store of anecdotes about life as a restaurant critic (aka "going out to eat and writing smart-arsed things about it").
David Rowan
by Andrew Stoney
If you want a speaker to provide a glimpse of what the future holds for your sector and your customers, David is for you. He sees himself as a storyteller, describing ways in which the world is rapidly changing and how technology is creating new opportunities for all businesses. But it comes with a warning: there are serious dangers if you ignore what’s happening around you.
Stephen Sackur HARDtalk
by Allan Grant
I really enjoy working with Stephen. Though he's a hard-hitting journalist who interviews world leaders on a regular basis, he's incredibly affable and clearly ‘gets’ corporate events. It’s a given that he quickly gets on top of a tricky brief – what’s more unusual is that everything’s always so easy to arrange.
Juan Señor
by Anke Schuster
Every time I work with Juan he makes people’s lives easier. He puts clients’ minds at rest however tricky the brief, and he goes way beyond the call of duty. It feels like he’s one of the team working on the event, rather than the presenter.
Lisa Snowdon
by Anke Schuster
Lisa is a joy to work with, both before the event and on the day. She hosts awards with enthusiasm, charm and bags of authority – a true professional!
Debra Stephenson
by Jessica Mears
When you book Debra you get Miranda Hart, Davina McCall, Anne Robinson and more into the bargain: she’s an excellent impressionist. More than that, she’s lovely to work with – fun, gracious, encouraging and glamorous.
Josh Widdicombe
by Emily Collier
The fresh-faced young comic comes out with unexpectedly dry humour. It’s observational comedy at its best, which will have the audience reminiscing and laughing as if they’re all in on a private joke.
Abandoman
by Siobhan Jackman
I put Abandoman in front of one usually reserved technology crowd, and by the end of the evening the CEO was dancing on the table screaming for an encore. The foremost (and only) Irish ‘hip-hop improv’ act are a must for any audience with even the tiniest capacity for fun. Book them now!
Terry Alderton
by Andy Hickman
Forget he was in Eastenders, Terry’s comedy persona is as far from soaps as you can get. It’s an earthquake of energy, random accents and disembodied catchphrases verging on performance art. (But unlike performance art, he’s belly-achingly funny.) Terry is an original, capable of conquering any crowd.
Beardyman
by Simon King
Beardyman isn’t just possessed of a rare skill, he’s a truly versatile performer. He can silence a room in awe, have them tap their feet and stand to applaud all within five minutes. I've watched him evolve from gifted beatboxer into a headline star – embracing comedy and unbelievable vocal gymnastics.
Kevin Bridges
by Barbara de Lacy
Much has been made of Kevin’s age but it’s still difficult to believe he’s so young when you see him perform. He’s got confidence in spades, and event producers love him because he’s so accommodating and mature. I love his cheeky grin as he waits for the audience to catch up with his punchline.
Derren Brown
by Barbara de Lacy
When you’re lucky enough to stumble on a free date between filming and touring, Derren’s an absolute pleasure to work with. Production is blissfully simple in any space, and he really understands corporate audiences. You end up with a fast-paced, hugely entertaining show which will baffle everyone!
Ed Byrne
by Jessica Mears
Ed has a remarkable ability to judge audiences. Whatever mood you’re in before he walks on, you’ll be laughing at yourself by the end – and his jokes will follow you around the next day. I won’t be able to think about pillow talk in quite the same way ever again!
Alan Carr
by Allan Grant
Offstage Alan is like his onscreen persona: down to earth, self-deprecating and wickedly funny. But he really delivers onstage. His opening routine intersperses topical gags with industry-specific material, and his energy is unrelenting. I can't recommend him highly enough.
Sean Collins
by Simon King
Offering a delightful deadpan take on British quirks, Sean is a cut above the average circuit comedian. He shares his amazement at how readily we accept most things don't work (transport, people etc), his amusement at foreigners' expectations and his daily frustrations with his family. He hits the mark with any crowd, from rowdy to reserved.
Nina Conti
by Ella O'Kane
You’re in for a treat with Nina, particularly if it’s one of your colleagues that gets pulled up onstage. With a wealth of characters at her fingertips it’s always going to be a fun show. I’m constantly amazed at her skill as well as her quick wit – especially when Monkey sings Time to Say Goodbye!
Hal Cruttenden
by Allan Grant
Hal's comedy is perfect for corporate audiences. He's instantly endearing - with McIntyre-style energy, stage presence (and campness) along with wonderfully self deprecating put-downs. I’m still laughing at the gag about ignoring his child's schooling because she didn't ask him about his own day.
Jamie Cullum
by Allan Grant
The first thing you notice working with Jamie is how down to earth he is – there’s no ‘white lilies and champagne’ nonsense on his rider! But onstage his star status comes across, powering through a mix of covers and original material. At Jamie’s last gig for me he even invited guests to sing with him!
Matt Edmondson
by Nicola Jones
If you want to inject energy into awards, the diminutive Radio 1 presenter is well worth considering. He has natural enthusiasm, he makes everyone feel relaxed and he leads proceedings without ever succumbing to the temptation of making it all about him.
Lesley Garrett
by Carrie Ralfe
Lesley is charming and easy to work with – and she delivers a blistering thirty minutes of entertainment. After her performance she mingles with guests and signs autographs – last time in Jersey we had to drag her away!
Milton Jones
by Andrew Stoney
We’ve worked with Milton for years and it’s great to see him hit the big time. His one-liners are among the best. I’ve seen an entire Great Room captivated, holding on for the next perfectly crafted joke. Sometimes he doesn't even finish the gag – he just leaves you to fill in the gaps. An absolute genius.
Russell Kane
by Emily Collier
Russell drops in hilarious quips throughout the evening. He's intelligent and respectful, but he’s also playful and cheeky – it’s very funny to see him put off his stride whenever a stunning looking woman joins him onstage. The audience is onside for the duration.
Myleene Klass
by Carrie Ralfe
Myleene is a woman of many talents, and she’s wonderfully accommodating. If it’s appropriate for the event, she’s happy to combine her presenting and musical skills. More than that, she creates genuine warmth the moment she steps onstage.
