Simon Woodroffe hasn’t done everything yet… but he’s on his way. He has worked with some of the biggest names in rock showbiz, staged one of the biggest music events in the last 20 years, developed a successful concept-restaurant chain and is the proud parent of a teenage daughter.

It hasn’t been plain sailing all the way, but where he hasn’t succeeded he has gained valuable knowledge. Simon shares his story with many people through his highly successful public speaking career. He actively supports budding entrepreneurs, and is one of 5 entrepreneurs to advise the government on economic policy.

Simon left school at the age of 16 and spent 30 years in the entertainment business. His production companies in London and Los Angeles designed and staged concerts for many artists during the 70’s and 80’s, including The Moody Blues, Madness, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder and George Michael.

In the 90s, Simon went into television. He spearheaded the development of television deals to show huge international rock concerts worldwide, including Nelson Mandela concerts, shows for Amnesty International and the Prince's Trust concerts.

In 1997, Simon founded YO! Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi bar. The concept was to make eating a complete entertainment experience and featured call buttons, robot drinks trolleys and Japanese TV. The first restaurant opened on London's Poland Street and became an overnight phenomenon. Today it continues to expand both at home and abroad.

In 1999 Simon won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and became part of the CBI/BCC Ambassador of Entrepreneurism campaign, with which he is still actively involved. In 2001 he was awarded the accolade of Best Venue at the Retailer of the Year Awards. In recognition for his contribution to hospitality, Simon was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list this year, 2006.

Simon has most recently appeared on the BBC 2 produced worldwide hit programme Dragons’ Den as one of the formidable panelists, who make and break the dreams of would-be entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas for financing. Simon has also featured on Discovery TV’s VIP Weekends with Ian Wright, ITV’s Homes & Property and ITV’s The Millionaire’s Club.

As a result of being asked to share the story of his entrepreneurial success, Simon has developed a strong reputation on the UK and international public speaking circuit. Simon speaks openly avoiding business cliché and audiences find his story extremely inspiring and a catalyst for their own endeavours, be they in a large corporate setting or working at a start-up level.

Simon is developing new YO! brands including YOTEL, the world’s most revolutionary hotel opening 2007; YO! Zone, part spa, part café, part bar and part nightclub; and YO! How, an online support community for budding entrepreneurs.

The feedback from the delegates has been phenomenal and you are officially down on their score-card as the ‘best ever’
Aventis Awards Conference - Miami

If I said that your appearance and presentation went down well, I reckon that would be a tragic understatement; rather we all thought that you really were magnificent!
Bob J Silk - Barclays Corporate

The most inspirational and exciting presentation I have ever attended.
Mari-Cecil Boulle - Boulle International

You've received rave reviews in all the feedback we've had so far not only for your story and your style but for your all out attitude to life!
Impact Training Group

Your presentations were fantastic. Perfect message, excellent delivery and a refreshing natural style.
Legal and General

Your presentation turned out to be the highlight of the conference for most delegates.
Forbes Mutch - Caterer & Hotelkeeper

Your account of failures as well as successes gave a very realistic and encouraging perspective.
Andrew Ceresto - Blue Chip Associates

You have inspired a lot of people to grab opportunities around them and have the courage to think outside the box.
Neil James - Glaxo Wellcome

Wow, what an extraordinary, ordinary guy.
Karen Mc Grath - VT Events

The best speech I have heard in this building in ten years.
David Twiggy Molecy - Institute of Directors

Such honesty and candour is not something one normally associates with successful speakers...
Roy U Moëd - Pourshins PLC

I came in feeling tired. I went out thinking about the future.
Business Link - Worcester

A truly inspirational and mind blowing presentation.
Joel Sapiro - PSMG National Conference

You are a breath of fresh air in a fed up country
Anon

I have never in my life been so inspired. After listening to the speech, I was so amazed.
Rafi Davies, Delegate – European Study Tours Conference – 29.01.05

Simon blew me away. His presentation was absolutely FAB. The pace and content were both fascinating and fantastic. He spoke with such passion and honesty that I felt truly inspired.
Gaynor Murray, BT Retail Conference – 02.03.05

At last! Someone who skips the b %^"! t, tells it how it really feels, and motivates us in the bargain!
Liz Meikle, Horizon Hotel – Scottish Enterprise Event – 11.03.05

The most innovative speaker we have ever heard.
Associated Independent Stores – 28.04.05

Comments about you ranged from “inspirational” to “brilliant”. Your presentation in particular had a tremendous impact.
Lynn Parker, PR Manager – National Insurance & Guarantee Corporation – series of events commencing May 2005

“Brilliant”, “Very motivational and connected with the audience”, “Excellent”, “One of the best we have ever had”.
Wella UK Event – 21.06.05

You were a vital part of our event, and the breadth, depth and richness of your presentation was genuinely appreciated.
Maggie Atkinson, Director of Children’s Services @ Gateshead – NEEC Conference 2006 – 06.01.06

The best three days I have spent on a development programme in many years
Delegate – KPMG Developing Top Management Event – 24.05.06

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