Record number of tickets already sold for YIBC conference

EXCITEMENT is growing after a record number of tickets have already been sold for this year's premier business conference – the Yorkshire International Business convention (YIBC).

With another intriguing line-up of high-profile speakers set to grace Bridlington Spa on Friday, June 7, excitement is building.

This year's event will see more faces from the world of business as the capacity increases to enable the event to hold even more people. There will be about 750 places this year, approximately 100 more than in previous years.

About 500 places have already been sold – a record number for this time of year.

YIBC organiser Dr Paul Sewell OBE said: "We have sold a record number of tickets. We would usually be around halfway there at this point but have sold about 500 already."

This year's event will feature speakers including wheelchair athlete David Weir, Professor Brian Cox and Sir Terry Leahy.

David Weir is perhaps best known for winning four gold medals at the London Paralympic games. This awe- inspiring achievement left him described as the best wheelchair athlete ever, with a motivational story well worth hearing.

Professor Cox shot to fame as a band member of D:Ream. His fame now continues in the world of astrophysics and he is a world-renowned television astrologer.

He is a professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester. He is also a winner of the prestigious British Association Lord Kelvin Award for his work promoting science.

Sir Terry Leahy built Tesco into the largest British retailer and the third-largest retailer in the world measured by revenues. He is arguably one of the most successful retailers in modern times.

Managing director of Sewell Group Paul Sewell will be running things as the £21m Bridlington Spa takes centre stage to host the event.

He will be aiming to build on the success of last year's event, which saw speakers including Mary Portas, Kevin Keegan, Michael Portillo and Steve Cram.

Mr Sewell said the feedback from last year's YIBC revealed that people thought it was the best ever. They hope to top that with this year's conference

He said: "The blend of speakers worked well last year. The feedback was great.

"We are looking to build on the success of last year with this year's convention."

The reputation of the YIBC has continued to grow since businessman Mike Firth launched the convention in 1994.

Over the years, with a continuous high-calibre line- up of speakers to inform and entertain crowds, its popularity has soared.

Mr Sewell said: "I am really looking forward to it. It will be evolving and we are now starting to fully explore the potential of the venue."

The YIBC will once again act as the climax of this year's Business Week, which takes place from Monday, June 3.

Mr Sewell said: "It is our business celebration.

"We like intriguing figures.

"I think we have been successful because we do not get the normal speakers.

"Brian Cox is a very high profile figure and is very popular at the moment.

"We think that, due to his background, he will be an intriguing speaker.

"We had such a wonderful year in 2012 with the Olympics. David will give some continuity from that, with his impact on the Paralympics."

Mr Sewell said that Sir Terry Leahy will be a great asset to the event with his business knowledge and his work he has done in his home city of Liverpool.

He said: "I think these speakers are a great start."

The official launch will be on Tuesday, January 29 when one more speaker will be announced.

Visit www.yibc.biz for tickets and more details.