Karren Brady, Britain’s most powerful businesswoman and Lord Sugar’s right-hand woman on The Apprentice, has today been announced as the first keynote speaker for the Business Showcase South West 2014.
The event will celebrate the best of the region’s commerce, innovation, creativity, enterprise and sustainability. 
Swindon and Wiltshire firms are being invited to take part in the event, which is staged at Bristol’s Colston Hall on April 8.
Ms Brady, pictured, is also Small Business Ambassador to the Government and was voted as one of the 100 most powerful women in the world by Cosmopolitan magazine.
Around 80 exhibitors are expected to take part in the event, which aims to attract thousands of delegates.
The event is the brainchild of Bristol-based entrepreneur, journalist and TV presenter Jamie Breese, who launched the successful Only Connect networking business in early 2008.
Only Connect is now one of the largest open networking events in the UK attracting more than 500 guests to each occasion.
Jaime was inspired by Only Connect’s success – it has staged more than 22 signature events – to plan a business exhibition and event to showcase the best of the South West.
Business Showcase South West 2014 will feature multiple zones for businesses – from small firms to the region’s largest multinationals – to present and promote their products and services.
The show will be free for all delegates. The day will round off with an Only Connect networking event in the evening.