Fred MacAulay
by Jethro Fox
Fred is a national treasure in Scotland, but one of my London-based clients wasn't familiar with him and had always booked a name. Having worked with Fred for years I promised he would storm their awards and respect their senior audience. The day after the event the client declared that he’d delivered 100% – “and it reflected brilliantly on the organisers!”
Ian Moore
by Scarlett Atherton
Ian is proving an utterly safe pair of hands. I’ve seen him charm and entertain a big room as well as, if not better than any ‘celebrity’ comic. Sometimes it can be tense watching a corporate audience watching someone they don’t know – with Ian, the client and I were completely relaxed throughout.
Dara O Briain Mock the Week
by Tom Mclaughlin
We’re often asked for a “safe, but edgy” name – someone sidesplittingly funny who will understand the audience, respect the event and follow the brief. Dara invariably shoots to the top of that list because he nails it time and again. He loves delving into other walks of life and coming up with killer industry gags.
The Lionels
by Ben Arnold
Not only are Rich and his band some of the nicest musicians on the circuit, it’s plain to see they get a kick from entertaining corporate audiences. You don’t always find such genuine helpfulness and enthusiasm among covers band – and it really comes across both to organisers and guests.
The Noise Next Door
by Ella O'Kane
I discovered this bunch at Edinburgh, the stand-out act in a strong year. Their quick wit can’t fail to impress - so it wasn’t surprising when they left the Real Variety Show audience wanting more. They’re fun, young, attention-grabbing and…. perhaps a little bit genius.
Russell Watson
by Ruby Porter
Apart from Russell’s unquestionable talent and the inspiring way he’s dealt with cancer, what I admire most is his warmth and approachability. Though clearly at home on the world stage, he genuinely loves connecting with small corporate audiences – it only takes a quaver for Russell have you spellbound.
Josh Widdicombe
by Emily Collier
The fresh-faced young comic comes out with unexpectedly dry humour. It’s observational comedy at its best, which will have the audience reminiscing and laughing as if they’re all in on a private joke.
Lucy Adams
by Adam Harkness
Thanks to her experience in turbulent times at the BBC, Lucy's speech is incredibly insightful – but she also has a natural ability to engage the room. The self-confessed "recovering HR director" even manages to inject a sense of fun. Whether she's asked to talk about the scourge of annual appraisals or the challenges of virtual teams, you will come away with a fresh perspective.
Tom Fletcher Author, Naked Diplomacy
by Adam Harkness
Tom manages to do something that not many speakers can – make you feel optimistic about current affairs. While the world might seemingly be spiralling into despair, Tom explains why he believes the ‘co-existors’ will triumph over the wall builders, and that globalisation and digital communication will bring us together and not drive us apart. Humanity just has to try a little bit harder.
Rt Hon Lord (Andrew) Adonis
by Allan Grant
Andrew has a brain the size of planet – condensing swathes of information into a speech that’s always tight to the brief and laced with humour. I've seen him speak on topics from infrastructure and education to collaboration. You can feel delegates paying close attention: they know they’re getting an inside view from one of the most influential policy makers in Westminster.
Gyles Brandreth
by Allan Grant
It’s a cliché, but Gyles’ personality alone can fill a room. He really enjoys what he does and it shows. Clients love him: he’s a delight to work with, he adapts to any situation, and most importantly he’s a terrific raconteur.
Alastair Campbell
by Allan Grant
I love how Alastair balances humour, gossip and serious messages. The story about the Deputy PM punching an egg-throwing voter is typical: Alastair gets a call from Prezza (in pantomime Yorkshire): "Hello… Errr… I've just thumped someone." After telling us what happened, he gives the audience a genuine insight into how to manage a potential PR disaster. It's a fantastic listen.
Alan Carr
by Allan Grant
Offstage Alan is like his onscreen persona: down to earth, self-deprecating and wickedly funny. But he really delivers onstage. His opening routine intersperses topical gags with industry-specific material, and his energy is unrelenting. I can't recommend him highly enough.
Hal Cruttenden
by Allan Grant
Hal's comedy is perfect for corporate audiences. He's instantly endearing - with McIntyre-style energy, stage presence (and campness) along with wonderfully self deprecating put-downs. I’m still laughing at the gag about ignoring his child's schooling because she didn't ask him about his own day.
Jamie Cullum
by Allan Grant
The first thing you notice working with Jamie is how down to earth he is – there’s no ‘white lilies and champagne’ nonsense on his rider! But onstage his star status comes across, powering through a mix of covers and original material. At Jamie’s last gig for me he even invited guests to sing with him!
Karen Darke
by Allan Grant
Karen’s achievements since her accident stretch from extreme adventure to elite sport. If the basic premise of a motivational speech is to inspire you to adapt to the situation and scale new heights, it never feels more real than when listening to Karen. She’s been though such a horrific chain of events, yet remains defiantly positive. It feels like a real privilege to hear her story.
Huw Edwards
by Allan Grant
Live events give Huw an opportunity to display a wicked sense of humour. Unsurprisingly, he’s quick to a master the brief; what’s extraordinary is the ease with which he mixes serious messages with funny anecdotes – and his ability to make audiences feel they’re attending a very special occasion
Wilfred Emmanuel-Jones
by Allan Grant
For me Wilfred is the perfect speaker. He isn’t one of those entrepreneurs who just dish up clichés. His is a personal story, full of lessons for delegates to take away and put into practice. The methods Wilfred used to take The Black Farmer from a niche, local product to an everyday supermarket brand are a ‘must-hear’ for any business that wants to grow.
Stephen Sackur HARDtalk
by Allan Grant
I really enjoy working with Stephen. Though he's a hard-hitting journalist who interviews world leaders on a regular basis, he's incredibly affable and clearly ‘gets’ corporate events. It’s a given that he quickly gets on top of a tricky brief – what’s more unusual is that everything’s always so easy to arrange.
Buzz Aldrin
by Andrew Stoney
You can't fail to feel excited and honoured to listen to Buzz. He's a living legend and a true pioneer, who's dedicated his life to space exploration. 45 years after walking on the moon he's still amazingly sprightly, with his sights firmly set on colonising Mars. In my view any audience would be inspired by Buzz's story – and transfixed by his vision of the future.
