Cornwall Business Awards Announce Celebrity Speaker

03.03.11

The Cornwall Development Company has announced that Pete Waterman OBE will be the celebrity speaker at the Cornwall Business Awards 2011, the most prestigious business awards event in the county.

In a career spanning some 40 years, Waterman has sold in excess of 500 million records worldwide and been instrumental in the development of dozens of internationally successful acts such as Kylie Minogue, Rick Astley, Bananarama and Steps.

Pete Waterman says: “From small beginnings it is through being entrepreneurial that I have developed my own businesses. I am passionate about the power of entrepreneurs to transform individual lives and economies.

“I have built a significant part of my career on the ability to spot talent and never cease to be amazed by how much talent there is at every level of society.

“In Cornwall, there has never been a shortage of talented entrepreneurs. It is that talent and energy that is behind the economic resurgence that we are now seeing happening in Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and I am looking forward to meeting some of the outstanding businesses which are helping propel Cornwall into a bright new future”.

Suzanne Bond, Chief Executive of Cornwall Development Company, says: “We are delighted that Pete Waterman, who is himself a successful entrepreneur with a wide range of business interests, will be joining us at the Cornwall Business Awards as these shine the spotlight on the stars of today’s vibrant business community in Cornwall.

“This is the sixth year that Cornwall Development Company has staged the Cornwall Business Awards and every single year, the range and quality of businesses entering seems to be higher.”

Carolyn Rule, Cornwall Council’s Cabinet Member for Economy and Regeneration, adds “I would urge any business that is thinking of entering to make sure that they throw their hat in the ring. Winning one of the Cornwall Business Awards is great news for a business and recognition for its staff.”

Rachel Jones of Fit ’n’ Fun Kids in Falmouth, who has twice previously won the coveted award for ‘Best Entrepreneur’, says: “The Cornwall Business Awards are a great opportunity to shine the spotlight on small businesses which may otherwise stay low profile. There are many terrific businesses that are doing amazing things in their own field but may not be well known by a wider public. This is an opportunity to highlight, share and celebrate those achievements.”