The man who created furniture maker DFS from a roof above a snooker hall in Carcroft is to be a speaker at the 2024 Doncaster, What’s Next Business Conference.
He’s Lord Kirkham, and will outline what he thinks are the biggest opportunities within Doncaster’s collective grasp, where the city ought to be heading and what needs to be done to put it on the best trajectory possible, while also sharing his own experiences in a range of business sectors and in politics.
Dan Fell, Chief Exec of Doncaster Chamber, said: “Our business conference is a true highlight in the calendar each and every year, giving attendees an opportunity to participate in a high level discussion about our city’s assorted fortunes and aspirations. Indeed, we always come away from the event feeling galvanized and eager to do what we can to help Doncaster reach its full potential.
“Having Lord Kirkham participate in the conversation this time around will be an immense privilege. Given how much he has achieved over the course of his illustrious career, I am positive that the audience will be interested in what he has to say and that he will have an insightful perspective to share on a great number of topics.”
Lord Kirkham added: “I owe stellar gratitude to the City of Doncaster. My family and I grew up here, my values and standards were formed here, and the foundations of my business career were built here. It will be an absolute privilege to share my lifetime of knowledge, proven business concepts, hard-earned experience, passionate beliefs, and insights with delegates at this business conference in June.”
At the age of 25 Graham Kirkham created his fortune by producing high quality furniture sold directly to the public at fiercely competitive prices made possible by cutting out warehouse dealers in the middle of the supply chain. From these humble beginnings, the company — known then as Northern Upholstery — eventually became the retail giant DFS, which was valued at £271 million when it was first floated on the stock market back in 1993.
He was a director and major shareholder in the Iceland supermarket chain, a long-serving chair of The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, a philanthropist working for and supporting many other charities, and an active member of The House of Lords. He holds a number of prestigious titles as well, including two knighthoods and a life peerage. Closer to home, he is also a freeman of the City of Doncaster and a past winner of Doncaster Chamber’s Lifetime Achievement accolade, which was bestowed in recognition of his manifold accomplishments over the years.
