GEC’s main event kicks off today

THE headline event for Liverpool’s Global Entrepreneurship Congress takes place today with Sir Richard Branson leading a list of prestigous speakers set to address around 3,000 delegates.

Sir Richard will be accompanied by former Tesco chief executive Sir Terry Leahy, Lord Heseltine, Lastminute.com co-founder Martha Lane-Fox and King of Shaves founder Will King.

Liverpool Football Club managing director Ian Ayre, ex-Dragons’ Den panellist Doug Richard and Ella’s Kitchen founder Paul Lindley will also give talks, while stand-up comedian John Bishop will conclude the day’s events.

The event is hosted by Liverpool Vision and by the US-based Kauffman Foundation.
Liverpool Vision CEO Max Steinberg said: “The Global Entrepreneurship Congress is a landmark international event that will today celebrate the passion and innovation of businesses and entrepreneurs around the world.

“It forms a key part of our ambition to inspire and celebrate entrepreneurship in Liverpool and to create a meaningful legacy for the city.

“It is important that GEC 2012 reaches more than the 2,800 people booked to attend. This is not an exclusive event, it is for anyone with an ambition, talent or an idea.”

Jonathan Ortmans, chairman of the GEC and president of Global Entrepreneurship Week, said: “In today’s tough economic climate, entrepreneurs have never been more important in creating jobs and driving economic growth.

“The Global Entrepreneurship Congress will today provide insights into how to inspire more of us to unleash our winning spirit now – just when our nations need it most.”

The event will also be streamed live via the gec2012.com website.