People in the Isle of Man will have a chance to hear first hand from one of the stars of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den in January next year. Award winning entrepreneur and current ‘dragon’ Hilary Devey will be the guest speaker on Thursday 26th January at the first event of 2012 organised by the IoM Sporting and Dining Club and sponsored by HSBC. The founder of pallet distribution business The Pall-Ex Group, Bolton-born Hilary Devey is one of the UK’s most successful ‘rags to riches’ entrepreneurs, having initially being unable to secure backing for Pall-Ex, selling her house and car to find the funds she needed. Today she is recognised for creating a business network that commands revenues of ?100 million each year and revolutionising the UK’s pallet distribution industry. Hilary has made regular appearances on UK television, appearing on Channel 4’s ‘The Secret Millionaire’ programme and is currently appearing in the latest series of the BBC’s Dragons’ Den. She is a keen supporter for entrepreneurship having been the recipient of a number of leading industry awards, and also campaigns for various charities including The Princess Royal Trust for Carers. The event will take place at the Mount Murray Hotel & Country Club in Santon, with dinner tickets costing ?69 for members and ?85 for non-members, available through the Club on 07624 495749 or email john@sportinganddiningclub.com. An auction will be held during the dinner, with all funds raised being donated to a local charity selected by HSBC. Kevin Cartledge, Senior Manager at HSBC in the Isle of Man, said: “Last year’s series of events organised by the Isle of Man Sporting and Dining Club were as strong as we’ve ever seen, so it’s pleasing that we’re able to kick start 2012 with such as exciting speaker. Hilary Devey is one of the UK’s most recognisable business women and I’m sure will prove to be a truly inspirational speaker. We’re also keen to continue raising significant funds for local charities through the events this year too.” John Wannenburgh of the Sporting and Dining Club added: “To be able to welcome Hilary to our first event of 2012 is absolutely fantastic. She is a fascinating person who has overcome huge hurdles in both her personal and business life to get to where she is today. She is a massively sought after motivational speaker and I’m sure people in the island will be keen to come and listen to her when she comes over in January.” ENDS