10 Best Trending Keynote Speakers To Hire In The UK – Official Guide

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Keynote Speaker?

Hiring a keynote speaker can significantly enhance the impact of an event, whether it’s a corporate conference, educational seminar, or industry summit. These speakers bring a wealth of expertise and experience, delivering compelling narratives that not only engage audiences but also inspire meaningful change. Their ability to present complex ideas in an accessible and motivating manner can lead to increased collaboration, creativity, and overall performance within organisations. For instance, a study by colleagues at University College London found that, on average, it takes
66 days for a new behaviour to become automatic, highlighting the potential long-term influence of the insights shared by keynote speakers.

Moreover, the return on investment (ROI) for hiring keynote speakers can be substantial; 87% of clients reported an ROI ranging from equal to five times the cost of the speaker’s fee. Additionally, 65.3% of companies indicated that the key messages delivered by speakers were reinforced internally for one to six weeks or more after the event, demonstrating the lasting impact of their presentations. By aligning the speaker’s message with the event’s objectives, organisations can foster a culture of continuous improvement and drive sustained behavioural change among attendees.

How Much Does it Cost to Hire a Keynote Speaker?

The cost of hiring a keynote speaker in the UK typically ranges from £1,000 to £60,000, depending on the speaker’s profile, expertise, and travel requirements. High-profile or celebrity speakers may demand fees at the top end of this scale. The best way to discover which keynote speakers fit your budget is to contact The Virtual Online Speakers Agency today! Our dedicated booking agents use their expertise to ensure the perfect speaker, who fits your expenditure, is selected for your event.

Who Are the Best 10 Best Trending Keynote Speakers To Hire In The UK Speakers Trending in the UK?

This official selection of the Best 10 Best Trending Keynote Speakers To Hire In The UK is based on vetted data collected from 362 virtual online events, exclusive speaker evaluations, and comprehensive audience polls.

1. 1. Sir Steve Redgrave – The most successful male rower in Olympic history & 5x Olympic gold medallist
   2. René Carayol MBE – Executive Coach & Former MD of IPC Media, Leadership Inclusion Specialist
   3. Noreena Hertz – Economist, Author of ‘The Lonely Century’ & Board Member at Warner Music Group
   4. Zanny Minton Beddoes – Editor‑in‑Chief of The Economist & Global Finance Authority
   5. Sir Dave Brailsford – Former Performance Director, British Cycling & Pioneer of Marginal Gains
   6. Katy Leeson – Co-Founder of Blank Space Content Studios & Former CEO of Relentless Group
   7. Jez Rose – Microsoft’s Top 10 Most Sought-After Business Speakers, TV & Radio Host
   8. Dr Jo Salter MBE – Britain’s First Female Fast Jet Pilot & PwC Global Leadership Director
   9. Jason Robinson OBE – Rugby World Cup Winner & Champion of Social Mobility
   10. Dr Derek Redmond – Olympic Legend, High‑Performance Coach & Diversity Speaker

1. Sir Steve Redgrave

Sir Steve Redgrave is widely regarded as the most successful male rower in Olympic history, winning five consecutive gold medals across five Olympic Games. From his first victory in Los Angeles 1984 through to Sydney 2000, he built a legacy defined by consistency, discipline and elite performance, placing him alongside icons such as Dame Laura Kenny and Sir Jason Kenny in Britain’s sporting elite. Beyond medals, his story carries real weight. He achieved sustained success while managing ulcerative colitis, type two diabetes and dyslexia, experiences that now shape his keynote content. Audiences connect with the honesty; he shares what it takes to perform under pressure when conditions are far from ideal.

As a speaker, Steve delivers clear, practical insight into teamwork, preparation and resilience. A recent example saw him speak at a leadership conference for a global retail brand, where he translated Olympic training principles into business performance strategies. Trusted by organisations like Mars, Tesco and the BBC, he remains in high demand, known for delivering grounded, credible and genuinely motivating keynote talks.

