Professionals across East Anglia will join in the iconic debating chamber of the Cambridge Union on June 27th to hear entrepreneurs and esteemed business leaders, including Dragon Den’s star Piers Linney and ‘Lord of the realm’ Lord Karan Bilimoria, the co-founder of Cobra Beer, driving force behind Xero in the UK and a legend of the Cambridge Phenomenon, debate the motion ‘Start-Up Eats Scale-Up for Breakfast’. The event is set to ignite a spirited discussion between both sides and offer attendees a chance to network in one of Cambridge’s acclaimed buildings.
This event with be the fourth of its kind organised by local CEO and business owner Gareth John, to bring together business professionals to debate topics relevant to the regional business ecosystem. The event will see three experienced entrepreneurs and business leaders debating on each side of the merits and challenges of ‘start-ups’ versus ‘scale-ups’. The night hopes to be a light-hearted but competitive contest covering skill set, mindset, resourcing, financing, marketing and a range of other facets of these two stages in the growth of a successful business.
Chaired by former BBC radio presenter Jeremy Sallis, the full lineup of debaters include:
- Lord Karan Bilimoria: Co-founder of Cobra Beer, champion of entrepreneurship, diversity and global cooperation
- Piers Linney: Technology entrepreneur and advocate, former Dragons’ Den investor
- Qun Yang: Co-founder of Biorbyt Ltd, chartered accountant, and multiple award winner
- David Cleevely CBE: Entrepreneur, technology innovator, and start-up mentor
- Anne Bailey: Co-founder of Form the Future, focused on education and social impact
- Gary Turner: Former CEO of Xero UK, now an angel investor and strategic advisor
The highly anticipated event will begin with a drink reception at 17:00, followed by the main debate starting at 18:15. After two hours of persuasive views on both proposing and opposing sides, as well as contributions from the audience, attendees can then cast their vote for or against the motion. There will then be time for drinks and a chance for more networking at The Orator bar next door.
This event promises to be a lively and insightful evening attended by many professionals across East Anglia, leaving attendees with valuable insight into expert’s experiences in starting up and scaling up businesses.
To secure a place at the event, please complete the registration form available here: www.firstintuition.co.uk/fihub/great-debate-at-the-cambridge-union/
For any questions, please email ficambridge@firstintuition.co.uk.