Ben Fogle
by Andrew Stoney
It’s hard to imagine that Ben fell into being an adventurer by accident. As he talks about his projects, what becomes clear is his passion and determination – as well as his boundless natural charm. He leaves you thinking that one day you might be able to row across the Atlantic yourself!
Milton Jones
by Andrew Stoney
We’ve worked with Milton for years and it’s great to see him hit the big time. His one-liners are among the best. I’ve seen an entire Great Room captivated, holding on for the next perfectly crafted joke. Sometimes he doesn't even finish the gag – he just leaves you to fill in the gaps. An absolute genius.
Geoff Miller
by Andrew Stoney
With perfect comic timing Geoff tells of his tussles with some of the greats of the game. I’ve watched an audience of 1000 collapse in laughter when he described his lack of athleticism between the wickets. Even if you don’t like cricket, if you appreciate self-deprecating humour you’ll love Geoff Miller.
James Nesbitt
by Andrew Stoney
Jimmy is one of the most easy-going hosts. Nothing is too much trouble. He spends time learning about the event, then works with his scriptwriter to put together a funny and relevant intro. He’s professional and utterly charming.
David Rowan
by Andrew Stoney
If you want a speaker to provide a glimpse of what the future holds for your sector and your customers, David is for you. He sees himself as a storyteller, describing ways in which the world is rapidly changing and how technology is creating new opportunities for all businesses. But it comes with a warning: there are serious dangers if you ignore what’s happening around you.
Professor David Blanchflower
by Ben Arnold
There are economists, forecasters and analysts – and then there's Danny. He’s straight talking, unafraid to cover ground many fear to tread, and he cuts through the gamesmanship. I particularly like his analogy about economic recovery: “It’s like visiting the doctor. Everyone wants to know when they’ll get better, but the best we can do is monitor progress and treat accordingly.”
Stéphane Garelli
by Ben Arnold
While many economic speakers start by bracing you for whatever gloomy predictions they’re about to deliver, Stephane engages you with a real glint in his eye. Describing the post-recession world as “unusually desynchronised” he guides delegates through each region’s competitiveness, helping to join the dots in a constantly changing business landscape.
Ellie Goulding
by Ben Arnold
Performing her own hits from Burn to Starry Eyed via Your Song, Ellie and her band delivered a mesmerising 40-minute show. Chatting with the audience and sharing anecdotes in between numbers, she had my client and all his guests entranced - hanging on her every word.
Angela Lamont
by Ben Arnold
I’m constantly impressed with Angela’s industriousness. She’s a fastidious researcher and she always seems to have a genuine interest in the topic. My clients re-book her again and again – that says everything.
Michael Pawlyn
by Ben Arnold
Not so much a futurist as one who’s actually helping shape the future, Michael shows what can happen when engineering and nature work in harmony to provide solutions to the seemingly impossible – like in his ground breaking Sahara Forest Project. He has a growing international reputation on the back of his TED speech, and he’s one of the few I could listen to again and again.
The Lionels
by Ben Arnold
Not only are Rich and his band some of the nicest musicians on the circuit, it’s plain to see they get a kick from entertaining corporate audiences. You don’t always find such genuine helpfulness and enthusiasm among covers band – and it really comes across both to organisers and guests.
Rachel Botsman
by Barbara de Lacy
Not only have Rachel’s book and ideas helped me make lifestyle choices, she’s also got some absolutely essential advice for twenty-first century businesses. Her speeches are peppered with nuggets that you’ll find yourself repeating to friends and colleagues for days to come. 200,000 views within two weeks of her latest TED Global talk going online say it all.
Kevin Bridges
by Barbara de Lacy
Much has been made of Kevin’s age but it’s still difficult to believe he’s so young when you see him perform. He’s got confidence in spades, and event producers love him because he’s so accommodating and mature. I love his cheeky grin as he waits for the audience to catch up with his punchline.
Derren Brown
by Barbara de Lacy
When you’re lucky enough to stumble on a free date between filming and touring, Derren’s an absolute pleasure to work with. Production is blissfully simple in any space, and he really understands corporate audiences. You end up with a fast-paced, hugely entertaining show which will baffle everyone!
Simon Calver
by Barbara de Lacy
Simon’s LoveStory speech, with a film illustrating each early year of the business, demonstrates the ideals he still sticks to - you must be the culture of your business, and you mustn’t compromise or delegate that responsibility. Listening to him, you know he practises as he preaches: rewarding customers, continually challenging his people and developing relationships wherever he sees potential.
Alan Chambers
by Barbara de Lacy
When you first meet Alan his expression is so deadpan it’s hard to believe he motivates people in such large numbers. See him in front of an audience and he’s utterly captivating. You suddenly realise how he’s able to lead groups of big egos through the harshest environments in the world. And you’ve got to admire a man who takes his 10-year old son on a trip to the North Pole!
Matt Forde
by Barbara de Lacy
Recreating the House of Commons onstage might not sound like everybody’s cup of tea, but Matt pulls it off. Part football obsessive, part PMQs geek, he’s just as much at home dishing out topical stand-up as interviewing George Galloway – and his Ed Miliband impression is uncanny.
Natasha Kaplinsky
by Barbara de Lacy
Natasha brings a touch of glamour to the proceedings and dazzles audience and interviewees alike. I’ve seen her equally at home dissecting the prospects for UK Plc with Sir Martin Sorrell as she was entertaining midwives at their awards – she never ever seems to get flustered.
Beardyman
by Simon King
Beardyman isn’t just possessed of a rare skill, he’s a truly versatile performer. He can silence a room in awe, have them tap their feet and stand to applaud all within five minutes. I've watched him evolve from gifted beatboxer into a headline star – embracing comedy and unbelievable vocal gymnastics.
Todd Buchholz
by Simon King
Todd is not the brash, over-bearing financier his Wall Street to White House CV suggests. He uses a host of unconventional analogies to explain what’s going on in the markets, geopolitics and economics. Mix this with unbridled enthusiasm for business, sharp intelligence and delivery bordering on stand-up. You can expect lessons from history, politics and showbusiness.
