When hosting a corporate event, it is always beneficial to employ the services of a highly anticipated keynote speaker to engage your audience. It is particularly important to hire a keynote speaker who can add credibility to your event. Offering their expert insights, a keynote speaker holds the ability to inspire, persuade and motivate your audience through the speeches they deliver.

Source: Forbes 

Who are the top 10 keynote speakers in the UK?

• Steven Bartlett
• David Fishwick
• Jo Salter
• Kelly Holmes
• Jo Fairley
• Jamil Qureshi
• Brendan Hall
• Jez Rose
• Sir Steve Redgrave
• Tim Campbell

1. Steven Bartlett

Official Speaker Rating: 9.5/10

Steven Bartlett stands as a paragon of modern entrepreneurial success and innovation. Founder of the multi-million-pound agency Social Chain, his ventures span from pioneering in Web3 innovations with Flight Story to impactful social commentary via his highly acclaimed podcast, The Diary of a CEO. Steven’s keynotes not only inspire but also equip audiences with the foresight and mindset required to excel in a rapidly evolving business environment. Steven's voice is a crucial one, echoing through the corridors of enterprises and institutions, advocating for a more inclusive, innovative, and successful future.

Official Testimonial for Steven Bartlett:

“For Steven himself, what can I say... he exceeded even the very highest expectations we had for him - so intelligent and inspiring with his wisdom, but also so generous with his time. He genuinely had a huge impact on the audience and I know people will be talking about this event for a long time! Thanks again for your partnership as always!" - Charlotte, Vice President Operations Control Management, J.P. Morgan

2. David Fishwick

Official Speaker Rating: 9.2/10

David Fishwick, renowned for founding Burnley Savings and Loans Ltd, or "Bank of Dave," is a beacon of entrepreneurial success and financial expertise. His venture into banking, particularly during the 2008 crisis, showcased his innovative approach to providing fair loans and supporting local communities, leading to significant recognition, including a Netflix film and a Sunday Times best-seller. As a keynote speaker, David's narrative resonates with audiences worldwide, offering invaluable insights into overcoming challenges with resilience and strategic thinking. David Fishwick's compelling story and expertise make him an inspiring figure in finance and business circles, providing actionable lessons for individuals and organisations alike.

David Fishwick’s Official Speaking Topics include:

• Business
• Finance
• Fair Trading
• Bank of Dave
• Business Management

3. Jo Salter

Official Speaker Rating: 9.7

Dr Jo Salter MBE, a trailblazer as the first female fast jet pilot in the Royal Air Force, has transcended her remarkable military achievements to become a luminary in peak performance, leadership, and motivation, especially for women. Leading male-dominated squads, Jo epitomises resilience, analytical thinking, and the capacity to perform under extreme pressure. Jo's speaking engagements, enriched by compelling anecdotes from her aviation and leadership experiences, captivate and empower diverse audiences, driving home the message of perseverance, challenge-overcoming, and personal development.

Official Testimonial for Jo Salter:

"Wow- Jo was absolutely fantastic. An amazing guest speaker, totally engaging, hilariously funny and has an incredible story to share about facing adversity, diversity and performing at your very best! We loved having her, feedback was amazing, we just wish we had all day just to hear all her incredible stories. Totally loved it! Thank you, Jo" - Wells Fargo

4. Kelly Holmes

Official Speaker Rating: 9.1/10

Dame Kelly Holmes, one of Britain’s most inspirational athletes, embodies the essence of overcoming adversity to achieve greatness. With an illustrious career marked by both significant challenges and triumphs, Holmes has become a symbol of resilience and determination. Her journey from a young dreamer with aspirations of Olympic gold and a military career to achieving those dreams showcases her relentless pursuit of excellence. After publicly coming out as gay in 2022, Kelly has embraced her role as a beacon of hope and inspiration for the LGBT community and beyond. Her messages of courage, identity, and overcoming obstacles resonate deeply, inspiring audiences worldwide to pursue their dreams with unwavering commitment.

Kelly Holmes’ Official Speaking Topics include:

• Motivation & Inspiration
• Mental Health in the Workplace
• Performance, Resilience & Overcoming Adversity 
• Goal Setting & High Performing Teams
• Women’s Empowerment

5. Jo Fairley

Official Speaker Rating: 8.9/10

Jo Fairley stands out as a beacon of innovation and sustainability in the business world. As the co-founder of the trailblazing luxury chocolate brand Green & Black’s, her journey from the youngest-ever magazine editor in Britain to a serial entrepreneur embodies resilience, creativity, and a commitment to ethical principles. A sought-after keynote speaker, Jo shares her wealth of experience in building ethical businesses, offering invaluable insights into sustainability, leadership, and entrepreneurship. Her accolades, including being named one of the 100 UK Leading Environmentalists by Forbes, underscore her influential contributions to promoting greener business practices and organic food production. Jo Fairley is not just a speaker; she is an inspiration to future generations of ethical entrepreneurs.