Sir Steve Redgrave’s Official Client Testimonial:

“Tesco were delighted that Sir Steve Redgrave could make a unique contribution as a speaker at a recent launch. As our foremost Olympian, he brings a reputation that is both inspiring and motivational. Sir Steve demonstrated a level of approachability and openness that helped make the event truly memorable.” – Tesco Plc

2. René Carayol

René Carayol MBE is a globally respected leadership coach, business transformation expert, and acclaimed author who brings decades of hands-on corporate and board-level experience to the keynote stage. With a dynamic style and an unwavering commitment to inclusivity, René is known for helping leaders harness their unique strengths through his ‘SPIKE’ philosophy – focusing on what you’re great at, rather than what you lack.

René’s storied career began at Marks & Spencer and evolved through senior leadership roles at PepsiCo and IPC Media. He was a pivotal figure in Europe’s largest management buyout at IPC, demonstrating his capability to lead through high-pressure, high-stakes environments. Today, René is the CEO of Inspired Leaders Network and sits on various influential boards, including Computacenter. He has coached leaders at Google, Medallia, and even advised figures such as Nelson Mandela and Sir Richard Branson. His messages on culture, performance, and resilience are timely, especially in today’s fast-evolving work landscape. René captivates audiences with stories, empathy and authenticity – delivering more than motivation; he delivers measurable change.

René Carayol MBE’s Official Client Testimonial:

“Thank you – your delivery and intensity were spellbinding” – Deloitte

3. Noreena Hertz

Noreena Hertz is a globally recognised economist, bestselling author, and influential voice in the fields of global finance, AI, and socio-political strategy. Often described as one of the most influential thinkers of her generation, Noreena’s groundbreaking research and engaging delivery style have made her a favourite keynote speaker at global forums like Davos and Google Zeitgeist.

With a PhD from Cambridge and an MBA from Wharton, Noreena served as a Fellow at Cambridge for 10 years before becoming an Honorary Professor at UCL. Her work spans complex issues such as behavioural economics, loneliness in the digital age, and geopolitical transformation. Her bestselling books include The Silent Takeover, Eyes Wide Open, and The Lonely Century, with the latter listed as a book of the year by The Telegraph and Wired. She advises Fortune 500 boards and sits on the boards of Warner Music Group and Mattel. Her TED talks, documentaries, and columns in The New York Times, Financial Times, and The Guardian showcase her wide-reaching impact. Noreena’s vision and insights are a powerful addition to any forward-thinking event.

Noreena Hertz’s Official Client Testimonial:

“Inspiring speaker. Noreena’s charm, wit and intelligence made for an enthusiastic audience reaction” – Institute of Social Studies & Oxfam-Novib debate, The Hague

4. Zanny Minton Beddoes

Zanny Minton Beddoes is a globally respected economist and the first female Editor-in-Chief of The Economist, a role she’s held since 2015. With a career built on rigorous analysis, global foresight and fearless journalism, Zanny is a keynote speaker who offers clear, informed commentary on financial markets, digital disruption and political change. She studied PPE at Oxford and earned a Kennedy Scholarship to Harvard before beginning her career as an economist at the IMF.

Zanny’s journey in journalism began when she joined The Economist in 1994. She quickly rose through the ranks, serving as Economics Editor and then Business Affairs Editor before taking the top editorial post. Her focus on digital transformation saw The Economist boost digital subscriptions by over 20% in a single year. An award-winning journalist with two Gerald Loeb Awards, Zanny is also a trustee of the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace and serves on several academic advisory boards. As a keynote speaker, she is particularly valued for her clarity in complex areas like geopolitics, global finance and macroeconomic risk. Her balanced, data-driven style makes her ideal for corporate and public sector audiences alike.

Zanny Minton Beddoes’ Official Speaker Topics:

• Global Economic Trends and Their Implications
• The Future of Emerging Markets
• The Digital Evolution of Journalism
• Women in Leadership and Economic Journalism
• Navigating International Finance and Policy

5. Sir Dave Brailsford

Sir Dave Brailsford is one of the most influential sports performance coaches in British history. As the architect of British Cycling’s unprecedented Olympic success and the man behind Team Sky’s (now Ineos Grenadiers) domination of the Tour de France, Dave is synonymous with the philosophy of “marginal gains”—the belief that small, incremental improvements lead to extraordinary results over time.