Sean Collins
by Simon King
Offering a delightful deadpan take on British quirks, Sean is a cut above the average circuit comedian. He shares his amazement at how readily we accept most things don't work (transport, people etc), his amusement at foreigners' expectations and his daily frustrations with his family. He hits the mark with any crowd, from rowdy to reserved.
Professor A.C. Grayling
by Simon King
The word 'philosopher' conjures up images of brooding pretension or high-minded aloofness. Anthony conforms to neither stereotype. He's down-to-earth, witty and understandable. He makes abstract concepts like fairness and ethics genuinely thought-provoking – especially for organisations looking to define their place in the lives of employees and customers.
Bill Grimsey
by Simon King
Bill has the common touch you might expect from one of the few bosses to go from storeroom to boardroom. When his 4-year old granddaughter pleaded for an iPad, he began to imagine how she’ll be served by retailers of the future. He now gives an unsentimental insider’s view of the commercial realities they face - not forgetting the social side of the high street that affects us all.
Jay Rayner
by Simon King
Jay is everything you need in an after dinner speaker - perhaps it's years of entertaining dining companions. He’s eloquent, easy going and comes with a store of anecdotes about life as a restaurant critic (aka "going out to eat and writing smart-arsed things about it").
Abandoman
by Siobhan Jackman
I put Abandoman in front of one usually reserved technology crowd, and by the end of the evening the CEO was dancing on the table screaming for an encore. The foremost (and only) Irish ‘hip-hop improv’ act are a must for any audience with even the tiniest capacity for fun. Book them now!
William Butler-Adams
by Siobhan Jackman
Bounding onstage, you'd be forgiven for thinking you're watching a cross between Boris Johnson and Willy Wonka (minus the Oompa Loompas). But there's more to WBA than meets the eye. As he extols the virtues of British engineering, you feel a sense of pride - not just about where we've been, but where we're going. Maybe the future of manufacturing isn't so bleak after all!
Colin Jackson
by Siobhan Jackman
Colin’s modesty comes across the moment you meet him. In fact, his story about learning not to be cocky is one of many lessons to take away. Whether he’s doing a lap round the room with an Olympic flame, exciting you about the possibilities open to you or just making you laugh, he gets everyone involved. And he doesn’t mind being asked about Strictly!
Alex Jones
by Siobhan Jackman
At the last event Alex did for me she stayed on site throughout the day, charmed everyone involved, looked gorgeous and did a fabulous job controlling a very excitable room. She’s a wonderful Welsh whirlwind.
Steph McGovern Steph's Packed Lunch
by Siobhan Jackman
Steph’s a perfect combination of ‘plugged in’ and ‘credible’ – while remaining utterly down to earth. I’ve seen her demystify financial markets for grey-suited conference delegates and whoop up a roomful of excited awards contenders. It’s a fabulous sight to witness. I’m certain Ms McGovern’s profile is on a swift upward trajectory…
Jeffrey Robinson
by Siobhan Jackman
Money laundering might not normally rate high as a source of entertainment, but Jeffrey's revelations about the more murky corners of the business world are absolutely gripping. With his New York comic’s delivery, he has audiences in the palm of his hand with every "You're not going to believe this…" story.
Ken Segall
by Siobhan Jackman
Ken’s understated delivery and wry smile might be what you'd expect from a man associated with the coolness of Apple. But it isn't a shallow speech about shiny electronic products; what his stories reveal about simplicity of both design and service goes to the core of how all businesses should operate. It’s magical to watch heads nod and confidence spread throughout the room.
Terry Alderton
by Andy Hickman
Forget he was in Eastenders, Terry’s comedy persona is as far from soaps as you can get. It’s an earthquake of energy, random accents and disembodied catchphrases verging on performance art. (But unlike performance art, he’s belly-achingly funny.) Terry is an original, capable of conquering any crowd.
BJ Cunningham
by Andy Hickman
It begins as a battery of anecdotes, delivered with a mischievous sense of humour. Then, amid jaw dropping and laughter, a rallying cry emerges: leap at every opportunity, don’t fear the Goliaths who obstruct your path, and always come back fighting. As well as all that, his almost spiritual distillation of the concept of ‘brand’ will have you throwing your old definition into the dustbin.
Professor Germaine Greer
by Andy Hickman
Once over the thrill of meeting a feminist legend, you realise Germaine is an authority on anything from ageing to Australia. She illuminates her argument with casually recalled quotes, taking on lofty concepts with warmth and self-deprecating humour. She manages to cut through the cacophony of politically correct discourse with a bluntness and common sense you just can’t ignore.
Lord (Digby) Jones
by Andy Hickman
It’s difficult to avoid being spellbound when you listen to Digby. Trying to work out why, I came up with a list of what seem like oxymorons: a tone of friendly arrogance, a Brummie lilt which adds authority, hard nosed politics borne of true compassion, and a common sense that’s somehow revelatory. Perhaps it is these apparent contradictions that make him so compelling and give him an ability to change even the most steadfast of minds.
Angellica Bell
by Jethro Fox
Some clients would only consider Angellica for young audiences, but she's much more versatile than that. She can move seamlessly between fun and serious, she really holds the audience and she’s refreshingly flexible with things like timings and scripts.
Andrew Davis
by Jethro Fox
Andrew cuts through the gimmickry and helps you create a proper social media strategy. As well as waxing lyrical on how to create great content, he encourages you to pin down elusive ROI. But for me Andrew’s real magic is the way he equips you with the tools and confidence to keep making the right decisions - even when the game changes all over again.
PY Gerbeau
by Jethro Fox
Despite the fact that he lectures MBA students, there’s no jargon with PY. In his own disarming way, he makes it crystal clear that people are the most important asset in any organisation – so now more than ever, managers need to lead by example. This is real insight from a seasoned CEO and recovery expert. His messages will resonate with everyone.
