A FORMER Olympic gold medallist will be the key-note speaker at an annual business event.

Chorley Council has teamed up with leading motor dealers the Chorley Group to organise the event, which will see sprinter Darren Campbell give an insight into his time at the top of his sport and how his desire to succeed can be applied in the business world.

The annual Choose Chorley business event is the town’s biggest business networking evening of the year and offers an opportunity for businesses of all sizes to network, get to know each other and also meet the council.

Councillor Alistair Bradley, leader of Chorley Council, said: “It’s really important for us to have a business community that supports each other and our Choose Chorley events are a chance for people to learn about what’s happening in the borough and network with each other.

“Our priority of attracting new businesses and new jobs to the borough is starting to pay off and I’m delighted we’re able to team up with the Chorley Group, one of the most well-known businesses in the borough, to bring a speaker of Darren’s calibre to Chorley.

“I’m sure places will fill up fast so make sure you book your slot and I’m sure we’ll all take something away from the evening.”

The Choose Chorley event, compered by North West Tonight’s Dave Guest, will feature a Question Time-style session with leading business figures talking about the latest topics affecting business and Chorley.

Darren Campbell will then speak about how he set and achieved his goals, overcame setbacks and motivated himself to be one of the best in the world at 100m and 200m sprinting.

The Chorley Group, which was born in Chorley and has since become a £100m turnover business operating Nissan, Fiat, Kia and Hyundai franchises through five dealerships across the North West, is supporting the event with Darren Campbell one of Nissan’s sporting ambassadors.

Andy Turner, managing director and founder of the Chorley Group, said: “We’re really proud to be based in Chorley and I’m delighted we’re able to support Chorley Council because what they’re trying to achieve will benefit every business in the borough.

“We are big ambassadors of the Chorley brand and fly the flag for the town on a national level. We look forward to seeing many other Chorley business people on the night.”

The ‘Choose Chorley’ event will be held on Wednesday, February 18, at Chorley Town Hall.

To book your place visit www.chorley.gov.uk.