James Averdieck Biography
James Averdieck lived the dream. As founder and Managing Director of Gü Chocolate Puds - the fastest growing food company in UK and a brand credited with revolutionising the quality of desserts – he is an entrepreneur in the truest sense of the word. He built the brand with passion, sold it for £32 million. James is compelling and unique as a keynote speaker, as he delivers the message that at the heart of entrepreneurialism lies the idea, the journey, not the exit strategy, and not the final sale price.
In the process of building his brand, James realised his chocolate dream of selling soufflés to the French and chocolate to the Belgians...Since he sold his beloved Gu, James has become aware that the money, the power, the pleasure-seeking, the cars and the kudos, will never match the thrill of running and building the business. He is living proof that it’s not about the money.
James, the entrepreneur, conveys a strong message about the value of loving your business. He speaks about true entrepreneurship; how to simplify ideas with an innovative approach, and how to make your dreams achievable. He shares the ups and downs of running a business with a raw and honest appeal.
His enormous success lends him credibility, and his endearing transparency, combine to create a charismatic, intelligent and thoughtful keynote speaker, from whom important lessons can be learned.
Background and career
Born in Yorkshire in 1965, James was educated at Uppingham School before studying Economics at Durham University. After uni, James joined the graduate programme at strategy consultants Arthur D. Little, where he learnt about the key drivers to a successful business, but wanted to get closer to the coal-face.
James spent 9 years in the Food industry working for Safeway and St Ivel and learnt about Sales and Marketing and running businesses. With St Ivel he moved to Belgium and became a convert to Belgian gastronomy and, as he says, ‘went native on the chocolate front’. It was in Brussels that the seed was sown for his UK chocolate venture. James saw the opportunity of marrying high quality chocolate patisserie with efficient UK supermarket distribution.
James realised that UK consumers were demanding more quality and moving away from mass-produced ‘branded’ products. He was confident he could take on the big players.
He wanted to create a brand “more focused than the big brands on using high-quality raw materials to deliver uncompromisingly good products.”
Gü, the brand, is about chocolate extremism – evoking nostalgic memories and magical smells of baking with chocolate. The brand was embraced with love by the supermarkets, launching first in Sainsburys and Waitrose with the others following apace.
Speaking Topics
James Averdieck is the man who built and sold Gü! A master entrepreneur who realised his dream, lost it, and has invaluable lessons to impart.
- Entrepreneurs
- Food & Wine
- Leadership
- Marketing & Branding
For further information or to book James Averdieck, call us at Speakers Corner on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
James Averdieck Video
James Averdieck Speaker Showreel - Click play to watch a short sample video clip of James Averdieck. For more information on James Averdieck please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
James Averdieck News
A selection of relevant news related to James Averdieck, Keynote Speakers, Business Speakers, Entrepreneurs, Leadership Speakers and Marketing & Branding stories. For more information on James Averdieck or details as to how to book James Averdieck for your corporate event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Top 10 Speakers for 2012
27th December 2011
As the year draws to a close, Speakers Corner looks forward to the promise of the intriguing and opportune months ahead. 2012 is set to be a year of economic optimism, business innovation and a host of rising stars on the corporate circuit – all primed to motivate, educate, stimulate and entertain.
Peter Jones, Claire Young and Luke Johnson Attend Entrepreneur Festival
22nd September 2011
TV Dragons and keynote speakers Doug Richard and Peter Jones CBE are inspiring young entrepreneurs at the MADE festival in Sheffield, alongside Apprentice star and entrepreneur Claire Young. The UK’s premiere festival for entrepreneurs is set to make the business stars of tomorrow.