Official Testimonial for Jo Fairley:

"You truly inspired us with your story and what you said about sustainability, thinking different and that no idea is too crazy and I think you could tell by the amount of questions, that there was a lot of interest in those topics and your personal journey." - Hugo Boss

6. Jamil Qureshi

Official Speaker Rating: 9.2/10

Jamil Qureshi’s remarkable ability to elevate success spans diverse domains—from golf and football to Formula 1—demonstrating his skill in not only overcoming competition but also in achieving world records through performance psychology. As a co-founder of multiple change consultancies, Jamil brings a wealth of knowledge on a variety of topics, making him an invaluable addition to any event. His work in fostering "meaningful cultural changes" and developing programs that distinguish between activity and productivity showcases his effectiveness in driving high profits and reducing procrastination. Recognised as one of the Best Workplace Culture Speakers, Jamil Qureshi's engagements are not just talks but transformative experiences that empower attendees to lead in their fields.

Jamil Qureshi’s speaking topics include:

• Psychology of Performance
• Performance
• Change

7. Brendan Hall

Official Speaker Rating: 8.75/10

Brendan Hall stands out as a keynote speaker on leadership and adventure, embodying inspiration through his exceptional narrative and actionable insights. His experiences, particularly his triumph as the youngest skipper to win the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race, highlight his unparalleled leadership skills. Brendan's background as a professional yacht racing skipper, author, and leadership expert, coupled with his compelling account of overcoming adversity in the treacherous North Pacific, positions him as a beacon of inspiration. His book, Team Spirit, extends his insights, offering a deep dive into leading under extreme conditions, making Brendan Hall a quintessential speaker for fostering growth, resilience, and peak performance in business and life.

Official Testimonial for Brendan Hall:

"We used Brendan for 12 events this year - each time a great performance with brilliantly applicable messages." - Johnson & Johnson

8. Jez Rose

Official Speaker Rating: 8.8/10

Jez Rose stands out as a leading behavioural expert and peak performance keynote speaker, renowned for his dynamic presentations to globally recognised brands. Jez's work centres on the significant impact of nature on human health, well-being, and behaviour, advocating for minor adjustments that lead to remarkable outcomes. As the founder of The Good Life Project, Jez champions the essential role of nature in our lives, providing evidence-based guidance for enhancing human health and behaviour through natural influences. His ability to convey complex ideas with charisma and clarity has earned him a top spot among the most sought-after business speakers, resonating with audiences worldwide through his passionate delivery and innovative insights.

Official Testimonial for Jez Rose:

• Human Behaviour
• Mindset
• Leadership
• Change Management

9. Sir Steve Redgrave

Official Speaker Rating: 8.6

Steve Redgrave stands as a monumental figure in Olympic history, renowned for his remarkable achievements as Britain's most successful international rower and a beacon of peak performance and mindset. As a keynote speaker, Steve shares his awe-inspiring journey of overcoming chronic illness to clinch five Olympic gold medals across five consecutive Games—a testament to his indomitable spirit and unyielding commitment to excellence. Through his speaking engagements, Steve imparts invaluable lessons on adopting a winning mindset, underscoring the power of perseverance and the importance of setting and achieving lofty goals.

Official Testimonial for Steve Redgrave:

"Tesco were delighted that Sir Steve Redgrave could make a unique contribution as a speaker at a recent launch. As our foremost Olympian he brings a reputation that is both inspiring and motivational. Sir Steve demonstrated a level of approachability and openness that helped make the event truly memorable." - Tesco PLC

10. Tim Campbell

Official Speaker Rating: 9.4/10

Tim Campbell, celebrated as the inaugural winner of The Apprentice and a beacon in the realms of business, entrepreneurship, and diversity and inclusion, offers a riveting narrative that captivates audiences worldwide. As a keynote speaker, his engagements span critical business facets like strategy, entrepreneurship, and inclusivity. Not just a speaker, but an author recognised for his insights in "What's Your Bright Idea: The Journey To Starting Your Own Business," Tim's presentations are not merely talks but transformative experiences that inspire action, challenge conventional wisdom, and foster a culture of inclusion and innovation. Whether addressing aspiring entrepreneurs or seasoned professionals, Tim Campbell stands as a pivotal figure whose stories and insights galvanize change and encourage diversity in the world of business.

Official Testimonial for Tim Campbell:

"He was absolutely brilliant and a pleasure to work with! The audience really took to him and everything he said was so interesting!" - Institution of Engineering and Technology

Hire One of the UK’s Top-Rated Trending Keynote Speakers for Your Next Event!

If you are looking to hire a leading keynote speaker, do not hesitate to fill out our online contact form or call one of our dedicated booking agents on 0207 1010 553.

This blog post was written by Mark Matthews, who has accumulated the official data and customer feedback from 6821 events and conferences held between 2022 and 2024 in the United Kingdom.