The world’s greatest living explorer will make his way to Coventry to share inspiring stories at the region’s largest business event

Sir Ranulph Fiennes will address the area's business community as the keynote speaker at the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce's Annual Economic Conference on Friday, November 15.

This year's annual conference, sponsored by WCG, comes after 2018's hugely successful event which saw over 250 business and civic leaders come together to discuss the most important business issues as well as explore opportunities for local partnership and growth.

Record-breaking expedition leader Fiennes, who was the first person to reach both North and South Poles by foot, will be speaking at the DoubleTree by Hilton Coventry to share tales of his endurance at this year's conference.

He also made it into the record books by completing seven marathons on seven continents (including Antarctica) in seven days - soon after receiving emergency heart surgery.

Amongst an incredible catalogue of adventures and extreme tests, Fiennes has recently undertaken The Coldest Journey, an attempt to cross Antarctica on foot during the southern winter where the temperature falls to minus 90°C.

He was forced to withdraw when he suffered severe frostbite, but still claims that "if you are lucky enough to be able to walk around without a crutch, you might as well go for it."

It didn't stop him from undertaking the hottest journey, the Marathon des Sables, a 159 mile run over six days in temperatures over 50°C through the Sahara.

Broadcaster and journalist, Naga Munchetty, will host the conference, which will feature addresses and panel discussions with a range of business figures and key decision makers.

Louise Bennett, chief executive of the Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce said: "Sir Ranulph Fiennes is a national hero who will have plenty of inspiring stories to tell and we are excited to welcome him to the biggest event in our calendar.

"He will lead a line-up of prestigious speakers in what should be a fantastic day of thought-provoking and informative discussion, which will help to make this year's conference as popular as ever.

"The conference is a key fixture in the calendar for local business leaders and decision makers at a local, regional and national level, and we are extremely pleased to have secured such a high-profile speaker."

Louise added: "We are delighted to also announce that Naga Munchetty will be our host for the day and we will be securing further speakers over the coming weeks and months to ensure that delegates hear the very latest developments in the region and go away informed and inspired.

"WCG is our headline sponsor and it's great to have their support, once again, in delivering our Annual Conference."

For more information, visit cw-chamber.co.uk/events/the-chamber-of-commerce-annual-economic-conference-2019.