Just when you thought you've seen it all…

African drummers, acrobats, food, wine, balloons falling from the sky, prizes, an ice sculpture, an inspirational line-up of international speakers, legal workshops and over 200 CEOs to network with - it can only be the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION 2015!

2015 marks the sixth anniversary of the ACUMEN BUSINESS CONVENTION, an event which has become a mainstay of the local business calendar, and the team at ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW pulled out all the stops to ensure that this would be a year to remember.

Guests were welcomed in style and rhythm by African drumming, dancing and acrobatics. A three-course lunch was served at the Grand before the delegates dispersed to the first of two interactive legal workshops, hosted by experts from the ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW team.

Penina Shepherd, Founder and MD of ACUMEN BUSINESS LAW, opened the convention with a fascinating talk, inspiring the delegates to create their own luck following four simple steps. From thereon inspiration and success stories were the order of the day interrupted only by a spectacular surprise shower of hidden balloons and, just like Willy Wonka, there were five hidden “golden tickets” to find! The five winners were awarded prizes such as a year’s free membership at Active4less and a Green & Blacks chocolate hamper.

As in previous years the speakers at this year’s Convention were of the very highest calibre. Darren Shirlaw of Shirlaws Business Coaching left the audience mesmerised by his 

captivating perspective on the mathematics behind every business, however small or large. Jo Fairley, founder of Green & Black’s shared with the audience the importance of telling a story through your brand and her belief that even a small business can change the world.

It was local businesses however, who ended the day firmly in the spotlight with the presentation of the annual BUSINESS ACUMEN Award. Pankaj Vekria, Director of Lan 2 Lan Ltd, scooped the coveted prize after two rounds of intensive judging. Brandon Harris, representing the panel of expert judges, highlighted Pankaj’s enthusiastic attitude, innovative approach and responsiveness to his market before handing over to Sir Tim Smit to present the award.This year’s keynote speaker was none other than the brainchild and creator one of the UK’s most spectacular attractions, the Eden Project, Sir Tim Smit KBE. Sir Tim captivated the audience from start to finish with his own inimitable style, revealing his unique approach to life which led him on a journey from double platinum musician to successful entrepreneur and creator of the world’s largest indoor rainforest attraction.