Freeserve founder Ajaz Ahmed isto be a key speaker at a conference on “intrapreneurship” this month.

Ajaz will be joined by Tom Riordan, chief executive of Leeds City Council, at the event to be held on Wednesday, April 23 at the premises of Steelcase Solutions in Leeds.

The aim is to encourage businesses to harness the passion and entrepreneurial spirit within companies, creating a culture for “intrapreneurs”.

Jamil Ahmed, head of marketing and customer services at the Centre for Enterprise Ltd, said: “Following the behaviour of some sectors, we are gravitating towards a nation of businesses which no longer take risks.

“Taking the safe option will result in our economy stagnating, so we want to encourage businesses of all sizes and across all disciplines as well as within the public sector, to initiate their individual entrepreneurial journeys which will help to stimulate creativity, challenge boundaries, build amazing businesses and grow the economy.

“Ajaz Ahmed is an exceptional individual and much-sought after speaker.

“He successfully persuaded his then employer Dixons to set up the ISP Freeserve - which at its peak was valued at £9bn and is one of the best and well-known examples of an intrapreneur.

Ajaz said: “I’m looking forward to talking about how people can achieve success without leaving their companies to set up risky businesses on their own.”

For details of the event,, go here