Outstanding entrepreneur, investor and successful businessman Theo Paphitis will be the guest speaker at the inaugural YN Finance Reception to raise money for Norwood, the UK's leading charity supporting children, families and adults, coping with learning disabilities and social disadvantage, in the Jewish community and beyond.
Theo Paphitis has gone from being a teaboy to a tycoon, has become a household name, and he has ignited the nation’s interest by appearing as a formidable Dragon in the BBC TV series ‘Dragon’s Den’, which now has viewing figures of over three million.
At 16, Theo began his career as a tea boy and filing clerk with Lloyds of London insurance brokers, he subsequently broke into retail and then finance, before setting up his first company at just 23. Since then, he has breathed fire into ailing companies like Movie Media Sports, Ryman the Stationer, Contessa and La Senza lingerie chains, and Red Letter Days, turning them into successful, solid and profitable retail businesses.
Theo also spent eight years as Chairman of Millwall FC, taking it out of administration, into the Championship and to the FA Cup final. This has been followed by his appearance as a Dragon on ‘Dragon’s Den’, and his most recent acquisition, a gift experience company, Red Letter Days.
Sarah Deaves, Chief Executive of Coutts & Co, commented: “Coutts is thrilled to be lending our support to Norwood, by sponsoring and hosting this event for budding entrepreneurs at our head office in the Strand. The charity does a fantastic job, supporting children, families and adults, coping with disabilities and social disadvantage, within both the Jewish community and beyond. As a bank that looks after 18,000 of the countries most successful entrepreneurs, we’re keen to encourage entrepreneurial activity, particularly through such a difficult climate. We’re sure that Theo’s speech will leave many of the attendees with plenty of inspiration.”
The evening will begin with a wine and canapé reception followed by an audience with Theo Paphitis where he will share the secrets of his success and take questions from the floor. The event, organised by the YN Finance committee, will take place on Thursday 12 February from 6.30 – 9.30pm at Coutts & Co in London.
“The money raised from this event will go towards providing vital services for children and families in our community,” said James Reichman, Chairman of the YN Finance Committee. “Theo has made a career out of specialising in turnarounds. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to hear one of the Dragons speak!”
YN offers a wide range of events that offer young people a chance to network, socialise and be informed whilst raising funds for a fantastic cause.
Tickets to An Audience with Theo Paphitis are £30 in advance. To book your tickets, contact Alisa Fleishman at 020 8420 6804 or email alisa.fleishman@norwood.org.uk.
For further information, photos and interviews, please contact Michael Siva, Public Relations Officer at Norwood, on 020 8420 6900 or email pressoffice@norwood.org.uk.