Tim Harford
by Jethro Fox
The Undercover Economist was the first book I read when I joined JLA – since then I’ve never failed to be impressed by Tim. He makes you look at everything differently. Hearing his new speech on Big Data was a revelation: you realise the challenge is not to get the biggest data set, but the right data! He has a knack for making the seemingly impenetrable blissfully clear.
Margaret Heffernan
by Jethro Fox
The room falls silent whenever Margaret speaks – like a grounding, unifying experience. She speaks softly but confidently as she explains what we need from today’s leaders and how to optimise workplace culture. She tells stories of good and less good practice, backed up with top grade research and years of business experience. It isn’t rocket science, but that’s the point: she talks with such clarity and lack of cliché that every word sticks.
Fred MacAulay
by Jethro Fox
Fred is a national treasure in Scotland, but one of my London-based clients wasn't familiar with him and had always booked a name. Having worked with Fred for years I promised he would storm their awards and respect their senior audience. The day after the event the client declared that he’d delivered 100% – “and it reflected brilliantly on the organisers!”
Stephen Mangan
by Jethro Fox
The best awards host I've seen all year. If ‘briefability’ were a real word then Stephen has it in spades. The fact that the first winner of the evening ran up to the stage and greeted him with a double high five showed how brilliantly Stephen had immersed himself in the event.
John Barrowman
by Ruby Porter
John has the charm of Captain Jack, the professionalism of a primetime presenter and the talent to belt out a show tune - all good reasons to book him. He flirts with everyone and takes some beating if you’re looking for an injection of showbiz glitz.
Rt Hon Lord (David) Blunkett
by Ruby Porter
Whatever your own political persuasion, when you listen to David you realise his conviction is utterly genuine. Add the fact that he's been blind since birth, and his achievements begin to hit home. But what might really surprise you is the warmth, the wealth of anecdotes and a delightful sense of humour.
Fraser Doherty
by Ruby Porter
With his big smile and positive energy, Fraser radiates charm. You can’t help smiling back when he talks about selling jam door to door, and laughing out loud at the thought that his Grandma has no idea of the intellectual property value of her recipes. SuperJam seems to embody Fraser’s own character: authentic, unpretentious and with no added preservatives!
John Pienaar
by Ruby Porter
I’m always struck by the clarity with which John speaks about the complex issues facing political leaders, and the nation as a whole. He offers serious analysis, up to the minute information and behind the scenes insights into the goings-on at Westminster. But he also has a vast arsenal of anecdotes having spent many hundreds of hours grilling our lords and masters – and standing in front of 10 Downing Street in his favourite raincoat.
Russell Watson
by Ruby Porter
Apart from Russell’s unquestionable talent and the inspiring way he’s dealt with cancer, what I admire most is his warmth and approachability. Though clearly at home on the world stage, he genuinely loves connecting with small corporate audiences – it only takes a quaver for Russell have you spellbound.
Sir Ranulph Fiennes
by Lizzie Carr
Fiennes is a living legend. Behind the stiff upper lip and glorious wit is one of the most inspiring leaders you could ever encounter. He shows how his close-knit teams stay ahead of the competition by evaluating the terrain, challenging the status quo and embracing technology. The business analogy is obvious – the effect Ran has on audiences (of any nationality) is a joy to behold.
Timandra Harkness
by Lizzie Carr
Whenever she hears ‘the government has access to your intimate details, AI is already smarter than everybody you know,’ Timandra arches an eyebrow and says ‘Well, OK, maybe.’ That’s not a casual remark, it’s because she’s a serious scientific investigator set on distinguishing truth from myth. But she’s also a part-time stand-up, hence the fun she has conjuring up a reality show for robots. She’s a fascinating, illuminating, real life wizard.
Hamish Taylor
by Lizzie Carr
After proposing Hamish to one client, he immediately put together detailed examples of how he’d address their very exacting brief. He then delivered on it IN SPADES – giving delegates practical ideas for engaging their customers in a much more distinctive way. This has left me with an interesting challenge for the next event: now my client doesn’t believe anyone can top Hamish!
Marc Woods
by Lizzie Carr
If anyone can teach us a lesson about making the most of our circumstances it’s Marc. When he shows clips of the England team winning their gold medal, you can’t help but cheer as his teammate touches the finish line. When he explains just how everybody played their part, you can’t help but feel inspired.
Robert Guest
by Millie Thomas
The breadth of Robert's insight is so impressive. When I last saw him he pulled together anecdotes and analysis on the US, China and Russia – then related their economic policies to the situation in the UK. It made for some striking (and entertaining) contrasts. He takes big and contentious issues and explores their impact in a way that’s immediately relevant and engaging.
Alex Hunter
by Millie Thomas
Alex speaks with real authority on the successes (and setbacks) of online business, and how peer-to-peer collaboration is changing the consumer experience. His own enthusiasm onstage perfectly echoes his argument that an ability to build relationships with customers online and make them care is what makes you stand out in the increasingly competitive digital space.
Richard Parks
by Millie Thomas
Despite his reputation as an aggressive rugby player, Richard comes across as a humble guy. His irrepressible enthusiasm for death-defying exploits for charity can’t fail to raise a smile. More importantly, the way he's turned career-ending injury into a source of motivation is a terrific lesson for anyone.
Scott Seaborn
by Millie Thomas
Perfectly appropriate for both up-to-the-minute techies and pencil-and-paper types, Scott quickly wins the audience’s respect with live demos and great video shorts. Above all he has a knack for holding onto the ‘human’ in a world of seemingly limitless technological possibilities – reminding us to focus on the useful and ‘personable’ as well as the spellbinding.
Will Whitehorn
by Millie Thomas
What’s so impressive about Will is how passionate he is about new ideas and innovation, combined with a steely focus on beating the competition! Listening to his story, you realise you're getting an insight into the dawn of mankind's next giant leap – it’s hugely inspiring.
Clare Balding
by Anke Schuster
Wearing her conference presenter hat Clare brings a lightness of touch that gets the best out of anyone, from guest stars to business types. She makes it so easy for them to convey their own struggles and achievements – and she’s a joy to have on your team.
