Norman Lay said he was introducing the Towergate team with trepidation and fear based on past experience of previous conferences. However, he warned John Wright that he may be the prime target this time as it was his last year as National Chairman!
David Perry of Towergate appeared on the platform dressed as Bruce Forsyth and introduced Strictly Come Towergate!
He then introduced the conference delegates to the panel of judges:
- From a stud farm in North Wales - Bruno Tonioni Feliciello!
- Poetry in Motions - D'Arcy Wells!
- From the Corridors of Power to the Corridors of the Holiday Inn - Len '7!' Walker!
- Voice like Silk - Norman Alesha Dixon!
He said his beautiful assistant was missing and he needed a Tess Daly to his Brucie.
Tim Lazenby then appeared on the platform dressed as Arthur Daly, saying that sequins weren't available and Daley Thompson's shorts didn't fit!
The main presentation followed covering:
- Responding to member needs
- Late Payment - services to address this issue were outlined
- FSB Credit Management Service
- 200,000 calls from members in last 12 months
- Negotiated a contract extension which has seen revenues to the FSB grow by five per cent (£350,000 revenues to the FSB)
- Sponsorship and Support - only four FSB Regions did not take up the sponsorship offer
- New offer aimed at Branch delegates - Vision to Reality - Sponsoring London University to develop a Summer School course for Entrepreneurs - Towergate will pay for two members with a big idea to attend the Summer School to include accommodation costs. Branches invited to nominate members.
The presentation concluded with a dance routine with Norman Lay and John Wright, supported by professional dancers, Sophia and CJ.
The studio vote was inconclusive, so delegates were invited to call 0845 7626158 to vote and also to use this number for FSB Towergate Insurance services or to visit them on their stand.