Branson to headline global enterprise event in Liverpool

Virgin boss Sir Richard Branson will deliver the headline speech at the Global Entrepreneurship Congress (GEC) in Liverpool on 13 March.

The entrepreneur is to be one of several speakers at the first ever European GEC event, which aims to attract more than 3,000 business owners from around the world.

Run by Liverpool Vision, Global Entrepreneurship Week and the Kauffman Foundation, GEC is made up of a week of events throughout the city from 9-16 March.

Organisers say the Congress will help transform Liverpool's reputation from one of "managed decline" into a "globally recognised home of entrepreneurship".

Sir Richard, who will speak on 13 March, said: "A strong economy needs to encourage entrepreneurs to create and grow their businesses.

"It is great to see the Kauffman Foundation backing Britain by bringing the Global Entrepreneurship Congress, a showcase of entrepreneurial talent, to Liverpool this March. I'm very happy to be supporting the event."

Max Steinberg, CEO of Liverpool Vision, added: "To welcome an entrepreneur like Sir Richard Branson to the city is an honour as we aim to be a winning city for enterprise. 

"The Congress forms a key part of our ambition to encourage and celebrate entrepreneurship in Liverpool and create a meaningful legacy for the city."

Joining Branson on the speaker line-up is former Tesco CEO Sir Terry Leahy; founder of Lastminute.com, Martha Lane Fox and Lord Michael Heseltine, former deputy prime minister.

Other participants include CEO of Ella's Kitchen, Paul Lindley, millionaire entrepreneur and BusinessZone.co.uk blogger Lara Morgan and former Dragons' Den judge Doug Richard.

Tickets for the GEC main event on 13 March are available at www.gec2012.com.