• David Gordon, MD of David Gordon Design, a small product design consultancy working with some of the biggest transportation companies in the world. In recent years 90% of the company's turnover has come from outside the UK. www.davidgordonltd.co.uk
• Holger Levey, director of Luggage Rack, which designs and develops luggage, bags and promotional items, and has worked with clients across Europe and more recently in Asia. www.luggage-rack.com
• Graham Paskett, MD of Paskett PR which, over 35 years, has established itself as the UK's leading specialist garden PR firm with clients across the UK and Europe including John Deere and Wilkinson Sword. www.paskettpr.co.uk
• The 4th panelist will be confirmed shortly
• Also taking part will be Christine Johnson who works as an advisor for UK Trade and Investment connecting creative companies to overseas trade opportunities. www.ukti.gov.uk
• The panelists will be discussing a range of small business issues including: developing a service which is attractive to national and international markets, identifying opportunities, sales and marketing, breaking into new markets, and how to work effectively with customers across borders. The panel will be moderated by marketing consultant, Patrick Welsh.

Its tableware, giftware and collectables are handmade to the highest standards with individual pieces retailing from around £50 to over £1,000.

A passionate advocate of the arts, Hugh Gibson will talk about the importance of being based in England, in particular how it enables the company to work closely with and support local artists and creatives. Referring to work with celebrated ceramicists Ken Eastman and Peter Ting, Hugh will explain how the company nurtures creative ideas and takes innovative new products through design, production and on to sale in the UK and abroad.

He will talk about the development of some of the company’s latest ranges – including the Royal Wedding and Titanic memorial collections – which have received widespread publicity and are attracting new audiences to the Royal Crown Derby brand.

Finally, Hugh will talk a little about the history of the company which was founded in 1748, and how in 2000 he acquired it from the Royal Doulton Group bringing it back into independence and private ownership.

Inspired by the poor quality of a samosa she bought from a supermarket in 1986, Perween began her business journey making finger foods from her kitchen. Soon after, with much perseverance, she won her first major contract to supply Asda and Morrisons. Today, her company employs over 700 staff and makes around 1.5 million meals a week.

Derby businesses are invited to hear the inspiring story of how Perween built her multi-million pound organisation.  She will talk about the many challenges she faced developing the business, about the importance of product and operational innovation and meeting the demands of major customers. She will also speak about the importance of the family culture she has created in the business, as well as juggling her own work and family lives.

Perween has received widespread recognition for her business achievements including a CBE in the Jubilee Honours List, appointment to the CBI’s National Committee, an honorary MBA from the University of Derby, as well as other universities, and the Ashridge International Leadership Conference accolade for outstanding leadership.