Businessman Gerald Ratner meets company bosses in Skelmersdale

Nov 26 2009 by Michael Byrne, Skelmersdale Advertiser

BUSINESSMAN Gerald Ratner spoke to company bosses in Skelmersdale at the ‘Golden Opportunity’ Enterprise Event.

Organisers claimed the event was a phenomenal success.

The event venue, the Council’s flagship Investment Centre, was filled to capacity as more than 100 business people gathered to hear from these two dynamic entrepreneurs.

Mr Ratner and Deidre Bounds shared their life stories with the audience and told of how they had overcome major personal and business challenges to go on and achieve great business success. They truly were an inspiration to all that attended the event, as it was clear that they had a passion, drive and commitment to succeed often in the face of adversity.

The audience were particularly enthralled by Gerald Ratner’s story. This man’s fall from grace was one of the most spectacular ever seen in our times.

Yet he defied critics and is a highly successful businessman today. He was able to show businesses that it’s possible to battle your way back to the top despite major setbacks, which is quite poignant given that some businesses feel that there is no escape from the effects of the current recession.

Former stand-up comedienne and teacher Deidre Bounds also went down a storm on the night as she told people about starting her ethical travel company from her bedsit despite having no business background - just a great idea and bags of determination and she went on to sell her business to First Choice for many millions of pounds.

One attendee said: “I thoroughly enjoyed the evening, what a fantastic event! People pay a lot of money to hear from such inspirational, witty, entertaining, focused, motivated, challenged and successful speakers! The event has well and truly put West Lancashire on the business map and I could see how many small businesses have been supported and benefited from what is provided by West Lancashire Borough Council”.

Cllr Owens, said: “This event exceeded all of our expectations and really was a major success. There wasn’t an empty seat on the night and businesses were so enthusiastic about these two such truly inspirational speakers.”