Azeem Ibrahim - Thursday 11th March - The Hilton Hotel, Glasgow
Glasgow born Azeem Ibrahim has been described by his peers as a brilliant young scholar, financial wizard, and gifted entrepreneur. He is one of the UK's youngest and fastest-growing multi-millionaires and was inaugurated onto The Sunday Times Scots Rich List at the age of just 31, with an estimated fortune of US $106 million.

In 2007, Azeem became the youngest member of the Bank of Scotland Asian Power 100. This list, produced by Carter Anderson, described him as one of the most influential and highest-achieving people in Britain. In the same year, Azeem entered the Observer Courvoisier Future List - a definitive list of what the Observer newspaper describes as the country's most forward-thinking and brightest young innovators.

In December 2007, a Scottish Parliament motion signed by a number of MSPs congratulated Azeem and his contribution to the country and in April 2008 Azeem accepted the Lloyds TSB and KPMG Business and Commerce Excellence Jewel Award. His achievements have attracted considerable recognition around the globe and over the last few years Azeem has met and advised a number of world leaders, including the UK government, the Prime Minister of Turkey, leaders in the Gulf States, and President Bush in the White House.
You can read more about Azeem here.

Click here to read Azeem's top tips on "Leadership"

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Get Advice On How To Grow Your Business and Manage Growth From The Man Behind One of the Fastest Growing Companies In Scotland

21st October, 7.00 pm

Microsoft Scotland HQ, Edinburgh

Robert Graham - Thursday 15th April - Le Monde Hotel, Edinburgh
We are proud to have Robert Graham, the managing director of Graham's The Family Dairy, and the Ernst and Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2009 speaking at The Young Entrepreneurs Network.

Under Robert's guidance Graham's Dairies has become Scotland's largest independent dairy company, driving the market share in a competitive market. Robert's entrepreneurial drive, has been the catalyst for the company to post record results last year, with turnover increasing by 20 per cent to £40m (2008: £33.4m) and pre-tax profits were £820,959 (2008: £721,953). Graham's Dairies is one of the country's largest employers, employing over 300 staff and partnering with more than 50 Scottish farmers. Robert fought off competition from 30 of Scotland's leading business men and women to pick up the award of Ernst and Young Scotland Entrepreneur of the Year 2009. You can read more about Robert here.

Click here to read Robert's top tips on "Taking on the Big Boys

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Mick Jackson - Thursday 20th May - Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow
Founder of Wildday, one of the largest online outdoor-equipment stores his own charity Wildhearts in Action, which sells office supplies to raise finance for helping disadvantaged people in East Africa. The inspiration behind this charity came from a climbing expedition experience: Mick Jackson turned back during his attempt to climb the K2 to save the life of a dying sherpa, carrying him for four days to safety. The experience taught him the true nature of humanity and he promised that if he was spared he would make a difference when he returned. WildHearts in Action is the fulfillment of that promise. Mick Jackson won the Entrepreneur of the Year and TOP SCOT (the ceremonies highest accolade) at the prestigious Glenfiddich Spirit of Scotland awards. The Awards are an open public vote and are widely regarded as the most prestigious national awards in Scotland with celebrities such as JK Rowling among previous Top Scot winners. Mick is a professional, international business speaker and is widely recognized as one of the most inspiring speakers of his generation. You can read more about Mick here.

Click here to read Mick’s top tips on "using your business to make a positive influence in the world!"

Click here to see photos from this event.

Bill Jamieson – Wednesday 30th June  – The Glass House Hotel, Edinburgh
Bill Jamieson is Executive Editor of The Scotsman writing regularly on finance and economics as well as politics and current affairs. He is also the economics columnist for Scotland on Sunday and a contributor to the Spectator Business magazine, City AM and a regular commentator on business and economics affairs for BBC Scotland. In 2009 he won Business Journalist of the Year and overall Journalist of the Year in the Scottish Press Awards, and he'll be advising your business on the best way to gain press stunts, the best way to press coverage and how to effectively promote your business for free.

Click here to read Bill’s top tips on "using the media to benefit your business" – all from the man widely recognized as Scotland's best journalist!

Click here to see photos from this event.

Dr Rabinder Buttar - Thursday 23rd September - The George Hotel, Edinburgh

Dr Rabinder Buttar President is the founder and CEO of ClinTec International Ltd - Scotland’s leading global clinical research organisation. Rabinder is one of Scotland’s most successful female entrepreneurs and was recently included in Real Business’ List of Britain’s 100 Most Entrepreneurial Women. She has also been the recipient of a number of prestigious business awards, including The Institute of Directors (IOD) Director of the Year for Glasgow and the West of Scotland 2010, the Business & Commerce Excellence Award at the Lloyds TSB Jewel Awards and the Scots Business Women of the Year 2009. This year Rabinder won the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year 2010, crowning her as one of Scotland's most enterprising and highly respected individuals.

Using her vast expertise, acquired whilst employed by major international pharmaceutical organisations, Dr. Buttar has transformed ClinTec from a company launched from her home, into a universally respected clinical research organisation with a presence in over 40 countries. ClinTec has an established presence in all major global pharmaceutical markets as well as all emerging markets of Asia, Latin America, Middle East and Africa.

As well as developing novel medicines, Dr Buttar has joined a number of trade missions (including Healthcare in the field of Diabetes) with key political figures such as Alastair Darling, Gordon Brown and Ann Keen.

Gio Benedetti - Thursday 14th October - Blythswood Square Hotel, Glasgow

Giovanni Benedetti came to Scotland from Italy at the age of 9 and worked in his Uncle’s café during his spare time. At the age of 19 Giovanni purchased a small Dry Cleaning Shop which expanded within 8 years to 16 shops servicing Ayrshire and the Glasgow area. In 1981 a new company “ICS” was formed to exploit his new and innovative process development for reclaiming industrial gloves. ICS grew to £12m turnover servicing customers including Ford, Vauxhall, Rover, Nissan, Lucas, GKN and Tesco. It was sold in 1989 for £15m. In 1987 Giovanni took over Silcock Express. The company grew from £36m to £120m and was sold in 1993 for £52m. Wrapfilm, a small £2m turnover Cling Film and Foil converting company was purchased in 2000. This grew to £36m and was sold to Management at the end of 2007 for £21m with Giovanni remaining a Director and retaining a major shareholding.

Today, Giovanni is Chairman of Benedetti International PLC, consisting of Wallace Cameron, UK’s leading First Aid Company and Benedetti design division. Gio has been recognised for his business acumen in both Italy, with a Commendatore Gold Award in 2005 and in the UK in 2006 with a CBE.