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. Simon Sinek

Simon Sinek is widely acknowledged as one of the world’s most influential leadership experts. Best known for his concept of the ‘Golden Circle’ and the mantra ‘Start With Why’, Simon’s work has shaped the thinking of millions across the globe. His 2009 TED Talk, How Great Leaders Inspire Action, has over 60 million views, ranking as the second most-watched TED Talk of all time. With a background in ethnography and a career spanning corporate consulting and public speaking, Simon’s presentations blend psychological insight, storytelling and actionable leadership techniques.

Simon has authored multiple bestsellers, including Leaders Eat Last, The Infinite Game, and Together is Better. His books consistently appear on the New York Times and Wall Street Journal Best Seller lists. Corporations, non-profits, and government agencies turn to Simon to cultivate stronger leadership, instil trust, and align teams with their deeper purpose. He has spoken for the UN Global Compact, the Pentagon, and top-tier brands such as Microsoft and Disney. Sinek’s influence continues to shape modern leadership, making him one of the most in-demand keynote speakers globally.

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’s Testimonials

“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’s Testimonials

“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’s 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. 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.

Dave’s Testimonials

“David was excellent.” – Association of Convenience Stores

6. Karren Brady

Baroness Karren Brady CBE is a household name in British business and one of the most influential female executives in the UK. She rose to fame as the first woman to manage a top-flight football club, Birmingham City FC, at the age of just 23, and is now Vice-Chairman of West Ham United. Her no-nonsense leadership style, coupled with business acumen, has earned her admiration across sectors.

A peer in the House of Lords and an aide to Lord Alan Sugar on The Apprentice, Karren is a tireless advocate for women in leadership, small business growth and social mobility. She has published best-selling books, advised the government as Small Business Ambassador, and delivered motivational talks for global brands such as Land Rover, Santander and Costa. Karren’s speeches cover entrepreneurship, overcoming adversity, strategic leadership and breaking glass ceilings. Her real-world success stories, combined with humour and passion, ensure she leaves audiences inspired, empowered and ready to act. For any event looking to champion innovation and diversity, Karren is a standout choice.

Karren’s Testimonials

“Thank you for taking the time to talk to the ladies at Capital One, they found your talk motivating, inspiring and refreshingly honest!” – Capital One

7. Tej Lalvani

Tej Lalvani is one of the UK’s most recognisable business leaders, thanks to his role as a Dragon on Dragons’ Den and his success as CEO of Vitabiotics, the UK’s largest vitamin company. Under his leadership, Vitabiotics has grown into a global health brand, achieving £300+ million in annual revenue and earning the Queen’s Award for Innovation.

Tej’s story is one of ground-up success. He began his career working in the warehouse of Vitabiotics before rising through the ranks and ultimately taking the reins. He modernised the brand, implemented bold digital strategies and developed market-leading products such as Wellwoman and Pregnacare. Beyond business, Tej is also a property developer, investor, and public speaker. A passionate advocate for entrepreneurship, innovation, and diversity in business, Tej regularly appears at business summits and corporate events. His talks offer honest, practical advice on growth, branding, and leadership. Combining experience with approachability, Tej is ideal for audiences seeking inspiration from someone who’s built success from the ground up.

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.

Jo’s Testimonials

“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

Jo’s 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’s Testimonials

“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’s Speaker Topics

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

10. Derek Redmond

Derek Redmond 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.

Derek’s Testimonials

“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

Derek’s Speaker Topics

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

Book a 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, visit our Contact Us page 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.

Facilitators & Hosts
28 May, 2025