MARKETING guru and
Observer columnist Steve Clarke has been picked by TV’s
Dragons’ Den star James Caan to join an elite team of business brains.
The Little Easton businessman, who started working life as an 18-year-old petrol pump attendant before ‘retiring’ at 45 as the sales director of a Harlow-based IT company, is teaming up with the celebrity venture capitalist as part of Caan’s new Entrepreneurs Business Academy (EBA).
Steve, who owns Eureka Sales Solutions, will be one of a select team of four mentors seeking to inspire and motivate aspiring, successful or downtrodden businessmen and women looking to escape the recessional doom and gloom.
Steve, 49, who shares his top business tips in the
Observer every fortnight, said: “I was naturally delighted to be invited to join the team.
“Let’s face it, James Caan could have his pick of the nation’s finest business mentors and I’ve been singled out as someone who he feels can help business owners boost their sales and someone he’s happy to put his reputation behind.
“My personal mission is to help as many people as possible achieve their goals and succeed in business.
“There’s no doubt that thanks to James Caan’s high profile and the quality of the support we’re going to deliver through the EBA, I will now be able to assist even more people.”
Since joining
Dragons’ Den in 2007, the serial entrepreneur has invested almost £1m in 14 businesses pitched by the public.
One of the UK’s top businessmen, he founded leading HR outsourcing company Alexander Mann Group and co-founded executive head-hunting firm Humana International, which has almost 150 offices in 30 countries.
On March 4, Steve will be showcasing the EBA at The Big Event at the Fielder Conference Centre in Hatfield. It will offer the chance to hear what the best of the best are up to, get tips and advice, and meet key members of the business community.
The event encompasses keynote speakers, workshops, round-table discussions, seminars and plenty of networking time.
On the day, Steve, author of How to Thrive Not Just Survive, will be hosting two workshops offering business owners guidance and inspiration on gaining a competitive edge.
For more information about the EBA or The Big Event, visit
www.eurekasales.co.uk/events .