A revered figure in British business and a true son of Doncaster, Lord Graham Kirkham is set to make a significant appearance at the upcoming 2024 Doncaster, What’s Next? Business Conference.
This event will provide an opportunity for him to reflect on his remarkable entrepreneurial journey and share his vision for the future of his beloved hometown.
Lord Kirkham’s Inspirational Journey
Born and raised in Doncaster, Lord Kirkham exemplifies the self-made success story. At the age of 25, he started his first venture by renting a room above a snooker hall in Carcroft, where he produced high-quality furniture sold directly to the public. His strategy of bypassing warehouse dealers allowed him to offer competitive prices, a move that catalyzed the growth of his business.
Originally known as Northern Upholstery, this venture eventually evolved into DFS, a major retail giant. When DFS went public in 1993, it was valued at an impressive £271 million.
A Legacy Beyond Business
Lord Kirkham’s contributions extend far beyond founding DFS. He has been a major shareholder and director at the Iceland supermarket chain and served as the long-standing chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. His philanthropy is well-documented, with significant support for numerous charities.
As a member of The House of Lords, he has played an active role in politics and public service. His accolades include two knighthoods, a life peerage, and the Freeman of the City of Doncaster title, alongside the Doncaster Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement Award.
The 2024 Doncaster, What’s Next? Business Conference
The Doncaster Chamber is thrilled to announce Lord Kirkham as a keynote speaker at its forthcoming conference on June 5th, 2024, at the Legacy Centre in Doncaster. This event, a highlight of the regional business calendar, will see Lord Kirkham share his insights on the future of Doncaster, drawing from his extensive experience in various business sectors and public service.
Joining Lord Kirkham are other influential figures, including Mayor Ros Jones CBE, Damian Allen (Chief Executive of City of Doncaster Council), Ed Miliband MP, Nick Fletcher MP, Mark Taylor (Founder of Automated Analytics), and Bim Afolami MP, Economic Secretary to the Treasury.
A Platform for Visionary Dialogue
Dan Fell, Chief Executive of Doncaster Chamber, emphasized the importance of the conference:
“Our business conference is a true highlight in the calendar each year, giving attendees an opportunity to participate in a high-level discussion about our city’s assorted fortunes and aspirations. We always come away from the event feeling galvanized and eager to do what we can to help Doncaster reach its full potential.”
He continued,
“Having Lord Kirkham participate in the conversation this time around will be an immense privilege. Given how much he has achieved over the course of his illustrious career, I am positive that the audience will be interested in what he has to say and that he will have an insightful perspective to share on a great number of topics.”
Lord Kirkham echoed this sentiment:
“I owe stellar gratitude to the City of Doncaster. My family and I grew up here, my values and standards were formed here, and the foundations of my business career were built here. It will be an absolute privilege to share my lifetime of knowledge, proven business concepts, hard-earned experience, passionate beliefs, and insights with delegates at this business conference in June.”
A Gathering of Influential Minds
The Doncaster, What’s Next? Business Conference is an annual event that brings together high-profile business leaders, politicians, and other influential figures. The conference serves as a platform to discuss pressing issues and explore what needs to be done for Doncaster and the wider South Yorkshire region to achieve their full potential.
Previous conferences have featured notable figures such as Shevaun Haviland and Martha Lane Fox CBE (Director General of the British Chambers of Commerce and its President, respectively), South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard, and senior representatives from major firms like IBM Group, LNER, Hybrid Air Vehicles, and Polypipe.
Event Details and Sponsors
The 2024 Doncaster, What’s Next? Business Conference will be held on Wednesday, June 5th, at the Legacy Centre in Doncaster. The event is sponsored by TwentyFour IT Services, Fenwood Estates, Connectus, Sheffield Hallam University, and Kingswood Allotts. More information about the agenda and booking details can be found on the conference’s official website.
Final Points
The 2024 Doncaster, What’s Next? Business Conference promises to be a pivotal event for the region, featuring invaluable insights from one of Doncaster’s most successful entrepreneurs, Lord Kirkham. His participation underscores the conference’s commitment to fostering dialogue and action towards a prosperous future for Doncaster.