Adrian Chiles on his way to ITV as its all change on the magazine show front
20th April 2010
Adrian Chiles is on his way to host GMTV as it is all change on both ITV's GMTV and the BBC's One Show as rumours are flying around regarding who will be hosting alongside Adrian Chiles and be taking over from him on The One Show - it is already known that Chris Evans will be hosting on Friday but beyond that is all speculation
Entrepreneurial chocolatiers Jo Fairley, Craig Sams, James Averdieck & Angus Thirlwell - are all enjoying success with their luxury chocolate brands
26th January 2010
Chocolate is big news. Cadbury have been bought by Kraft and entrepreneurs Jo Fairly and Sam Craig sold their luxury chocolate business Green & Blacks to Cadbury some time ago. And this week saw another sale Gu Puds sold to Noble Foods retaining entrepreneur and founder James Averdieck as MD. Angus Thirlwell who runs Hotel Chocolat has created a luxury brand with sales coming from the web, mail order and high street shops
Gü Brings Sweet Success for James Averdieck
16th December 2008
Gü Chocolate Puds, founded by James Averdieck in 2003 has recently become a multi award winner. Not content with scooping the New Exporter of the Year Award, sponsored by UK Trade and Investment, Gü Chocolate Puds also went on to be crowned the overall Food and Drink Exporter of the Year 2008.
Entrepreneur Challenge: Going for gold
16th September 2008
The action moves to the capital as the Sunday Times Bank of Scotland Corporate Entrepreneur Challenge unveils its second set of five regional finalists.
The Apprentice Returns for 2013
8th May 2013
The 2013 series of The Apprentice has begun and Lord Alan Sugar had this year’s hopefuls selling a host of items including toilet roll, high visibility jackets and Chinese lucky cat statuettes.
Ronnie O’Sullivan Wins Fifth World Title
7th May 2013
Snooker player, Ronnie O’Sullivan beat Barry Hawkins to win the Betfair World Championships at the Crucible Theatre in Sheffield.
Self-Help Books; A Billion Dollar Industry
30th April 2013
Self-help books are increasingly popular among the British public than ever before and an increased number of us are turning to self help books in the hope that they will solve lives problems.
Danny Cohen Appointed Director of BBC Television
25th April 2013
It has been announced that BBC One Controller, Danny Cohen has been appointed as Director of BBC Television.
James Averdieck Reviews
James Averdieck has spoken and appeared at a number of recent corporate events. Please find some client speaker testimonials and reviews for James Averdieck for a number of these events and conferences. If you would like some additional information as to how to book James Averdieck for your corporate event, then please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Thoroughly enjoyed James' talk that day - hugely engaging. A very amiable man altogether!
A great speaker with a excellent delivery style mixing chocolate, business and humor, what else could you ask for in a speaker!
A great speaker, a great personality, and a great story to tell. He was very well received by the audience, and a pleasure to work with.
Q & A with James Averdieck
James Averdieck answered some probing questions for Speakers Corner. For speaking secrets revealed - read on! To book James Averdieck for your event, please contact one of the Speakers Corner booking agents on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or info@speakerscorner.co.uk
Speakers Corner: How did the corporate speaking start?
James Averdieck: I was asked to speak at some conference and an agency approached me afterwards
Speakers Corner: Which event has been your favourite and why?
James Averdieck: Appearing on “The apprentice, you’re fired!” because lots of friends saw it
Speakers Corner: If you could speak at any event, past or future, what would it be?
James Averdieck: Davos - it's sexy!
Speakers Corner: Who would you most like to share a platform with?
James Averdieck: Gerald Ratner
Speakers Corner: On average, how many times a year do you speak at corporate events?
James Averdieck: About 10
Speakers Corner: Do you use powerpoint?
James Averdieck: Sometimes.
Speakers Corner: How do you like to be introduced?
James Averdieck: I'd like to be introduced as an entrepreneur.
Speakers Corner: What are the most asked for topics?
James Averdieck: Entrepreneurialism.
Speakers Corner: Is your speech interactive with audience participation?
James Averdieck: No, but I always take questions at the end
Speakers Corner: Do you have any funny/embarrassing speaking anecdotes you care to share?
James Averdieck: A client turned out to have had a fling with my twin brother!.
Speakers Corner: Your favourite film?
James Averdieck: Slumdog Millionaire
Speakers Corner: Favourite book?
James Averdieck: Any Human Heart – William Boyd
Speakers Corner: Favourite holiday destination?
James Averdieck: Cape Town
Speakers Corner: What’s your tipple?
James Averdieck: Caipahrinha
Speakers Corner: Country or townie?
James Averdieck: Born in the country – now a townie
For further information or to book James Averdieck, call us on +44 (0)20 7607 7070 or email info@speakerscorner.co.uk
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