A legend on the after-dinner speaking circuit, Bob (pictured with Barry Cryer) was described in the The Stage as ‘Britain’s leading after-dinner speaker’ and has been honoured with an MBE for his achievements in this field.
Comedian Jim Davidson described Bob as the most sought-after after-dinner speaker in the country. “In show business we think he’s the bees’ knees,” he said.
Bob, who started as a speaker at sporting functions (‘The Cat’ is a reference to his ‘prowess’ as a goalkeeper) has spoken at 77 of the 92 Premier and Football League clubs as well as at countless cricket, rugby, golf and other sports functions. He is now in demand all over the world and has toured Australia four times and has appeared in Bahrain, Singapore, Thailand and the West Indies.
He is a regular on Channel 4’s ‘Countdown’, followed Danny Baker as host of Radio 5’s ‘Six O Six’ and was a fixture with Sir Terry Wogan on ‘Auntie’s Bloomers’.
Bob does, however, originate from the corporate business world. He started out as a trainee salesman for a builder’s merchants in the East End of London, but then landed a job as a sub-editor on Lloyd’s Gazette and was soon promoted to Assistant Chief Reporter. After a brief period in agriculture, he joined Hertford PR Ltd to help launch Townsend Thoresen Car Ferries, became joint owner of HPR and then sold out to become PR Director of TT’s European Ferries PLC, during which time he organised countless major events, including 16 ship launchings.
He also started earning money as an entertainer and eventually made the decision to go full time. When he left EF, he was immediately head-hunted to become PR Director of ASDA. He declined the offer, but earned a fee by providing a blueprint for ASDA’s future press relations. As a safety net he also started his own PR company which soon attracted clients such as KLM, Sheraton Hotels and Harcross Builders’ Merchants, amongst others.
“We are delighted that Bob has agreed to the host the awards,” said David Catanach, Director of the BSGA. “His business background and particularly his involvement in the areas of PR and marketing will give him an insight into the vital role signage plays in the modern marketing mix.
“More importantly, he is an outstanding entertainer and host and will add sparkle and humour to what already promises to be an outstanding event.”
For full details on how to enter for an award and to attend the awards event visit britishsignawards.org
European Sign Federation