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Gerald Ratner
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Gerald Ratner Biography
Topics:
- Business
- Entrepreneurs
- Sales/Customer Service
GERALD RATNER is a businessman whose fall from grace was one of the most spectacular ever seen in our times. That 'gaffe' that has been voted the worst mistake of all time forced him to leave the business. Ten years later he started again and he now speaks in a humourous and erudite way on his mistakes and what we all can learn from them. He is ideal for either an after dinner speech or conference speech
CEO of the Family Business
Gerald Ratner took over as CEO of the family jewellery chain in the mid 80s, becoming one of Britain's best known businessmen. He transformed it from 130 stores with sales of £13m, to a public company with 2,500 stores and sales of over £1.2bn. By 1990, Ratner’s was the world's largest jewellery retailer with profits in excess of £120m.
That Gaffe
Following a high profile gaffe in which he described some of the products sold in the stores as ‘total crap’, he was forced to sell the business.
New Businesses - Onwards and Upwards
In 2003 he launched a new venture, geraldonline.com. The specialist diamond retailer sells jewellery, watches and hallmarked gold and silver through a secure site. It has formed alliances with a number of partners including SB&T, an Indian based producer, Goldsmiths and Royal Brierly - the only UK manufacturer of traditional hand blown crystal. The online business is already the largest of its kind in Britain.
After clawing his way back to the top, Gerald talks with typical candour about the rollercoaster journey and the valuable lessons learned.
Best Selling Author
Gerald has recently written his story of his rise and fall (and rise again) - the book is titled 'Gerald Ratner: The Rise and Fall... and Rise Again' and was serialised in the Sunday Times
For further information or to book Gerald Ratner, call us on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Gerald Ratner Video
Gerald Ratner Speaker Showreel - Click play to watch a short sample video clip of Gerald Ratner. For more information on Gerald Ratner please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Outside of appearing and speaking at live corporate and private events Gerald Ratner has a number of retail products available that can be purchased through Speakers Corner. For upcoming new book and product launches related to Gerald Ratner then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Gerald Ratner Books
Gerald Ratner: The Rise and Fall... and Rise AgainPrice: £18.99
The Rise and Fall... and Rise AgainPrice: £7.99
Zrobic Rartnera! Sukces i upadek w biznesiePrice: £17.02
Gerald Ratner News
A selection of relevant news related to Gerald Ratner and Business stories. For more information on Gerald Ratner or details as to how to book Gerald Ratner for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Kilimanjaro: The Big Red Nose Climb on BBC One tonight
12th March 2009Set the video, tonight we're in for a TV treat! At 8pm on BBC One watch the team of celebrities including Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow, Fearne Cotton, Ben Shephard, and Denise Van Outen push themselves to the limit as they climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The nine celebrities have put their reputations and their fitness on the line to raise money for Comic Relief.
12th March 2009Set the video, tonight we're in for a TV treat! At 8pm on BBC One watch the team of celebrities including Cheryl Cole, Gary Barlow, Fearne Cotton, Ben Shephard, and Denise Van Outen push themselves to the limit as they climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The nine celebrities have put their reputations and their fitness on the line to raise money for Comic Relief.
Celebrities lined up for Comic Relief Apprentice
5th February 2009Jonathan Ross, Carol Vorderman, Patsy Palmer, Fiona Phillips, Ruby Wax, Gok Wan, Gerald Ratner, Michelle Mone & Alan Carr will star in Comic Relief Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar deciding on the winner
5th February 2009Jonathan Ross, Carol Vorderman, Patsy Palmer, Fiona Phillips, Ruby Wax, Gok Wan, Gerald Ratner, Michelle Mone & Alan Carr will star in Comic Relief Apprentice with Sir Alan Sugar deciding on the winner
Gerald Ratner launches new book
24th October 2007Gerald Ratner reveals the pain of becoming a national laughing stock in his new book "The Rise and Fall . . . and Rise Again."
24th October 2007Gerald Ratner reveals the pain of becoming a national laughing stock in his new book "The Rise and Fall . . . and Rise Again."
The Sunday Times Business Person of Year - The Finalists
23rd December 2009The Sunday Times has announced its list of contenders for their annual Business Person of the Year award. The finalists have shown true grit and determination - many have hauled their businesses through a rather perilous time unscathed and are survivors in the business world. The contenders are Angela Ahrendts (pictured left), Ross Brawn, Frank Chapman, Richard Cousins, Founders of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, Steve Jobs, Sam Laidlaw, Alan Mulally, Kate Swann, and John Varley.
