Why I attend the EC F
The next EC Forum is just around the corner, taking place at the Royal Institution of Great Britain in London on Monday, 30th September 2013. I chaired the first ever forum in 2005 and I haven’t missed a single one since.
ago and now it’s on the tip of every government minister’s tongue. This is entirely understandable, as entrepreneurs make money for society and governments spend it! As the government continues to realise that a great rotation is required, from the public to the private sector, the focus around helping entrepreneurs on their path to success has never been stronger, making this an ideal time to visit entrepreneurcountry.
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Founded by First Tuesday co-founder Julie Meyer, entrepreneurcountry aims to unlock entrepreneurial potential in every individual, and has a manifesto which includes:
- Leaders are those who create trust in society and their business, and that trust is efficient. Success is forged through competition. Human greatness is possible precisely because people are not the same and they have the option to choose whether they want to lead or follow.
- Successful entrepreneurs cite common factors that shape their unique drive, self-belief and desire to create and contribute – education, travel, opportunities to test what they can do as individuals, learning how to ‘sell’ early in life, strong teachers, business role models, parents and mentors who honestly encouraged them to be everything they could be. These are areas that we must focus on, providing them to as many young people as possible.
These ideas of success through competition, education and mentorship are key to the EC Forums. Attendees typically range from serial entrepreneurs, fast-growth start-ups, investors, industry thought leaders and the occasional celebrity entrepreneur.
There are usually around 300-400 people at each event, and the eclectic range of attendees is a large part of what helps to make the event so unique. Serial entrepreneurs and investors get to meet the next generation of start-ups; companies that go onto be digital innovators and game changers, and absolutely everyone is made to feel equal and valuable. There are few events that so successfully
12 entrepreneurcountry
f you haven’t been before, it’s an inspiring and valuable day. The word ‘entrepreneur’ was virtually unheard of a few years
involve the entirety of the community.
The way the day is structured continues this theme of diversity and contrast, as it is broken up into different sections that allow attendees to listen to talks across a range of topics relevant to business owners. One moment you might be listening to Dr. Mike Lynch speak about building a billion dollar company, or you may hear Jo Malone speak on how she overcame dyslexia and serious illness to launch one of Britain’s most iconic brands. Bruce Dickinson spoke at last year’s Forum, sharing what entrepreneurial lessons he took from being the lead singer of rock band Iron Maiden. As well as being in a room with some of the globe’s most successful entrepreneurs, you also get to meet like-minded business owners and share ideas and inspiration.
Those attending will enjoy an extremely high quality event that is well put together and terrifically executed with inspiring guest speakers who have been there, done it and bought the t-shirt. In my opinion, the bi-annual forums are the highlight of entrepreneurcountry’s calendar.
Delegates will leave the forum with a raft of benefits including new contacts, fresh insights and ideas, and possible mentors, investors and advisers. I look forward to meeting you in entrepreneurcountry!
Guy Rigby is the head of the entrepreneurial services group at Smith & Williamson, the accountancy and investment management group. Speak to him at the forum to get commercial, financial or taxation advice on your personal or business affairs. You can also email him at
guy.rigby@smith.williamson.co.uk.
Disclaimer By necessity this briefing can only provide a short overview and it is essential to seek professional advice before applying the contents of this article. No responsibility can be taken for any loss arising from action taken or refrained from on the basis of this publication. Article correct at time of writing.
Smith & Williamson LLP Regulated by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales for a range of investment business activities. A member of Nexia International.
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