Sir Chris Hoy
by Anke Schuster
You rarely see an audience as awestruck as they are when Chris walks onstage. In an age full of so-called legends, he’s one of the few I work with who truly deserves the accolade - both for his achievements and the reaction he inspires. He exudes determination and charm, and despite all the medals his feet are still very firmly on the ground. He’s an inspiration, in every sense.
Rt Hon Michael Portillo
by Anke Schuster
Michael's charming, self-deprecating and always delivers the right blend of banter and content: it’s obvious he’s enjoying not being a politician. That said, he brings an enormous amount of heavyweight experience to bear – whether he’s facilitating a business debate, mapping out the geopolitical landscape at a conference, handing out industry awards or entertaining guests after dinner.
Juan Señor
by Anke Schuster
Every time I work with Juan he makes people’s lives easier. He puts clients’ minds at rest however tricky the brief, and he goes way beyond the call of duty. It feels like he’s one of the team working on the event, rather than the presenter.
Lisa Snowdon
by Anke Schuster
Lisa is a joy to work with, both before the event and on the day. She hosts awards with enthusiasm, charm and bags of authority – a true professional!
Matt Edmondson
by Nicola Jones
If you want to inject energy into awards, the diminutive Radio 1 presenter is well worth considering. He has natural enthusiasm, he makes everyone feel relaxed and he leads proceedings without ever succumbing to the temptation of making it all about him.
Leo Johnson
by Nicola Jones
Leo convinces you straight away of the importance of ‘future-proofing.’ It’s no mean feat to marry business priorities with the demands of sustainability. He does it with boundless Johnson charm, positivity and real insight backed up by fascinating case studies. I’ve never seen a more entertaining and thought provoking way to set out the challenges and eye up the possible solutions.
Baroness Manningham-Buller Former Head of MI5; Chair of the Wellcome Trust
by Nicola Jones
Leadership isn't just something Eliza talks about; it's there in everything she does. She handles questions brilliantly, her tone is steady and considered, and she holds the room in a way that only someone who’s used to being listened to can. In fact the former MI5 boss is disarmingly approachable, witty and warm (and not at all scary).
Paddy O’Connell
by Nicola Jones
Paddy exudes wonderful optimism at a time of spreading cynicism. He’s also a natural storyteller. What I like most is the cheeky glint in his eye - whether he’s talking about the joys of Eurovision or what’s it like to know that half your audience is only listening because they’re waiting for The Archers.
Robert Peston
by Nicola Jones
After switching from a business to a political brief just as the two have become closely intertwined, Robert is very well placed to consider what might happen next. He has inside knowledge of the pressure points, personalities and potential consequences in both camps – but he’s quick to admit the danger of making predictions. He guides you through the soap opera with gusto and a surprising amount of humour.
Kevin Keegan
by Jeremy Lee
Kevin’s talent for storytelling catches audiences by surprise. This is the tale of a boy from Doncaster who suddenly has the world at his feet, complete with the funniest slide show you’ve ever seen. There’s plenty of nostalgia, but it’s also uplifting – even if you don’t have an ounce of interest in football.
Magnus Lindkvist
by Jeremy Lee
With a dry Nordic dry wit and a multimedia presentation that makes you feel like you’re in a theatre, Magnus challenges our way of thinking about the future. While evolving technologies will have a huge impact, from ‘nanobots’ to new sources of energy, he turns many of our assumptions on their head and paints a reassuring picture of a human race confidently adapting to change.
Dr Pippa Malmgren
by Jeremy Lee
In uncertain times Pippa provides real nuggets of wisdom about the global economy. It's fascinating to listen to someone who talks with such fluency about the factors that are having an impact on just about everything we buy and sell. You walk away feeling much better informed and a little bit smug about the inside knowledge you've gleaned.
Daniel Tammet
by Jeremy Lee
Daniel failed at school. He's now a bestselling author, he speaks a dozen languages and he can visualise complex sums using just shapes and colours. When you hear him explain how he transfers these skills, you begin to realise everything can be seen through a different lens. Audiences come away inspired – thinking about ways to embrace change instead of fearing it.
Ian Thomas
by Jeremy Lee
Ian is one of the most captivating speakers I’ve ever seen. He’s not an actor, but nobody else can bring to life as vivid a picture of how lions behave - and then use it to demonstrate human teamwork. When he describes how a cub will chase a zebra knowing other members of the pride will join in, you can hear a pin drop. And you know the penny’s dropped too.
Guy Browning
by Emily Collier
In the words of one client, listening to Guy is “like being at The Comedy Store, but with a business message!” I’ve seen him have a group of stockbrokers on their feet impersonating athletes, pondering moral queries and roaring with laughter at his advice on how to manage your boss. They were putty in a master’s hands!
Bob Geldof
by Emily Collier
When Bob took to the stage, even the most serious looking business types pressed forward to listen. It's a cliché to describe a speaker having an audience 'spellbound' - but Bob's such a natural storyteller that he held their attention effortlessly, speaking without notes and from the heart. Afterwards he posed for selfies with everyone, including the event organisers!”
Russell Kane
by Emily Collier
Russell drops in hilarious quips throughout the evening. He's intelligent and respectful, but he’s also playful and cheeky – it’s very funny to see him put off his stride whenever a stunning looking woman joins him onstage. The audience is onside for the duration.
Michael Mosley
by Emily Collier
Michael’s tricky to pigeon-hole because he has so many strings to his bow, from popular science and technological innovation to NHS reforms. I always enjoy working with him – he takes the time to understand the background and really gets involved with the client. Michael even based one of his TV shows on an idea that stemmed from an event, so it’s clearly mutually beneficial!
Josh Widdicombe
by Emily Collier
The fresh-faced young comic comes out with unexpectedly dry humour. It’s observational comedy at its best, which will have the audience reminiscing and laughing as if they’re all in on a private joke.
by Ella O'Kane
If you’re after a big sports star, they don't come much bigger than Bruno. When a former heavyweight World Champion walks into the room it tends to focus the mind. With Garry Richardson as the interviewer, you get a story of extraordinary highs and lows – with a lot of laughs thrown in.
