In the fast-paced corporate world, choosing the right keynote speaker to address your organisation can transform your 2026 corporate event from routine to unforgettable. 

What Does a Keynote Speaker Do For a Business?

A keynote speaker brings clarity, energy and direction to a business event. They deliver focused, inspiring and informative talks that spark reflection and drive discussion around a central theme. A strong keynote can set the tone for the event, building momentum and excitement that carries through the rest of the event agenda. Keynote speakers help to unify teams, crucial when 39% of employees report a lack of collaboration, and motivate action in the workplace, where only 15% of employees globally say they feel inspired. A great speaker doesn't just talk; they create connection, encourage change and leave a lasting impact on people and performance.

What Topics Can a Keynote Speaker Cover?

Here at the Champions Speakers Agency, we have the pleasure of working with the best keynote speakers across a multitude of industries. Some of the most popular 2026 topics that our keynote speakers cover are:

• Artificial Intelligence & Technology
• Mental Health & Wellbeing
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Sustainability
• Future of Work & Workplace Culture

Browse all of Champions Speakers' keynote speaking topics!

Who Are the Top 10 Trending Keynote Speakers in the UK for 2026?

1. Jo Salter MBE - Britain's first female fast jet pilot
2. Derek Redmond - World & European Champion athlete
3. Steven Bartlett - Founder of Flight Story & Host of Diary of a CEO
4. David Fishwick - Founder of Burnley Savings & Loans, subject of Netflix's "Bank of Dave"
5. Dame Kelly Holmes - Double Olympic Gold medallist
6. Jo Fairley - Co-Founder of Green & Black's Chocolate
7. Jamil Qureshi - Co-Founder of We Do Things Differently
8. Brendan Hall - Winning skipper of the Clipper Round the World Yacht Race
9. Jamie McAnsh - The first person to reach Mt Everest Base Camp with CRPS on crutches
10. Sir Steve Redgrave - 5x Olympic Gold medallist

1. Dr Jo Salter MBE

Official Speaker Rating: 9.8/10 

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

2. Derek Redmond

Official Speaker Rating: 9.7/10

Derek Redmond is hired as a keynote speaker for his powerful blend of lived experience, sporting excellence, and business insight. A former Olympian and World Champion, Derek’s iconic story of resilience—finishing the 1992 Olympic race with a torn hamstring—has inspired millions. He brings that same grit to corporate stages, speaking on high performance, mental resilience, diversity, and inclusion. With experience as a professional athlete, basketball player, and performance director, Derek knows what it takes to build winning teams. Voted one of the world’s Top 10 Motivational Speakers for 2026, he leaves audiences empowered to overcome challenges and perform at their best.

Derek Redmond's Official Speaking Topics:

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Dealing with Change
• Resilience
• High-Performance Teams
• Motivation & Inspiration

3. Steven Bartlett

Official Speaker Rating: 9.6/10

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

4. David Fishwick

Official Speaker Rating: 9.4/10

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

5. Dame Kelly Holmes

Official Speaker Rating: 9.2/10

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.

Dame 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

6. Jo Fairley

Official Speaker Rating: 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

7. Jamil Qureshi

Official Speaker Rating: 8.9/10

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

8. Brendan Hall

Official Speaker Rating: 8.8/10

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

9. Jamie McAnsh

Official Speaker Rating: 8.7/10

Jamie McAnsh is hired as a keynote speaker for his powerful ability to turn personal adversity into inspiration. After waking paralysed in 2014, Jamie defied the odds to become an award-winning athlete, adventurer, and mental health advocate. From summiting Mount Kilimanjaro with CRPS to raising over £250,000 for charity, his story captivates audiences and proves that disability does not define ability. His talks focus on resilience, goal setting, diversity, and inclusive leadership. Jamie connects with people from all walks of life, offering real-world lessons in courage and mindset. Audiences leave inspired, motivated, and ready to face challenges head-on.

Jamie McAnsh's Official Speaking Topics:

• Resilience & Overcoming Challenges
• Diversity & Inclusion
• Dealing with Change
• Goal Setting & Teamwork
• What Makes Good Leaders & Managers
• Motivation & Inspiration

10. Sir Steve Redgrave

Official Speaker Rating: 8.6/10

Sir 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

Why Should I Invest in a Keynote Speaker?

Investing in a keynote speaker isn’t just inspiring, it’s good business. Teams that are highly engaged are 23% more profitable and 18% more productive than those that aren’t. A great speaker can spark that engagement by shifting perspectives, energising teams, and reinforcing key business values. Whether it’s leadership, resilience, innovation, or culture, the right speaker connects the dots between inspiration and action.

Source: Forbes

Hire a Top-Rated Keynote Speaker for Your Next Event!

If you are looking to hire a 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.

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