TV entrepreneur, Doug Richard, to speak at UK’s top photonics industry gathering near Coventry

Doug Richard, business entrepreneur and star of TV’s Dragons’ Den, is to be one of a host of potential investors at this year’s PHOTONEX08 event at Stoneleigh Exhibition Centre in Coventry (15-16 October 2008).

Mr Richard will be keynote speaker at an opening night dinner, where earlier in the day, PHOTONEX will have unveiled its Technology Innovation Forum –a unique gathering, bringing together over a dozen Universities and small businesses with investors, IP specialists and technologists.

The forum, which will feature an innovation and demonstration area, showcasing new and exciting technologies as well as a seminar programme, is already attracting major players in the sector, with confirmed speakers such as Alastair Wilson of Photonics KTN, Douglas Dundonald from Anglo Scientific, John Danvers from PERA and venture catalysts. A highlight of the event will be the after dinner keynote speech from Mr Richard.

Laurence Devereux, Exhibition Director, of show organiser Xmark Media, said, “We are hugely excited to have Doug with us at this years new and improved PHOTONEX. Our aim is to keep ahead of the game with the introduction of the Technology Innovation Forum, giving the industry forerunners a new and unique arena to present their developments. Richard’s presence will only add to a truly energized atmosphere at the event.”

As a specialist in technology and investments, and the promotion and development of new businesses himself, Richard was the founder of prominent technology companies ITAL Computers and Visual Software, as well as holding the position of president and CEO of Micrografx. In 2006, he co-founded Hotxt, tapping into the mobile and social networking revolution. 

"The path to every new business opportunity is littered with questions and uncertainties. You need help and advice to answer these questions before you invest time and money on it. You must start doing the basics very, very well,” said Mr Richard.

“This is why The Technology Innovation Forum is such a valuable and important introduction to PHOTONEX, as a space to share ideas, tips and experiences from the people who know best and to take a look at all those showcasing their most exciting innovations.”