He won over the ‘Dragons’ in the ‘Den’, in the much watched BBC series’ Christmas episode, now Andy Pearce, founder of the print on demand greeting card business, Thortful, will tell his story and insights at The Ladder Club seminars in November.
The serial entrepreneur (who only went on the BBC programme for the massive exposure it afforded his brand) is to speak on both days of The Ladder Club seminars, which take place on Tuesday 6 November and Wednesday 7 November (in Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex). He will tailor his talk to suit both audiences – the first day’s seminar being for would-be or newbie publishers and the second for more established publishers looking to progress up ‘the industry ladder’.
Andy certainly has a lot to share about his take on business as well as the greeting card sector. Thortful is gaining ground as a print on demand online publisher which licences designs from many existing publishers as well as unknown designers and artists.
At the age of 18, Andy decided that he knew more about business than his university lecturers so he left after three months and went out and proved it. From a wheelie bin cleaning service to call centre empire Inkfish, and then onto conference calling company PowWowNow, he netted £millions in the process.
As he demonstrated on Dragons’ Den, he is no pallid, techno geek who would prefer to communicate digitally. His quickfire talking, open body language, perma tan (the result of a two year sabbatical kite surfing round the world that is topped up at regular intervals) and boyish enthusiasm is engaging. He accepts he doesn’t have all the answers, but has a lot of fun trying to find them or disrupting the status quo.
“My passion is creating businesses that fix problems. Thortful is playing its part in this through making it easier for members of the public to select card designs from a selection not available on the high street.”
Other confirmed speakers include: Timothy Melgund, deputy chairman of Paperchase; Mark Janson-Smith, md of Postmark; Louise Tiler, founder of Louise Tiler Design; agent Ian Bradley; Megan Purdie, founder of Megan Claire; Jess Hoggarth, founder of Jessica Hoggarth Designs; Jeremy Corner, md of Blue Eyed Sun as well as loyal Ladder Club supporters from The Imaging Centre, GF Smith, Enveco, The Sherwood Group, GCA and PG.
Places are filling up for both Ladder Club seminars.
Delegates are encouraged to arrive the evening prior and attend a relaxed dinner so that the networking gets off to a great start.
To attend a Ladder Club seminar costs £85 (including VAT) (and includes lunch and refreshments). Each seminar fills up quickly and spaces are limited.
To book a place at The Ladder Club seminars and for a list of local accommodation options email Clare Davies or call 01183 340085 or download a booking form by clicking here.