23rd December 2009The Sunday Times has announced its list of contenders for their annual Business Person of the Year award. The finalists have shown true grit and determination - many have hauled their businesses through a rather perilous time unscathed and are survivors in the business world. The contenders are Angela Ahrendts (pictured left), Ross Brawn, Frank Chapman, Richard Cousins, Founders of Twitter, Jack Dorsey, Biz Stone and Evan Williams, Steve Jobs, Sam Laidlaw, Alan Mulally, Kate Swann, and John Varley.
BSkyB is Britain's most admired company 2009
2nd December 2009Media firm BSkyB landed the top spot in Management Today's Britain's Most Admired Companies awards on monday night. Led by CEO Jeremy Darroch, the organisation is one of the youngest to be handed the accolade, topping each of the nine criteria to secure the award. Matthew Gwyther, editor of Management Today said: 'It (BSkyB) is barely more than a stripling upstart amongst the great names of UK business, some of which have been around for centuries in one form or another. It has shown that a class-leading product, well marketed and slickly delivered, can continue to grow and prosper even in the most challenging circumstances.' Tesco and Johnson Mathey took the second and third slots respectively, with Cadbury, GlaxoSmithKline and Rolls-Royce trailing at numbers four, five and six.
2nd December 2009Media firm BSkyB landed the top spot in Management Today's Britain's Most Admired Companies awards on monday night. Led by CEO Jeremy Darroch, the organisation is one of the youngest to be handed the accolade, topping each of the nine criteria to secure the award. Matthew Gwyther, editor of Management Today said: 'It (BSkyB) is barely more than a stripling upstart amongst the great names of UK business, some of which have been around for centuries in one form or another. It has shown that a class-leading product, well marketed and slickly delivered, can continue to grow and prosper even in the most challenging circumstances.' Tesco and Johnson Mathey took the second and third slots respectively, with Cadbury, GlaxoSmithKline and Rolls-Royce trailing at numbers four, five and six.
Heavyweight keynote speakers are expected at the CBI Conference today including Gordon Brown, David Cameron, Dominique Strauss-Kahn & Stuart Rose to name but a few
23rd November 2009Heavyweight keynote speakers are expected to address the CBI conference in London today. Talking to the most influential and important of business audiences will be our political leaders Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, business chiefs such as Sir Stuart Rose and Stephen Hester, as well as Lord Adair Turner, BBC Economics Editor Stephanie Flaunders and the CBI's Director-General Richard Lambert. Chairing the conference will be CBI's President, the recently appointed Helen Alexander, former chief executive at The Economist and the first woman in the role.
23rd November 2009Heavyweight keynote speakers are expected to address the CBI conference in London today. Talking to the most influential and important of business audiences will be our political leaders Gordon Brown, David Cameron and Nick Clegg, business chiefs such as Sir Stuart Rose and Stephen Hester, as well as Lord Adair Turner, BBC Economics Editor Stephanie Flaunders and the CBI's Director-General Richard Lambert. Chairing the conference will be CBI's President, the recently appointed Helen Alexander, former chief executive at The Economist and the first woman in the role.
Lessons learnt from Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple - one of the greatest speakers ever
19th November 2009The Times is featuring extracts from Simon Maier and Jerremy Kourdi's book 'The 100: Insights and lessons from 100 of the greatest speeches ever delivered'. Read The Times article on lessons learnt from one of the world's best speakers - Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and former chief executive officer of Pixar Animation Studios.
19th November 2009The Times is featuring extracts from Simon Maier and Jerremy Kourdi's book 'The 100: Insights and lessons from 100 of the greatest speeches ever delivered'. Read The Times article on lessons learnt from one of the world's best speakers - Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple and former chief executive officer of Pixar Animation Studios.
WHO MOVED MY GURU?
19th December 2008The economy may be tanking, but not Malcolm Gladwell. His new book, “Outliers,” a characteristically snappy look at what made the Beatles, Bill Gates and other superstars so successful, enters the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 1
19th December 2008The economy may be tanking, but not Malcolm Gladwell. His new book, “Outliers,” a characteristically snappy look at what made the Beatles, Bill Gates and other superstars so successful, enters the hardcover nonfiction list at No. 1
Diageo wins 'Britain's Most Admired Company 2008' award
11th December 2008Drinks major Diageo has won the coveted title of Britain's Most Admired Company 2008 in MT's annual poll. At the awards ceremony last night at Claridge's, Diageo’s CEO Paul Walsh accepted the award from Lord Heseltine, chairman of Haymarket Media...
