AChiPPP Conference 2006 Programme

The Key to Successful Business

Theo Paphitis from the BBC Dragon's Den fame, and Chairman/Chief executive Ryman, La Senza, Contessa, partners. Theo Paphitis started his career at the age of 16 as a tea boy/filing clerk with Lloyds of London insurance brokers before making his first foray into retail at the age of 19. At the age of 21 he moved into finance - property and corporate, specialising in turnarounds.

At the age of 24 he set up his own company which included the purchase of Movie Media Sports. Over the coming years he purchased Ryman the stationer, Contessa and La Senza lingerie chains and Partners the stationer. He has turned these companies into successful, solid and profitable retail businesses and he now heads up a 350 store chain with a group turnover approaching £250 million.

During this time, he also became Chairman of Milwall FC, taking it out of administration and to the FA Cup Final. This has been followed by his appearance as a judge on BBC TV's Dragon's Den and his most recent acquisition - experience company, Red Letter Days. For further information see www.theopaphitis.com

Accountancy and legal considerations

Martin Ellis who is a Senior Partner with Grant Thornton. Grant Thornton is a leading financial and business adviser to mid-corporate businesses and their owners. Martin Ellis is Grant Thornton's spokesman on the 'rescue culture'. He has been a partner in the Recovery and Reorganisation Division since 1989 and is a licensed insolvency practitioner. Prior to becoming a partner he completed a two year secondment to the venture capital house 3i plc. Martin has become increasingly known for his ability to provide practical advice to companies who are struggling to manage their business finances, pressures, debts and expansion. He has considerable experience in why businesses 'go wrong' and how to prevent this happening to small or large businesses.

Developing the Independent Team

Alex Griffiths and Karen Jones of Educational Guidance Ltd. Alex is founder Educational Guidance Ltd which consists of a large team of psychologists and other professionals in private practice and has been operating independently for nine years. The range of work undertaken by the team includes work for LEAs universities, colleges, individual assessment, project work and research and training.

Karen is a director of Educational Guidance Ltd and is undertaking research into the reasons why people enter private practice and their attitudes towards the local authority as an employer.

AChiPPP the way forward

Terri Hall and Denise Thornton, Founders of AChiPPP. Discussion to consider in what direction AChiPPP should develop and to include questions from the floor.