Dave’s coaching philosophy transformed British cycling, helping Team GB go from obscurity to winning multiple Olympic golds in 2004, 2008 and 2012. He applied the same principles to Team Sky, which became the most successful cycling team in Tour de France history under his leadership. Beyond sports, his approach to performance has been adopted by elite business leaders worldwide. Appointed a CBE and later knighted for services to British sport, Dave’s talks delve into leadership, high performance, team dynamics and resilience. His engaging delivery style, packed with anecdotes and science-backed strategies, makes him an exceptional speaker for corporate teams striving for peak efficiency and long-term success.

Sir Dave Brailsford’s Official Client Testimonials:

“David was excellent.” – Association of Convenience Stores

6. Katy Leeson

Katy Leeson is one of the UK’s most respected growth leaders and marketing strategists, best known as the former Managing Director of Social Chain, the disruptive agency co-founded by Steven Bartlett. During her tenure, she scaled the business from a 30-person start-up into a global marketing powerhouse, helping drive its expansion to 750+ employees across 24 international offices. Her straight-talking leadership style, commercial sharpness and people-first mindset have positioned her as a trusted voice on modern business growth.

Following Social Chain, Katy became CEO of Relentless Group, Gary Neville’s media company, where she led the media strategy behind Salford City FC and played a pivotal role in the rise of The Overlap, now one of the UK’s leading YouTube channels. Today, as Co-Founder of Blank Space Content Studios and a top-ranked business podcast host, she works with high-growth brands as a fractional CMO while championing mental health, inclusive leadership and next-generation management. Dubbed the “female Simon Sinek”, Katy speaks with honesty and authority on imposter syndrome, purpose-driven growth and building resilient teams. Recognised as a LinkedIn Top Voice and consistently rated 9.5/10 for her engagements, Katy delivers practical insight with warmth and credibility. For organisations seeking sustainable growth grounded in real experience, Katy Leeson is an outstanding choice.

Katy Leeson’s Official Client Testimonial:

“I can confidently say Katy made me better, both personally and professionally… She drilled dedication, discipline and diligence into me in a way that wasn’t just nurturing, but effective. Hands down, one of the most important people I’ve worked with…” – Harrison Taylor Oldham

7. Jez Rose

Jez Rose is an internationally renowned keynote speaker, #1 bestselling author and broadcaster, recognised for delivering high-impact presentations that combine behavioural science with practical business strategy. Named in Microsoft’s Top 10 Most Sought-After Business Speakers, he has spoken for global brands including Ford, Audi, Marriott, Volkswagen and Philips, and has shared stages with figures such as Tony Robbins and Barbara Corcoran. His sessions are known for their energy, clarity and immediately applicable insight.

A former television presenter for BBC, ITV, QVC and Discovery, Jez brings more than two decades of hosting expertise to corporate events, awards ceremonies and leadership conferences. He has interviewed an extraordinary range of guests, from Olympians and Sir Ranulph Fiennes to business leaders and cultural icons, honing an ability to engage diverse audiences with authority and warmth. As founder of the global RESET movement, he equips organisations to navigate change, strengthen leadership capability and build high-performing cultures. His bestselling books, including Flip the Switch and Leading Change, extend his keynote themes with actionable frameworks, while his TEDx talk Find the Gap: We Are Killing Our Freedom has reached international audiences. For events seeking a speaker who blends commercial acumen, behavioural insight and compelling stagecraft, Jez Rose is a standout choice.

Jez Rose’s Official Client Testimonial:

“Feedback was really positive from the session with Jez! He tied in fantastically well with the theme and has been recommended for future Samsung events. Thanks for your support and for getting it turned around so quickly for us. Look forward to the next one!” – Amanda, BlueSquare

8. Dr Jo Salter MBE

Dr Jo Salter MBE became Britain’s first female fast jet pilot when she flew the Panavia Tornado during her time in the Royal Air Force. She’s since gone on to hold several senior business roles, including Director of Global Transformative Leadership at PwC and Global Advisory of Generative AI. Her story is one of resilience, leadership and breaking barriers in a male-dominated profession. Jo’s ability to connect real-life challenges with practical leadership advice makes her a powerful and relatable keynote speaker.

