This special event has some incredibly inspiring entrepreneurs telling their tales of online success and innovative ideas

If you have been thinking about how new opportunities which the ever-changing internet and digital world offers your business, then this is the event for you.

Here are some headline facts about trends in the sector:

- A recent report by retail guru Mary Portas tells us that by 2015 the UK will be spending more than £40 billion a year over the internet and through mobile devices.

- UK Businesses spent £4.78bn in 2011 on internet advertising, with 14.4% year-on-year growth the biggest surge since 2007, according to a Internet Advertising Bureau report.

- Half of the UK population is now registered on Facebook, up to 3,000 tweets are posted in a single second, and 68% of people who watch online video share the link with friends.

After the speeches you will be invited to stay on for a networking reception to meet and share experiences with one another.

The Guests include:

Si Bales: Managing Director - Si Bales is the Managing Director of Bdaily Ltd. Bdaily is a growing business network, using the latest technical innovations to successfully facilitate business people to connect with each other, receive the latest news, events and advice across over 20 key sectors as well as contribute to current business issues and debates that impact on our individual businesses.

Dominic Edmunds: Managing Director - Dominic is the founder of SaleCycle and responsible for the strategic growth and development of the business. Recognised as ‘the founder of commercial cart recovery’, Dominic has developed an unrivalled level of online transactional expertise and consumer insight. This insight is frequently shared on the international conference circuit predominantly in theUSand theUK. With more than 12 years in the digital sector, Dominic is experienced in delivering business critical projects and strategies for blue-chip clients and market leading brands.

Lara Morgan, Company Shortcuts - Over seventeen years, Lara built her own international business, Pacific Direct, before selling a majority share 99% holding of the company for £20 million in 2008. This experience and passion for business drove Lara to where she is today, with an ambitious plan to support entrepreneurs who want to maximize success. Lara has always believed “if there is a will, there is a way.” She is passionate about the sharing of contacts, continual improvement and maximising opportunities.

Paul Rawlings: Co-Founder and C.E.O - Paul co-founded ScreenReach Interactive and created the Screach Product from his vast experience in digital signage and interactive technology. Paul started out creating EPOS, Sales Order Processing and Marketing systems for businesses including Burger King and Dixons. In 2009 he built a couple of Twitter based businesses – these included Twe2, a free SMS provider for twitter sold privately by Paul in the same year and a social auction website Tweba, which grabbed the headlines.

Matthew Rock: Editor of Real Business Magazine - Matthew runs an online magazine and has a strong media profile, regularly commenting on Newsnight, 5Live, CNN and in the FT, Wall Street Journal etc. He has chaired our previous “Inspiring Entrepreneurs” events and believes that he’s met and interviewed more entrepreneurs than any other British journalist.

#North East