A FORMER GCHQ director and an ex-marketing boss at the Eden project have been announced as guest speakers at the 2017 Gloucestershire Business Show.

Brian Lord and Dave Meneer are two of the experts who will share knowledge during a programme of seminars and panel discussions at at The Centaur, Cheltenham Racecourse, on 17-18 May.

Mr Lord spent 21 years working at GCHQ, the UK’s Government Communications Headquarters, where his most recent role was as deputy director for cyber and intelligence operations.

In a discussion session at GBS17, he will talk about cybercrime in the 21st Century and how small and medium sized businesses can distinguish real threats from sensationalist news headlines.

Mr Meneer’s marketing expertise helped to establish the Eden Project – the famous multiple greenhouse complex in Cornwall – as one of the most popular tourist destinations in the country.

During a 25-year career in advertising, he managed accounts for household names such as Birds Eye, Cornetto, Flora and the Royal Navy.

Since then, his roles have included CEO of celebrity chef Jamie Oliver’s restaurant, as well as marketing the city of Truro, the Isles of Scilly.

He will share his experience gained as an advertising guru, business manager and strategist in the session billed ‘The Visitor Economy – making our county stand out’.

Other topics for discussion by panels of experts at GBS17 include ‘Psychology of money – How do you and your business relate to and manage money?’, ‘Gloucester – Rebirth of a city’, ‘E-Gloucestershire – The cyber vision for Cheltenham’ and ‘The human in the digital age’.

Rachel Jones, head of communications for GBS17, praised the two speakers.

She said: “Opportunities to hear from such eminent speakers don’t come along very often and we’re confident that they’re going to prove really popular.

“With such a broad range of speakers and topics, plus seminars, panel discussions and workshops, we believe that the show offers something for everyone, whether they’re the owner of a new start-up company or run a multi-million business."

For more information about what’s happening at GBS17, including how to take part in the Gloucestershire Business Games Pedal Car Race, visit the GBS17 website or telephone 01242 807689.