Tuesday 09th March 2010 / 06.30pm

Description

Michael Bennett is joining us as a special guest on Tuesday 9th March. He has extensive experience in fashion retailing / acquiring and building successful businesses / growing successful businesses and exiting through different channels

Michael Bennett is a renowned retail industry entrepreneur. With his brother, Maurice, he founded the high street chain, Warehouse, which they built up and sold to Freeman’s in 1986. In 1991 they founded Oasis Stores, developing the business from £1m turnover to a hugely successful, publicly listed fashion retailer. Along the way they bought Coast – a brand developed from £2m turnover when it was bought, to almost £100m today. In 2002, Maurice and Michael Bennett successfully exited Oasis Group when PPM Ventures took the company private.

In 2003 Maurice and Michael took control of Phase Eight, turning it around before selling to Barclays Private Equity in 2005, producing a seven times return on investment for themselves and their partners. They still serve as joint chairmen of Long Tall Sally and Kookai UK having been the principle investors in their acquisition.

Format

6:30pm – Meet in the vault for pre-dinner drinks
7.00pm – Chaired cross table discussion with Michael over 3 course meal with wine
9.15pm – Coffee and Supper Club feedback and updates 9.30pm – Retire to bar for optional drinks and networking

Please let us know of any dietary requirements in advance