Nina Conti
by Ella O'Kane
You’re in for a treat with Nina, particularly if it’s one of your colleagues that gets pulled up onstage. With a wealth of characters at her fingertips it’s always going to be a fun show. I’m constantly amazed at her skill as well as her quick wit – especially when Monkey sings Time to Say Goodbye!
Dame Kelly Holmes
by Ella O'Kane
Though she's only five foot two Kelly's infectious laugh, her bright personality (and her love of the group selfie) could fill a room twice over. The lightness of her storytelling makes you have to remind yourself that she suffered set back after set back before winning her two gold medals. It's her strength in the face of failure that makes Kelly so empowering. You won't just feel a sense of awe, you'll want her to be your best friend too.
Professor Steve Peters
by Ella O'Kane
When Hoy, Wiggins and Pendleton all put their success down to one psychiatrist's mind management techniques, it doesn’t take a great leap to see that corporate audiences want to hear what they too can learn about their fears from Steve Peters. He’s known as a game changer. The question is, can you keep your inner chimp in its cage and perform under pressure???
Romesh Ranganathan
by Ella O'Kane
Romesh's onstage disdain for everyone and everything is utterly infectious. It's rare for someone playing the misanthrope to have so much charm, but he pulls off the perfect balance. His routine meanders over well-trodden paths, but every punch line feels fresh. Watch the audience roar their approval.
The Noise Next Door
by Ella O'Kane
I discovered this bunch at Edinburgh, the stand-out act in a strong year. Their quick wit can’t fail to impress - so it wasn’t surprising when they left the Real Variety Show audience wanting more. They’re fun, young, attention-grabbing and…. perhaps a little bit genius.
Professor Marcus du Sautoy
by Ella O'Kane
It's a wonderful thing when a seemingly dry subject is brought to life. As soon as he comes onstage Marcus grabs you, throwing out maths problems and then explaining where we’ve all gone wrong! It’s not new to say that maths is integral to everything, but Marcus goes way beyond platitudes and really gets down to the nitty gritty. Where was he when I needed him at school?!?
Caspar Berry
by Tom Mclaughlin
In his conference speech Caspar teaches you about probability and risk. After dinner he gives you a taste of the nerve tingling thrills of poker – complete with steely expressions, fingers tapping on chips and eyes darting around to detect a hint of weakness in others. It’s fabulous to see him generate so much excitement without anyone risking a bean of their own money!
Austin Healey
by Tom Mclaughlin
When I last worked with Austin the audience loved the travel stories he’d put together for his intro, the production team loved 28 awards being presented bang on time and the client loved the fact that their briefing had been followed to a tee. They were also chuffed he did a ‘Strictly’ twirl to kick the evening off!
John Humphrys
by Tom Mclaughlin
The nation's foremost interviewer brings a lighter touch than you might imagine when chairing company or industry conferences or hosting awards ceremonies. His gravitas and credibility however mean that delegates can be assured that their event is not being overtly stage managed nor participants spoon fed - and woe betide anyone who might think that is the case.
Dara O Briain Mock the Week
by Tom Mclaughlin
We’re often asked for a “safe, but edgy” name – someone sidesplittingly funny who will understand the audience, respect the event and follow the brief. Dara invariably shoots to the top of that list because he nails it time and again. He loves delving into other walks of life and coming up with killer industry gags.
Ellis Watson
by Tom Mclaughlin
If you want a speaker to spout the latest management theory, don't book Ellis. If you want enthusiasm and practical tips to equip your team for the challenge, you can’t do better. Ellis has been entrusted with turning around sizeable outfits, so when he talks about reigniting the passion in an organisation you know his words aren’t hot air. He really has been there and done it.
Will Gompertz
by Suzy Houghton
Will challenges any perceptions of the artistic world as a breeding ground for tormented, penniless outcasts. Instead he describes the most celebrated exponents as entrepreneurs with a sharp understanding of the zeitgeist. Along with some genuinely hilarious stories, Will’s message to business is crystal clear: to survive and thrive, we must all begin to think like artists.
Lucy Kellaway
by Suzy Houghton
Lucy’s has a rare ability to make the whole room laugh at itself! Her time at the FT has given her an abundance of beautifully observed stories about life in the corporate jungle, and especially how its inhabitants communicate. Each anecdote is both entertaining and utterly relatable. She not only shows up the madness of company jargon and office politics – she shows that we all tend to go along with it without question!
Andrew Neil
by Suzy Houghton
Andrew's knowledge of business and politics is encyclopaedic. He not only ‘gets’ speaking briefs, he’s also extremely useful to have onside. And he runs a very tight ship as a moderator, lightening the mood whenever he finds the opportunity. The result is that Andrew’s sessions become the creative spaces they’re meant to be – a million miles from Death by PowerPoint.
Rt Hon Lord (Sebastian) Coe
Reverend Richard Coles
by Carrie Ralfe
Richard's speech is one of the warmest I’ve heard. After a glance back to his days as a pop star, he describes the shock of wearing cassocks and sharing a dormitory at the age of 40. If you’re a fan of Rev. (for which he is the inspiration), Richard will leave you in fits of giggles.
Daryl Fielding
by Carrie Ralfe
Daryl adds wit and humility to an impressive resumé. She’s hugely personable and approachable – she seems to embody the ethos she's helped cultivate at brands and businesses across the board. She's also keen to share her sense of fun, tearing up the rulebook and laying some sacred cows to rest; but for me what makes Daryl an exceptional guest speaker is how sensitive she is to the culture and concerns of her audience.
Lesley Garrett
by Carrie Ralfe
Lesley is charming and easy to work with – and she delivers a blistering thirty minutes of entertainment. After her performance she mingles with guests and signs autographs – last time in Jersey we had to drag her away!
Myleene Klass
by Carrie Ralfe
Myleene is a woman of many talents, and she’s wonderfully accommodating. If it’s appropriate for the event, she’s happy to combine her presenting and musical skills. More than that, she creates genuine warmth the moment she steps onstage.