11th December 2008Drinks major Diageo has won the coveted title of Britain's Most Admired Company 2008 in MT's annual poll. At the awards ceremony last night at Claridge's, Diageo’s CEO Paul Walsh accepted the award from Lord Heseltine, chairman of Haymarket Media...
Matching what is possible with what is needed - Rowan Gibson's latest online column
30th October 2009Rowan Gibson is a global business strategist, a bestselling author and an expert on radical innovation. He teaches organisations how to seize new growth opportunities, create new markets and even transform industries by recalibrating their whole organisational system around the paradigm of innovation. He is also one of world’s most in-demand business speakers. Rowan has just published his latest online column about how companies need to drive innovation from both the technological side of the organisation and the customer side. To read Rowan's thoughts, just click on the title.
30th October 2009Rowan Gibson is a global business strategist, a bestselling author and an expert on radical innovation. He teaches organisations how to seize new growth opportunities, create new markets and even transform industries by recalibrating their whole organisational system around the paradigm of innovation. He is also one of world’s most in-demand business speakers. Rowan has just published his latest online column about how companies need to drive innovation from both the technological side of the organisation and the customer side. To read Rowan's thoughts, just click on the title.
Gerald Ratner Reviews
Gerald Ratner has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for Gerald Ratner for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book Gerald Ratner for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
"Refreshingly honest, very relevant in the current climate audience were very impressed with his honest account of his experience in business and life and thought he was very humble..."
"Several attendees commented that Gerald was the funniest speaker they had ever heard, he had the whole room in fits of laughter. Absolutely excellent and perfect for the occasion."
"Gerald was a pleasure to work with and was very well received by our members, several of whom comments that he was both interesting and humourous. His ijitial clip set the scene very well and hopefully we will work together again in other regions of our Institute."
Q & A with Gerald Ratner
Speakers Corner interviewed Gerald Ratner to give you a bit more insight as to the type of performance and delivery you would expect from Gerald Ratner However for more information on Gerald Ratner or details as to how to book Gerald Ratner for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0) 208 365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: Can you remember your first speaking engagement?
Gerald Ratner: My first paid speaking engagement was in Prague for a company that sold time shares they invited me because they were suffering from negative publicity .
Speakers Corner: What’s the worst thing that has happened to you during an event?
Gerald Ratner: The worst thing that happened to me was during my speech a waitress decided to remove the menus from every table which managed to both distract me and everyone else in the room.
Speakers Corner: What was the last event you spoke at?
Gerald Ratner: The last event I spoke at was the Cornwall Business Awards, you speak just before dinner which meant I could have wine with my dinner for a change .
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
Gerald Ratner: The best event I spoke at was probably in York for the Chamber of Commerce. I had spoken in Bournemouth that same day and was terrified that I wouldn’t make my slot in time. Additionally they made me cut down my speech to 15mins which I was slightly cautious about. As it turned out I got there in time and the abridged version went down fantastically well. I love it when things come together.
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
Gerald Ratner: I have spoken at Leaders in London previously and would like to do again. The event is highly prestigious and I feel I could improve on my previous effort
Speakers Corner: Which speaker/performer do you most admire and why?
Gerald Ratner: Ken Clarke as managed to get his point across without being confrontational or aggressive.
Speakers Corner: What is your worst on-stage habit?
Gerald Ratner: I always have to take my keys, wallet, and phone out of my pocket when I reach the lectern.
Speakers Corner: What annoys you most professionally?
Gerald Ratner: If some of the audience decide to talk when you are speaking
Speakers Corner: Do you have any riders or special requirements?
Gerald Ratner: I always play my ‘total crap’ joke from 1991 as an intro.
Speakers Corner: Why should an organiser hire you to speak at their event?
Gerald Ratner: I engage the audience with humour, but still deliver some serious points and messages. My story has so many ups and downs and I’m self deprecating, people don’t like boasters.
If you are interested in booking Gerald Ratner for your live event or require any additional information regarding Gerald Ratner then please fill in the enquiry form below and one of the Speakers Corner booking agents will contact you within 24 hours.
"All I knew of Gerald was his reputation, but I had no idea what a brilliant speaker he is. From the moment he started he had the audience in the palm of his hand. Very honest, very funny, and very engaging, and the applause just kept on going…"
Call us on +44 (0) 20 8365 3200 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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News
2nd September 2010
Michael Douglas shared his struggle on The Late Show with David Letterman yesterday and keynote speakers including Lance Armstrong and Martina Navratilova have been open to sharing their own experiences and stories of hope.
1st September 2010
The BBC One controller, Jay Hunt has confirmed that Graham Norton's chat show will switch to friday nights in October to replace Friday Night with Jonathan Ross.
