Inspirational Sessions

Richard McCann

Best Selling Author, International Inspirational Speaker

Richard is an exceptional communicator whose ability to inspire an iCan attitude is guaranteed to give your people the iCan approach. His philosophy has helped thousands of people in the business, corporate, community and education worlds to change the way their people think - and act.

A motivational speaker who will take your people to another level and inspire them to take action. Richard's story enables people to identify with real life experiences and then see how they can take control; to take the steps that will give them the freedom to succeed at whatever they choose.

"Richard McCann has a magical gift that grabs his audience by the collar and has them perched in anticipation on every word. His stories capture and appeal to all who listen as he takes them on a journey through highs and lows, laughing and crying and a fabulous heart-warming positive finale."

Mike Berry Inspire Scotland, Edinburgh

Carl Hopkins

Serial entrepreneur, marketer, public speaker

Carl is one of the North's leading marketing and business development 'gurus'. With 25 years experience in marketing and business, he has a list of accolades under his belt and is known for his witty, no-nonsense approach.

As well as running his many businesses, Carl frequently takes to the podium, sharing his journey from council estate to 'Channel Four Secret Millionaire' in a bid to inspire young people into enterprise. He is also often invited to speak at a variety of business events, sharing his business approach or marketing background with established businesses or budding entrepreneurs.

"We were pretty excited about having Carl speak for us at the National LEGI Forum dinner and I'm pleased to say he didn't disappoint. His presentation was humorous, real and inspiring. He held the audience's attention throughout and I look forward to working together on future projects. Thanks for a great presentation, what a story!"

Kalpna Mistry

Marketing Officer, Leeds 'Sharing the Success' LEGI Programme, Enterprise Leeds

Claire Young

BBC The Apprentice Star, Champion of Youth Enterprise

Claire is the straight-talking, no-nonsense sales woman who first infuriated, then won over viewers in series 4 of BBC1's The Apprentice (2008).

Claire is the straight-talking, no-nonsense sales woman who first infuriated, then won over viewers in series 4 of BBC1's The Apprentice (2008). Since reaching the final, Claire has gone on to become a successful public speaker, drawing on her experience of the show and sales and marketing expertise to inspire audiences all over the UK. Her animated and confident style ensures that she always delivers on topics that include How to start a business, How to get a job & accelerate up the ladder, Surviving the credit crunch and The Apprentice life lessons.

With a passion for backing young Britain, Claire has also worked with a number of youth enterprise organizations and national apprenticeships.

"Claire Young brought a great deal of expertise, enthusiasm and energy to our event. Students drew inspiration from her experiences in the business world and she was an expert mentor, relating to the students in a friendly, professional manner and motivating them towards higher levels of achievement."

Coca Cola

Deirdre Bounds

Entrepreneur, Bestselling Author & World-Class Speaker

Deirdre Bounds is a naturally talented speaker with a down to earth quality that stands out. It is precisely because Deirdre has 'done it' - built her own global company from scratch and then sold it for an 8 figure sum to a FTSE 100 company - that makes her story truly remarkable. Her personal experience is valuable to all who listen to her - whether it's in business or improving personal lives.

As an ex-comedienne, her style is informal and witty, as a business person, her knowledge authentic and useful, and as a bestselling author of a personal development book, her messages direct and inspirational.

"A naturally inspiring speaker, Deirdre "tells it like it is" in language which strikes a real chord with her audience. Her enthusiasm for business and for life in general is highly infectious!"

Simon Hill

Yorkshire Forward

Tracey Barraclough

Inspirational Speaker, Body Builder & Super Mum

Having encountered adversity throughout her life and surviving against all odds, Tracey uses her experience to inspire others through their life journeys. By sharing her own harrowing story of undergoing radical surgery to prevent cancer, she motivates people into looking at their own lives in a different light and achieving their aspirations.

Speaking from the heart with authenticity makes Tracey's approach 'human' and therefore easy for audiences to relate to and benefit from. Her aim is to help delegates overcome fear and self-doubt and give them the courage to make difficult decisions that will improve their lives.

"I have just witnessed The Tracey Barraclough Experience first hand, when she was the Guest Speaker at the Bradford Women's Business Group meeting. I have never seen so many women so quiet and still, all focused on Tracey's story. Put simply: no one had a lapse of concentration that day! Listening to Tracey was both emotive and inspirational; somehow this remarkable woman makes you feel "lifted" and ready to take on the challenges life throws us. My advice would be: find out where she is speaking and go!"

Gill Wild

Director, The Yorkshire Kitchen Centre, Shipley.

Andrew Cooney

Antarctic Explorer

Andrew was brought up in a small village in Nottinghamshire and attended Southwell Minster Comprehensive School. Andrew struggled at school and left at the age of 16 to study electronic and computer engineering at college. Despite some academic struggles, in 1997 Andrew went to University in Southampton. Whilst at Southampton Institute Andrew was diagnosed with Dyslexia and was finally able to get support with his learning. With this support Andrew graduated in 2001 with a BA (Hons) in Maritime Leisure Management.

When Andrew was struggling at school and college the one thing that kept him on the straight and narrow was being in the outdoors. Andrew joined the Scouts and progressed to becoming a Queen Scout(the top award for a Scout) and he also completed the Bronze, Silver and Gold award with the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

These opportunities to experience and to achieve at outdoor activities gave Andrew the ability to value himself and not give up despite the setbacks in school. Since graduating from University and walking to the South Pole, Andrew has set up (and run) his own company, which has delivered over 300 presentations and workshops to young people.