Tamara Lohan Founder & CEO, Mr & Mrs Smith
by Carrie Ralfe
You can tell that Tamara has poured her personality wholeheartedly into the business – that’s what makes her success story so enthralling. The main thing I take away is her ability to capture the value of personal touches in customer service, like sending a bottle of Italian olive oil to help you reminisce about your break in Tuscany. After listening to Tamara speak, I dare you not to go onto her website and book a holiday!
Lauren Laverne
by Scarlett Atherton
As well as having a finger on the pulse of current trends, what defines Lauren as an awards host is her warmth. She charms organisers, sponsors and most importantly the audience - and makes every winner feel that it’s their moment.And her Sunderland accent can’t fail to endear her to everyone!
John Lloyd
by Scarlett Atherton
It’s a mystery why the viewing public isn’t given a chance to see that John’s at least as funny as the stars he’s nurtured. Not only is he the man behind Bean and Blackadder, he also co-wrote After Liff with Douglas Adams. Besides the gags, John is so inspiring when he talks about QI changing the way we learn.
Nicky Moffat
by Scarlett Atherton
The thing that struck me most when I last saw Nicky speak was how many managers in the audience were avidly taking notes. She offers such tangible advice that it’s hard not to write it down straight away. Add some fascinating anecdotes about her experiences in the army, and she more than proves her point about the value of care and consistency in whichever industry you work. You come away from her speech with a couple of tips to try immediately!
Ian Moore
by Scarlett Atherton
Ian is proving an utterly safe pair of hands. I’ve seen him charm and entertain a big room as well as, if not better than any ‘celebrity’ comic. Sometimes it can be tense watching a corporate audience watching someone they don’t know – with Ian, the client and I were completely relaxed throughout.
Rory Sutherland
by Scarlett Atherton
As Creative Director of one the most successful ad agencies in the world, Rory wouldn't be out of place in a modern day version of Mad Men. You'll warm to him straight away. He overturns your assumptions, lets you in on branding secrets, and shows how human behaviour isn’t always logical – wrapping it all up with an easy humour and bundles of charm. You’ll come away buzzing with insights and ideas, and a knowing smile.
Ed Byrne
by Jessica Mears
Ed has a remarkable ability to judge audiences. Whatever mood you’re in before he walks on, you’ll be laughing at yourself by the end – and his jokes will follow you around the next day. I won’t be able to think about pillow talk in quite the same way ever again!
Giles Duley Photojournalist, Storyteller, Campaigner
by Jessica Mears
Giles is one of the greatest storytellers I’ve ever heard. Taking his time with details and with a surprising amount of humour, he shares his experience of dealing with the consequences of nearly being killed by an IED while putting all the focus on the refugees from war that he’s met along the way. He’s so compelling you could hear a pin drop; not just that, he leaves you inspired to do more and make a real difference.
Professor Martin Elliott
by Jessica Mears
An extraordinary leader in an extraordinary environment, it's hard not to feel humble listening to Martin! In a wonderfully focused way he makes you want to be receptive to new ideas wherever they come from. While his goal might be trying to fine tune the handover of a baby from operating table to intensive care unit, it’s clear that the principles are the same whatever the process and wherever people have to work together.
Debra Stephenson
by Jessica Mears
When you book Debra you get Miranda Hart, Davina McCall, Anne Robinson and more into the bargain: she’s an excellent impressionist. More than that, she’s lovely to work with – fun, gracious, encouraging and glamorous.
Alex Depledge
by Georgia Sharp
We’ve all had that feeling that we could be entrepreneurs, if we just had the time. Or the funds. Or the skills. Alex tells you that all you need is to be brave. With zero experience of coding, she and a friend built an app in her bedroom and turned it into a multi-million pound business. Alex’s talk is eye-opening, frank and at times very funny. It’s also truly inspiring, in an ‘anyone can do it’ way that’s more believable than any other entrepreneur I’ve heard.
Dawn O’Porter
by Georgia Sharp
Dawn's the sort of person you want to spend hours nattering to, but that isn’t what makes her special. When I last worked with her there was a technical problem and she just powered on unperturbed with absolute cool – she has areal gift for putting organisers and audience at ease.
Lord (Daniel) Finkelstein
by Rory Wilson
Danny has his audience in stitches with his collection of ‘Rules for Politics.’ I especially like the analogy with hotel towels – and what MPs can learn from footballers. As you’d expect, he also provides a great insight into who’s up to what (and why) in the Westminster village. As much of a joy to watch as he is to work with, Daniel has heads bobbing in agreement right from the off.
Paul Johnson
by Rory Wilson
Paul is clearly an accomplished economist, but it’s his delivery that sets him apart. Immediately likeable on stage, throwing in a bit of humour, Paul reels off statistics that highlight areas relevant to whichever industry he’s talking to and explains what they really tell us. Whether the brief is a general overview, an assessment of government policy or something more specific, Paul makes economics accessible to everyone – and even entertaining!
Paul Mason
by Rory Wilson
Paul makes economics and politics personal. Whether he’s exploring the impact of technology on democracy or the future of UK manufacturing, he contextualises his subject in a way that moves it from theory to real life cause and effect. But what I like most about Paul is that he's never afraid to provoke debate and state his own position!
Dan Cobley
by Shae Roberts
To say Dan has his finger on the pulse of technology is an understatement. His insights into what we should expect in our homes and businesses in the future are truly thought provoking – as is his advice on how to harness current technology to make a workplace thrive. You’re watching an expert at the top of his game, with a wonderfully accessible and humorous presentation style.
Mark Ormrod
by Paul Warran
The first thing to strike you about Mark is his resilience and humour. You’ll catch yourself laughing even as he describes retreating from the scene of the bomb blast, and wincing when he recalls standing on his prosthetic limbs forthe first time. The message is clear: measurable goals are the only way to overcome obstacles – whether in business or running across America.
Thimon de Jong
by Paul Warran
After a few moments being mesmerised by his Dutch accent, you realise that it isn’t just Thimon’s delivery that demands your attention. It’s his content. He has an extraordinary ability to deconstruct and explain our behaviour, and show companies how to get ahead of the curve. Suddenly the data start to look like potential customers. Whether or not you’re a digital evangelist (I’m not), you’ll come away with invaluable takeaways.