Entrepreneurs Forum

Join us for a truly unique open event in the company of an exceptional businessman, who despite selling Dreams, although retailing a minority shareholding he continues to have a real passion for business.

 

Mike Clare is a man who really has made his dreams into a reality, selling beds in one form or another for over 30 years.  Last year sales at the nationwide bed retailer soared to nearly £200 million! He discovered his entrepreneurial traits much earlier on however, buying, repairing and selling bicycles on to students whilst at college.

 

Mike is a serial entrepreneur who overflows with limitless drive and a willingness to succeed.  After selling the majority of his Dreams shares, he had a well deserved year out but is now back in business with Clarenco LLP, a group of companies created and directed by Mike to focus on developing entrepreneurial new business and property investments.

 

During the evening, Mike will share with our guests his business experiences, ranging from starting up and how he built Dreams, to why he sold it.  He will also talk about his exciting new business ventures as well has his 5 P’s: Planning, Perseverance, People, Profit and Passion, delivering a mix of sound advice and inspiration along the way.

 

This event introduced and facilitated by Entrepreneurs’ Forum Board Member Nigel Mills, Group Managing Director of Mills Group

 

 

Mike was born in Beaconsfield and after attending Davenies School, Chalfonts Community College and High Wycombe College he began a career in the furniture industry, before opening his first retail store at the age of 30.

 

A serial entrepreneur, Mike is probably best known as the founder of Dreams, which he launched in 1987. With a chain of over 200 superstores Dreams is now acknowledged as Britain’s largest bed retailer. Although Mike stepped down as Chairman and CEO in 2008, though remains non-executive President.

 

Mike took a year out to move into the Chiltern countryside with his wife and four children and concentrate on his charitable interests, whilst continuing to encourage young budding entrepreneurs.

 

In 2009 Mike established Clarenco LLP, where as Executive Chairman he is involved in a variety of new investment and property ventures under the Clarenco Group umbrella. Mike’s passion for business has been the driving force behind the Stokenchurch based team that has rapidly developed a number of exciting new businesses.

 

A significant part of Clarenco is Amazing Retreats, a portfolio of large, unusual residential properties such as castles, manor houses, forts and follies. These are let out for corporate hospitality, weddings, private parties and film locations.

 

Clarenco also invests in pre-let commercial property in the Thames Valley area. Boxmore, another division, is a self-storage business based in Aylesbury and Trade Interiors supplies unique and unusual furnishings to the hotel and country house market.

 

In September 2009 Mike was awarded an Honorary Doctorate by Bucks New University in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of commerce and entrepreneurship. In the same year Mike founded The Clare Foundation, a registered charity dedicated to helping other charities become more efficient, commercial and entrepreneurial. Based near High Wycombe, The Clare Foundation also acts as a hub for local charities by offering subsidised accommodation and shared facilities.

 

More recently, through his enthusiasm for joint ventures, Mike has joined Today Retail as Chairman. Today’s specialist, contemporary convenience stores are set to expand into sites across the UK with high footfall near busy office communities.

 

Attendance at this event for Forum members is included in their membership package.  As places are strictly limited please advise us of any cancellations in advance of the event.

 

A light supper will be served following the main speech, allowing further time to chat with Mike, fellow members and guests.

 

Venue: Eversheds, Central Square, Newcastle
Time: 6.30pm – 9.30pm

To register for this event please call 0870 850 2233 or email info@entrepreneursforum.net

 

Attendance at this event is included in members' benefits, it costs £15 + VAT per member's guest and non-members are charged at £35 + VAT per person.  As we are a not-for-profit organisation, cancellations received within 24 hours of the event will have to be charged in full.