Michelle Mone, the inventor of the now world-famous Ultimo bra, is set to provide a fascinating insight into how she set up her business, created the unique silicone-gel-filled bra and how the travel industry can learn from her experiences.
Now 34, her career began as a fashion model at 15 before joining Labatt’s Beer Company running their Scottish Sales and Marketing team. On being made redundant in 1996 she set up MJM International with her husband, taking three years to create the first Ultimo bra. Launched at Selfridges, the store sold out six weeks of stock within 24 hours.
Her business has since gone from strength to strength, owning seven brands which are sold in 45 countries. Most recently, she signed a deal with ASDA to launch an exclusive ‘Michelle for George’ collection.
Michelle has won a host of awards including Business Start up of the Year 1997; World Young Business Achiever Award; Business Woman of the Year; Great Scot of the Year Business Award and Best Newcomer at the British Apparel Export Award.
In 2001, she was asked by Prince Charles to join the board of directors of The Princes Trust. Commenting on the Business Lecture, Fiona Jeffery, group exhibition director, WTM, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Michelle will be addressing the industry at this year’s Business Lecture. Her remarkable achievements and attitude are inspirational whilst she has seemed to find the answer to juggling the demands of her business with bringing up three young children.”
Since the introduction of the WTM Business Lecture, the event has been addressed by Dr Fons Trompenaar, Barry Gibbons, Simon Woodroffe and last year by Sahar Hashemi.