By Daniel Hunter
Deputy Prime Minister and MP for Sheffield Hallam Nick Clegg will today (Friday) back Britain’s entrepreneurs at the launch of MADE: The Entrepreneur Festival 2012.
Against a backdrop of recession, austerity and a mounting eurozone crisis, this year’s MADE Festival will focus on how entrepreneurs can put the great back into Britain.
Running between 19-22 September, it will bring together more than 3,000 British inventors, designers, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and UK policy-makers for a three-day masterclass on creating and building a fast-growth business.
The Deputy Prime Minister will announce the “Made in Britain” theme for this year’s festival at an official launch reception today, hosted in Sheffield by sponsors Irwin Mitchell.
A stellar line-up of speakers will also be unveiled, including Betfair founder Ed Wray, Cobra Beer chairman Lord Bilimoria, Dragons’ Den star Peter Jones CBE and Robin Rowland of Yo! Sushi.
Returning to the festival will be Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills, Rt Hon Dr Vince Cable MP, who will be joined by: Lord Young of Graffham, Prime Minister's Enterprise Advisor; Rt Hon David Blunkett MP, former Home Secretary; and Nick Baird, chief executive, UKTI.
"This year's MADE: The Entrepreneur Festival will celebrate the very best of UK enterprise. From iconic British designer Wayne Hemingway to manufacturer Charles Morgan of The Morgan Motor Company, the event will showcase this country's brilliant business talent," Deputy Prime Minister and Sheffield Hallam MP Nick Clegg commented.
“The Coalition Government is committed to being on the side of the entrepreneur. The number of new business start-ups last year was one of the highest in our history — and we want to encourage that trend.
“And I am particularly proud that this great event is taking place in Sheffield, once again giving us a chance to showcase the innovation and creativity of this great city.”
Michael Hayman, chairman of MADE and co-founder of Seven Hills and StartUp Britain, said:
“MADE champions entrepreneurs, Britain's new steel. This year the festival focuses on two big themes, Made In Britain and Going Global. It seeks to inspire and accelerate Britain's brilliant makers and inventors, exporters and innovators. MADE welcomes some of the biggest names in business and public life and is a landmark event on the commercial calendar.
"It will deliver a world class showcase of practical sessions, exhibitions and fringe events all with the aim of helping entrepreneurs to make their business great. This year marks the third MADE Festival, a transformational hat trick of inspiration for business and the city alike. I am thrilled to be chairing it."
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