Sign & Digital UK (SDUK) today announces one of the UK’s most inspirational female entrepreneurs, Sahar Hashemi OBE, will be headlining at the industry-leading sign and display show taking place on 2 to 4 April 2019, at the NEC in Birmingham.

In keeping with SDUK’s theme for 2019 The Face of Innovation and as a powerful speaker on innovation and entrepreneurial mindset, Sahar Hashemi will deliver an inspiring keynote on how ‘anyone can do it’ when it comes to awakening the entrepreneur within. The 11am talk on Tuesday 2 April, taking place in the Main Stage Theatre, will be followed by a Q&A session during the show’s opening day.

Sahar has been recognised for her achievements as an entrepreneur by Her Majesty the Queen and named as a ‘Pioneer to the life of the nation.’ She has built two famous brands over the years; Coffee Republic, the UK’s first coffee bar chain which she grew with her brother to 110 stores and £30m turnover before exiting in 2001, and Skinny Candy, the guilt-free confectionery brand that she sold in 2007.

Sahar will use her session at SDUK to share her captivating personal stories of building successful companies, as well as her expertise and industry knowledge of creating a brand.

Sahar Hashemi will also take a tour of the show floor, to see some of the leading suppliers exhibiting at the show.

Sahar Hashemi commented: “I am looking forward to talking at the Sign & Digital UK show and catching up on all the latest developments in this vibrant design sector. I will be sharing my thoughts on innovation and the entrepreneurial mindset and telling my own story of how I built two household named brands from my kitchen table – Coffee Republic and Skinny Candy – and hoping to inspire the audience.

"My message is really that ‘anyone can do it’ but also I show people working in large corporations how to develop that same entrepreneurial mindset to the benefit of their business goals.”

Rudi Blackett, portfolio director at SDUK, added: “Sahar’s entrepreneurial experience combined with her ‘can-do’ spirit is truly inspiring, and will make for an insightful keynote. We’re excited to see her captivate the audience with her talk that aims to bring to life the passion, determination and open-mindedness needed to succeed for aspiring entrepreneurs.

We hope visitors and exhibitors will bring their questions to benefit from Sahar’s expert retail and entrepreneurial knowledge.”

Alongside Sahar’s keynote is a fully-packed seminar programme and a stellar line-up of industry expert talks, interactive sessions, panel debates and live demonstrations across the three-day event.

For more information about the free-to-attend event visit www.signuk.com.