A business guru and star of a hit BBC series showcasing entrepreneurs is set to visit Sutton Coldfield and speak to business leaders. Dragon’s Den star, Deborah Meaden, will be visiting the town next month to share her experiences and wealth of business knowledge.
The TV star will be speaking to members of the Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID. The 300-plus businesses in the town centre will be invited, along with students from Sutton Coldfield College, to the event in February, held at the Lichfield Road college site.
Deborah will also be speaking about her passion for ethical business practices and environmental sustainability. The 65-year-old will follow in the footsteps of the Queen of Shops, Mary Portas and fellow Dragon’s Den panellist, Sara Davies, who visited Sutton in 2023 and 2024 respectively at the BID’s business seminar talks.
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Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID manager, Michelle Baker, said: “We are absolutely delighted to welcome Deborah Meaden to Sutton Coldfield next month. Deborah is not only an iconic business leader but also an advocate for sustainability and ethical practices, values we deeply admire.
“Her visit is a huge win for the town, and we’re thrilled to provide this opportunity for our local businesses to learn and be inspired.”
Following the event attendees will be invited to network at The Townhouse. Anyone who is part of a BID business contact Visit Royal Sutton Coldfield BID via email: Hello@VisitRoyalSuttonColdfield.co.uk to secure their spot.
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The BID’s business leader talks follow the organisation’s first 22-day Christmas market in the town centre, the return of a two-day food festival last September, and its now-regular monthly Farmers and Craft market, held throughout the year to boost footfall in the town. There are also regular children’s events like character visits and Dino Day.
The BID said it had also introduced security rangers to the town, targeted graffiti, cleared grot spots, installed bunting and bins, as well as produced food and drink and professional services guides to showcase what Sutton has to offer.
Sutton Coldfield has held Business Improvement District (BID) status for 12 years and is one of 11 BIDs in Birmingham and 350 across the UK, funded entirely by local businesses to enhance town centres and drive economic growth.