LEADING entrepreneurs from Huddersfield will take centre stage at a major conference in the town later this year.

The Kirklees Business Conference will be held in September at the town’s Galpharm Stadium – to bring together owners and directors from hundreds of companies across the area.

KBC ’09 will include seminars led by Holmfirth-born business speaker Nicky Pattinson, Brighouse-based marketing expert and star of Channel 4’s Secret Millionaire Carl Hopkins and Huddersfield’s Freeserve founder and internet entrepreneur Ajaz Ahmed.

The conference will also include a Meet the Buyer event led by Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Trust, a chance to find out how to bid for contracts from Kirklees Council and contributions from regional development agency Yorkshire Forward and support body Business Link Yorkshire.

The day-long conference will also include an exhibition featuring about 45 businesses as well as opportunities for networking and access to private meeting rooms.

Organiser Danny Matharu, of Mirfield-based corporate events and recruitment company Hillrich Ltd, said: “KBC ’09 will also offer over 100 Kirklees Young Entrepreneurs present on the day the opportunity to gain access to leading business gurus from a specific Young Entrepreneurs Only seminar.

“This is a massive opportunity for the owners of Kirklees businesses to improve their processes, knowledge and ultimately, their bottom line.”

Last year, Mr Matharu was appointed an official ambassador for a new initiative to help people make more of their potential.

He joined the likes of The Apprentice’s Sir Alan Sugar, Dragon’s Den panellist Peter Jones and Ann Summers founder Jacqueline Gold in backing the Make Your Mark campaign.

The campaign aims to create a culture to support enterprising people through the inspirational stories of business leaders who have already made their mark – and combined making money with making a positive impact on local communities.

Some 600 Make Your Mark Ambassadors across the UK are telling their inspiring stories via events, school visits and the media under the not-for-profit campaign backed by businesses, charities, education bodies and government.

KBC ’09 follows Mr Matharu’s successful DreamStart 2008, which was held at the Royal Armouries in Leeds.

The event included 78 exhibitors and 17 seminars on major issues facing companies across Yorkshire.

For details on KBC ’09 call 01924 837167 or email kbc@hillrich.co.uk