Her talks are full of lessons on overcoming adversity, building confidence and leading through change. As someone who has inspired future generations of cadets, managed high-performing teams and driven global change in business, Jo understands the value of purpose-driven leadership. Whether she’s speaking at conferences or leading workshops, Jo leaves a lasting impression on audiences, helping organisations foster long-term growth and behavioural change.

Dr Jo Salter MBE’s Official Client Testimonial:

“Her talk was very inspirational and staff resonated with her overcoming obstacles that she faced being in a male dominated field. The feedback from staff was that Jo added humour… and turned this into a bespoke product for us.” – Martin, Home Office

Dr Jo Salter MBE’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Disruption & Transformation
• Adopting a Change Mindset
• Generative AI
• How to Empower Female Leadership in the Workplace
• How to Build High-Performing Teams
• The Art of Inclusive Leadership
• Conferences, Fire-Side Chats, Workshops & Panel Discussions

9. Jason Robinson OBE

Jason Robinson OBE is one of the few players to reach the top of both Rugby League and Rugby Union, making history as the first Black British man to captain the England Rugby Team. Known for his sidestep and speed, Jason’s rugby career includes over 280 games and a World Cup win in 2003. But it’s his life story that resonates most—growing up in poverty, surviving an abusive household, and becoming a vocal advocate for mental health, inclusion and social mobility.

Today, Jason runs JR Talks and JR Sports Stars, working with underprivileged communities and speaking to global audiences. His honesty about depression and suicidal thoughts at the height of his sporting career helps audiences understand the realities behind success. Jason is a passionate, powerful speaker who shows how determination, resilience and the right support can change lives. His talks help organisations build stronger, more inclusive workplaces and support people at every level to reach their potential.

Jason Robinson OBE’s Official Client Testimonial:

“Jason Robinson OBE… gave a powerful speech on his experiences as a black male and the importance of diversity and inclusion in all areas of life… Overall, the evening was inspiring, informative, and thought-provoking.” – Imogen, Senior Marketing Associate, Fujitsu UK

Jason Robinson OBE’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Social Mobility & Inclusion
• Mental Health & Resilience
• High Performance Teams
• Inclusive Leadership

10. Dr Derek Redmond OLY

Dr Derek Redmond OLY is a former World Champion sprinter best remembered for his courageous finish at the 1992 Olympic Games, where he completed his race despite tearing a hamstring. That moment, which saw his father come to help him over the finish line, became one of the most iconic in Olympic history. Since then, Derek has turned his focus to coaching, performance management and motivational speaking.

He’s served as Group Performance Director for Thomas International, CEO of Olympex, and Director of Development for UK Athletics. Derek has also spoken in over 40 countries and authored the bestselling book ‘Sport Is a Business and Business Is a Sport’. Whether discussing diversity, resilience or team motivation, Derek uses real-world experience to deliver clear, impactful lessons. His speeches help teams boost collaboration, manage change and build long-lasting habits for high performance.

Dr Derek Redmond OLY’s Official Client Testimonial:

“Derek Redmond bravely making it through with little help… Moments when the human spirit triumphs over injury that should have been impossible to overcome.” – President Barack Obama

Dr Derek Redmond OLY’s Official Speaker Topics:

• Diversity & Inclusion
• Dealing with Change
• Resilience
• High-Performance Teams
• Motivation & Inspiration

Hire a Top Trending Keynote Speaker Today!

To explore more trending keynote speakers, visit our full listings today. For bespoke recommendations and to secure a speaker for your event, complete our online contact form or call The Virtual Online Speakers Agency on 0203 9317 391.

This exclusive article on the 10 Best Trending Keynote Speakers To Hire In The UK was authored utilising official event poll data from over 362 virtual online events between 2020 and 2024, and vetted information from industry event platforms, client testimonials, and speaker bureaus.