Sir Ranulph Fiennes, the world famous explorer, is expected to be the main crowd-puller at this year's Sussex Enterprise Annual Business Conference.

Sir Ranulph will compare his own endeavours - which include the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic - with the challenges of surviving in business.

More than 1,200 people are expected to attend the conference, called Reaching New Heights, which this year will take place at the Brighton Centre.

The Argus-sponsored event is normally held at Brighton Dome but organisers felt the traditional Church Road venue was no longer big enough.

Seminars and workshops will be held throughout the day and at least 80 companies from Sussex will be showcasing their products and services.

For the first time this year non-members of Sussex Enterprise will be able to attend selected parts of the conference whilst full members have access to the entire event.

Mark Froud, chief executive of Sussex Enterprise, said: "This year's agenda is packed full of inspiring ideas to help any business become more successful.

"We've chosen a range of successful business people to demonstrate what it takes to make it to the top. Specialist training sessions and seminars will give the low-down on a range of topics including starting a business, how to sell to customers, trading abroad and negotiation techniques and the business exhibition is now twice as big as it's been in previous years. We will also be encouraging all delegates to network with each other as much as possible.

"With so many other business people attending it's a fantastic opportunity to make contact with hundreds of potential new customers and suppliers."

Sally Preston, owner and managing director of Babylicious, the largest manufacturer of frozen baby food in Europe, is the other guest speaker.

The former Marks & Spencer food technologist will explain how she turned a simple idea into an award-winning international success story in less than four years.

Babylicious is proving popular with celebrity mums including former Posh Spice Victoria Beckham who fed it to her sons.

Friday, May 19, 2006