One of the UK’s leading business figures is coming to Coventry to share with businesses why he believes Britain is stronger in Europe.
Former Marks & Spencer Chief Executive and Chairman Stuart Rose is speaking at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce’s first Business Big Breakfast Club event, which it is launching in partnership with Wasps and the Ricoh Arena.
The events will bring key figures from the world of business and politics to the region to discuss major issues that impact on the local, regional and UK economy.
Lord Rose is the Chair of Britain Stronger In Europe, the cross-party, cross-sector organisation campaigning for Britain to remain in Europe. He will discuss the role of Europe in helping British businesses grow ahead of the forthcoming referendum on Britain’s membership of the European Union.
The event is taking place on Tuesday, February 23, from 7.45am to 9.30am at the Ricoh Arena and will cost £45 to attend.
Chamber Chief Executive Louise Bennett said: “We are delighted that Lord Rose will be joining us for our first Business Big Breakfast Club event in February.
“He is a business leader that so many admire and with the EU referendum firmly on the agenda, it’s great to be able to get him in front of an audience of business people in Coventry and Warwickshire to hear his views.
“This will be the first of quarterly breakfast events and, on each occasion, we will look to ensure a major topic that affects every business in Coventry and Warwickshire – either directly or indirectly.”
Lord Rose was Chief Executive of Marks & Spencer from 2004 to 2011 and chairman from 2008 to 2011. After starting his career with M&S in 1971, he was chief executive of Argos, Booker and Arcadia. He is currently chairman of Ocado, FatFace and Oasis Dental Care.
In 2008, he was knighted for services to the retail industry and corporate social responsibility. In 2014, he became a Conservative member of the House of Lords, and wrote a report on the management of the National Health Service.
Andy Gibb, Managing Director of the Ricoh Arena, said: “We look forward to welcoming Lord Rose to the Ricoh Arena and to hearing his views on Britain’s membership of Europe.
“His vast experience of the business world means his opinions are worth listening to and he is a fantastic speaker to have secured to launch the Chamber’s new Business Big Breakfast Club.”
Wasps are sponsoring each of the quarterly breakfast meetings taking place at the Ricoh Arena and working closely with Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce to ensure that this becomes an event that is well attended by key businesses throughout the region.