There are just five days to go until the launch of Business Week 2009, a celebration of the Humber region's can-do spirit, sponsored by Language is Everything.
Carolyn Burgess, our chief exec, will be kicking things off at the Bondholders' Breakfast on Monday morning, and the week will come to a spectacular close when John Cleese tops the bill at the Yorkshire International Business Convention (YIBC) on the Friday.
You can read more about our involvement with Business Week in our 2009 annual report, which was published earlier this month.
Click here to download a copy of the report (PDF, 700KB)
One of the most eagerly anticipated events at Business Week will be 'The Language is Everything Challenge', which takes place on the Thursday afternoon at Goole College. Three contestants will receive 20 minutes' intensive coaching in a new language from a professional linguist. They will then attempt a basic telephone task — without using any English — such as phoning a library in Latvia and asking what time it closes.
The three languages that have been chosen are being kept a closely guarded secret until the day. However, we can announce the line-up of contestants, who come from the worlds of business, the media and education.
Tim Sanders is a best-selling author on business trends and social responsibility. He is the keynote speaker at two events organised by Language is Everything on the Thursday (download an interactive PDF here), and he will also be on stage at the YIBC on the Friday. Fay Edwards is part of the news team at KCFM 99.8, the Hull and East Yorkshire radio station. And Jessica Goulden is a language student from Vermuyden School in Goole.
"This is shaping up to be a fascinating event," said Carolyn Burgess. "Is it possible to learn a language — from scratch — in 20 minutes well enough to complete a basic telephone task? We're going to find out very soon!"
Other Business Week highlights include Tony Benn on the Monday, Sir Robin Knox-Johnston on the Tuesday and Alistair Campbell on the Wednesday. Also appearing at the YIBC will be Dave Stewart, 'Matt' Pritchett, Tracy Edwards and Tim Smit.