Manufacturing innovator John Elliott, MBE, who once took part in Channel 4's 'Secret Millionaire' series, will be speaking at the Garden Centre Assocation's annual conference this month.
Mr Elliott, who founded and chairs water cooler company Ebac, will be discussing the importance of innovation during his talk on January 29. Ebac produces half the water coolers in the UK, and after 30 years in the business Mr Elliott remains very much at its helm.

"John built his multi-million pound turnover company from scratch, teaching himself engineering and building his first drying machines in his garden shed," said GCA chairman Peter Burks. "John refuses to transfer production overseas and the products continue to be manufactured in the north east of England.

"The businessman is a great demonstrator of the importance of innovation and illustrates that success can be found in a specialised business. He will talk to delegates about how diversification is important, but always within the context of one's core business."

Mr Elliott was awarded an MBE for his efforts in helping small businesses. During his appearance on 'Secret Millionaire' he gave a young couple the deposit on their first home.

More than 300 delegates are expected to attend the GCA conference, which will also feature 'king of garden centres' speaker Wayne Hemingway.

The conference runs from January 27 - 29 at the Crowne Plaza Heythrop Park near Chipping Norton, Oxfordshire.