News Archive

Durham Convention set to impress

(18 April 2011)

Durham Business School has lined up a series of inspirational speakers for its annual convention as it marks 25 years of the school's prestigious MBA programme.

The third annual Durham Convention will take place on Friday, June 3, with the event already becoming one of the biggest dates on the region’s business calendar.

Last year’s speaker and networking event attracted more than 100 attendees, with the Business School hoping to attract an even greater number this time around as it marks the silver jubilee of the School's MBA.

The event, which is open to the public, forms part of a wide-ranging weekend of activties for Durham Business School alumni, including MBA refresher courses, a beer tasting evening, and an alumni ball.

A Durham graduate who has gone on to major success in the business world will be among the keynote speakers at the Convention - economics graduate and founder and managing director of Gu Chocolate Puds, James Averdieck.

He will talk about his 'eureka moment' and what it took to become a successful entrepreneur, turning his idea into a globally- recognised product which generated an annual turnover of £22.5 within seven years.

Also due to appear is a familiar face to anyone who watched the BBC’s Working Lunch. Adam Shaw is currently business presenter on BBC Radio 4’s flagship news and current affairs programme Today, and will be bringing a wealth of expertise and insights into economics and business trends.

Completing the line-up are two inspitational women: Tracy Playle, Picklejar Communications, speaking on the impact of social media, trends and approaches to using online media for marketing and communications, and Rona Cant, a single parent-cum-round-the-world yachtswoman, who has been motivating businesses and individuals for the last eight years. 

Professor Rob Dixon, Dean of Durham Business School, said: "We are looking forward to hosting this, the third Durham Convention.

"We shall be welcoming some remarkable speakers and I am sure that everyone at the convention will be inspired by their entrepreneurial spirit and leadership qualities."

The event is open to business leaders from the North East and takes place at the Business School in Durham.

In order to secure a place at the convention, email dbs.events@durham.ac.uk