Best Keynote Speakers UK

The best keynote speakers for hire in the United Kingdom

Organising an event for a diverse audience is a big undertaking. Some delegates might be in attendance because it’s mandatory, others might have a keen interest in some of the topics being unpacked, but there’s likely to be quite a varied group of individuals brought together, whatever the reason. Designing a programme that cohesively brings these people together is difficult, coming up with a way to inspire them on top of this is even more of a challenge.

Unless you have a keynote speaker.

The role of the keynote speaker is to take on this dichotomous crowd, bring them together, and inspire them to better engage with the remainder of the event. The right keynote speaker will ensure your event is a success, but finding the right speaker is a big task.

To make the process a bit simpler, here are our top UK keynote speakers for consideration.

Bear Grylls

Who is he? A former special forces soldier, an award-winning presenter, and Sunday Times bestselling author. He’s renowned for his daring adventures, taking on the wild and teaching survival skills.

What you can expect: Having served as part of the British Special Forces as part of the 21 SAS Regiment, and as a dedicated adventurer, Bear Grylls has navigated some of the world’s most hostile environments, instructing on survival skills. He became one of the youngest climbers to summit Mt Everest and his work has gone on to earn him two Emmy and two BAFTA Awards. He brings his enthusiasm, energy, and enigmatic stories to the stage as an inspiring keynote speaker.

Website: https://www.beargrylls.com/

“Time after time I have seen less talented yet highly resilient people triumph.” The core message of my book: Survival Guide for Life #adventure #nevergiveup @WSB_Speakers @krugercowne pic.twitter.com/FnS0FWG5dl
— Bear Grylls OBE (@BearGrylls) February 14, 2024

Billie Jean King

Who is she? The former World No.1 tennis player, and founder of the Women’s Tennis Association.

What you can expect: One of the greatest tennis players of all time, Billie Jean King has been as influential off the court as she was on. She won 39 Grand Slam titles, rightfully earning her place in the Tennis Hall of Fame. Alongside these accomplishments, Billie has been relentlessly committed to equality, earning herself the Presidential Medal of Freedom and induction into the National Women’s Hall of Fame. The first woman to be named Sports Illustrated Sportsman of the Year and winner of the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Lifetime Achievement Award, Billie brings a lot to any event as a keynote speaker.

Website: https://www.billiejeanking.com/

Bruce Whitfield

Who is he? An award-winning financial journalist, bestselling author, and one of South Africa’s foremost minds on international businesses and economies.

What you can expect: Bruce is an accomplished journalist, author, and keynote speaker, having delivered thought-provoking talks to audiences from London to Dubai while sharing platforms with Bill and Hillary Clinton, Nouriel Roubini, Charlize Theron, Lord Mervyn King, and hundreds of business and political luminaries. Bruce draws on his vast journalistic experience behind cameras and microphones, and years of research as a bestselling author, to leave audiences inspired to think and do things differently. He has the extraordinary ability to bring clarity, humour, and insight to complex issues. This fresh perspective helps his audience understand how we can choose to fix the future – regardless of geographic location.

Website: https://www.brucewhitfield.com/

Entrepreneurs are among my favourite people in the world and we treat them and what they build poorly – I am looking forward to this session! https://t.co/jzkFuKb7vS
— Bruce Whitfield (@brucebusiness) November 1, 2023

Ant Middleton

Who is he? A former UK Special Forces Soldier and Royal Marines Commando, and No.1 Sunday Times bestselling author.

What you can expect: Ant is an adventurer who has earned the NATO Medal, the Operational Service Medal for Afghanistan and the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal. He’s known for his role as Chief Instructor on SAS: Who Dares Wins, a TV programme that motivates contestants to achieve their peak physical and psychological resilience. He’s an empowering keynote speaker covering topics related to perseverance, overcoming adversity, and mental resilience.

Website: https://www.antmiddleton.com/

Sir Ranulph Fiennes

Who is he? Dubbed the World’s Greatest Living Explorer with expeditions including the Transglobe (the world’s first surface journey around the world’s polar axis) 1979-82; North Polar Unsupported Expedition (furthest north unsupported record) in 1986; the Anglo-Soviet North Pole Expedition 1990/91; and leader of the Pentland South Pole expedition 1992/93 (which achieved the first unsupported crossing of the Antarctic Continent and the longest unsupported polar journey in history).

What you can expect: A life of adventure and awardee of an OBE for human endeavour and charitable services – among other awards – Ranulph has used his sense of adventure for good, raising millions for UK charities. He has authored several books and is an accomplished keynote speaker, using his many adventures as examples for overcoming daily struggles. His message of determination, patience, and enthusiasm resonates with audiences everywhere.

Website: https://sirranulphfiennes.co.uk/

There are some of the best keynote speakers in the United Kingdom, each offering their own unique views, inspirational stories and business guidance.

Get these and more insights from Bruce Whitfield in person.