Homeserve CEO and successful entrepreneur Richard Harpin to close Glazing Summit

In a tremendous coup for this year’s Glazing Summit, Richard Harpin, CEO of Homeserve PLC and one of the most successful entrepreneurs in the UK, will provide a final keynote speech to close this year’s event.

Taking place next week on Tuesday, October 18 at Edgbaston Stadium, Birmingham, Richard rounds off a wonderful line up of industry expert speakers and keynotes at the industry leading, one day conference.

Glazing Summit Founder Andrew Scott said: “I am absolutely thrilled that Richard has kindly agreed to speak at the Glazing Summit and delegates are in for an absolute treat.

“Richard built Homeserve to a 4.7 billion company and is a hugely inspirational speaker who has inspired, nurtured and helped ambitious entrepreneurs think bigger and scale their businesses.

“His keynote will be perfect after our final mergers and acquisitions debate on navigating the business landscape, and it will be the perfect way to end the day on a high. I am also delighted that Richard will join us for the Glazing Summit Dinner in the evening, along with Kriss Akabusi.”

HomeServe, the international home repairs and improvements business, with brands including Checkatrade, is one of Britain’s ultimate success stories. From losing £500,000 and near closure in its first year as a start-up, Richard helped turn it into a £4.7 billion global player with over 8.5 million customers.

It now operates in eight countries, has 7,000 staff, sales of over £1.2 billion and profits of £250 million (EBITDA), and in July a £4.08bn takeover was agreed by the Canadian funds giant Brookfield Asset Management.

In 2015, Richard also set up Growth Partner to invest in the UK’s most talented entrepreneurs, working with some of the fastest growing and most ambitious consumer challenger brands in the UK.

Around 400 business leaders from across the whole supply chain are set to attend the Glazing Summit for an action-packed agenda of debate and discussion on the biggest issues currently affecting the industry.

“This year I’ve lined up some of the industry’s most experienced people alongside some world-class, not to be missed keynotes, to share their views. It should be a phenomenal day,” added Andrew.