Friday 6th June - The Yorkshire International
Business Convention

Yorkshire International Business Convention

Gemtec Arena, Hull

Yorkshire International Business Conference at the Gemtec Arena in Hull on Friday 6th June drew an incredible line-up of public speaking talent. Sir Bob Geldof, George Foreman, Elle Macpherson, Richard Reed and Major Phil Ashby all appeared live in the city this year.

Reacting to the impressive line-up, delegates were keen to snap up tickets for the event. 700 people crammed the venue, a figure that breaks all previous attendance records for the event.

Mike Firth, who organised YIBC, said: “We had an incredible response from the business community and our sponsors, who showed superb support in response to the programme
of speakers that we assembled.”

The day got off to a dramatic start, with actors from Hull Truck Theatre performing a specially adapted version of John Godber’s hit play Bouncers.

With George Foreman’s arrival curtailed due to helicopter delays, organisers had to reshuffle the planned programme - not that any of the delegates were aware of the behind-the-scenes challenges.

Out front, the day unfurled smoothly. Major Phil Ashby mesmerised the audience when revealing how he escaped from the clutches of rebel forces in Sierra Leone in 2000, demonstrating the heroism and courage that earned him the Queen’s Gallantry Medal.

Richard Reed explained how his student life was overhauled when he founded Innocent Drinks; Elle Macpherson discussed how underwear proved to be her making and George Foreman revealed how he made the journey from street fighter to World Heavyweight Champion to becoming the name that sold 100m Lean Mean Grilling Machines.

Victoria Climbié’s mother Berthe made a surprise and moving appearance at YIBC, appearing on stage to tumultuous applause. Berthe thanked the Hull and Humber business community for providing a new school in Abobo in the Ivory Coast and their continued efforts to raise money to fund the school.

However, it was Sir Bob Geldof who created the biggest stir on the day, delivering a speech that was clearly targeted specifically at the region’s business community. Sir Bob, dressed in his finest blue pin stripe suite, announced that the entrepreneurs in the Gemtec hold the key to the successful regeneration of the region. “You are the ones that will do it,” he said - words that echoed around the arena.

The day also included a lunch, a host of opportunities for delegates to network and fundraising to raise further money for The Victoria Climbié Charitable Trust.

Funding an African school’s long-term future

Berthe Climbié, Victoria Climbié’s mother, was on hand at the YIBC in Hull and Harrogate on Friday 6th June and received a tremendous reception. The business community at both events and throughout Business Week 2008 responded by donating enough money to fund 15 teaching posts at the primary school on the Ivory Coast that was built in memory of Victoria.

Eight years ago, Victoria Climbié was sent to England to stay with her aunt in London to have the opportunity to attend school. There was no local school and the nearest was several hours’ walk away. Tragically she never went to a school; she was incarcerated by her aunt, abused and murdered.

Berthe’s presence reminded delegates just why the fundraising effort is so important. A DVD that featured Fiona Bruce was also played to reinforce the message that money is now required to cover the school’s operating costs.

Nigel Richardson, Director of Children and Young People’s Services for Hull City Council, served on the major inquiry chaired by Lord Laming, following Victoria’s murder. He said: “Berthe received a fantastic reception at both venues on YIBC day. Raising enough money to fund 15 teaching posts is tremendous news and from that perspective the charity did very well indeed.”

Backstage in Hull, speaker Sir Bob Geldof spoke at length with Berthe Climbié and went on to implore delegates to dig deep to raise even more money.

Nigel Richardson added: “Sir Bob was extremely supportive on the day and many delegates spoke at the end of the day to offer their ongoing support.

“Business Week and YIBC committed themselves to the charity for three years and by this time next year the school will be up and running. There’s a need to keep raising money to cover staff and operating costs but we are sure that people will continue to respond positively.”

Paul Sewell, who founded Business Week, added: “I am delighted that delegates, sponsors and organisers of Business Week 2008 and YIBC were fully behind this initiative once again and it is marvellous that we will be able to make a positive difference Berthe Climbié, Victoria Climbié’s mother, was on hand to the lives of so many children.”