Exeter Chamber of Commerce announces annual Business Dinner speaker
Exeter Chamber of Commerce is delighted to announce that Benjamin Mee, CEO of Dartmoor Zoological Park will speak at this year’s Exeter Business Dinner, taking place on Friday 2nd November 2018 at Sandy Park Conference Centre.
In 2006, Benjamin Mee and his family discovered Dartmoor Wildlife Park, which at the time consisted of a private, exotic animal collection, in financial hardship. Mr Mee and his family stepped forward to save the animals and the zoo, starting a year-long struggle to get the zoo ready to re-open.
They achieved this in 2007, under the new name of Dartmoor Zoological Park. In 2008, Benjamin published his memoir ‘We Bought a Zoo’ which was released by 20th Century Fox as a Hollywood film in 2011.
Since reopening, Dartmoor Zoological Park has continued to go from strength to strength with awards and titles being won over the past 11 years, including being accepted into BIAZA (British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquaria) which is the benchmark for all collections aspiring to excellence. The zoo also launched The Dartmoor Institute of Animal Science on site in 2016 with the University of Plymouth and aim to be a leading animal cognition research centre.
Mark Pellow, chairman of Exeter Chamber of Commerce said, “The prestigious black-tie event is one of the highlights of the Exeter business calendar and will see business representatives attend from across the region. We are delighted that the Benjamin Mee is able to join us with annual celebrations.”
Benjamin Mee, CEO of Dartmoor Zoological Park, said “It’s a privilege to be asked to speak at this event. During our 12 years at DZP I have found the business community to be highly supportive. I look forward to sharing our story with this audience.”
Kirk Hills and Global Media and Entertainment are headline sponsors of the dinner. Adrian Hills, Partner at Kirk Hills said: “Exeter is in such a positive position at the moment and it’s exciting to be a part of this celebration of business in the city. Kirk Hills is thrilled to be sponsoring the annual dinner and we feel that this celebration is truly deserved after a successful year for many.”
Sara Bond, Managing Director of Global South West said, “Global Media and Entertainment which incorporates some of the Nation’s favourite radio brands such as Heart, Classic and Capital to name but a few are really pleased to be sponsoring the Exeter Business Dinner again this year. It’s great to be able to show our support for all the local and regional businesses as well as support the Chamber and all that is does for Exeter’s business community. We enjoy taking the time out to recognise all the great work and successes as well as the fantastic collaborative workings both here in Exeter and across the wider area at this annual celebration.”
With over 100 already booked for the evening, there are a limited number of tickets still available for the event with individual spaces priced at £75 per person or £700 for a table of 10 including a sparkling wine reception followed by a superb four course feast featuring a delicious selection of local produce and quality wines. If you would like to make a booking or require further information, please contact Alyson Stenner at Exeter Chamber of Commerce on 01392 431133 or email alyson@exeterchamber.co.uk
The event is also sponsored by Nettl of Exeter, Signs Express Exeter, Apple Taxis and the Mercure Southgate.
