One of the most recognisable faces on UK television, Nick is perhaps best known for presenting Channel 4’s Countdown since January 2012. Nick’s eight years at the helm makes him the show’s second-longest serving presenter since original host Richard Whiteley.
Nick is also known well for his time on BBC hit show The Apprentice, where he was an advisor to Lord Alan Sugar between 2005 and 2014.
Nick’s relationship with Lord Sugar began in the 1980s when his PR firm was selected to represent Amstrad and soon became responsible for media handling of all Lord Sugar’s business and charitable activities.
For more than 20 years, Nick played an integral part in Amstrad’s management structure. He also built an impressive client list, including the Secretariat of HH The Aga Khan and the wife of the ruler of Dubai, the late Sheikh Maktoum, as well a number of British and international companies.
After selling the business, Nick withdrew to his house in France, but was enticed back to the UK by Lord Sugar to take part in The Apprentice – a move that launched his television career.
Chris Davies, event director for The Sign Show, comments: “We’re absolutely delighted to have Nick on board for this year; as one of the most famous faces on British television, we’re sure that he will be a hit with our visitors at The Sign Show.
“We’re grateful Nick has been able to take time out of his busy filming schedule to come and speak with visitors at The Sign Show 2020 and I for one cannot wait to hear more about his time working with Lord Sugar!”
Nick is the second celebrity speaker to be confirmed for The Sign Show this year after organisers also announced that British boxing legend Frank Bruno MBE will appear at the event in September.
Frank is one of the most famous names in the history of British boxing, winning 40 of his 45 professional fights, 38 of which were via knockout. He fought some of the biggest names in boxing during his career, facing off against the likes of Mike Tyson, Lennox Lewis and Joe Bugner.
Meanwhile, organisers have announced a number of new exhibitor signings for The Sign Show 2020. Specialist insurance products provider Sign Elite and bespoke sign manufacturer The Sign Group have both confirmed their stands for the debut edition of the event.
Annette Baguley, account executive at Sign Elite, says that the company can offer products for sign manufacturers and installers, as well as print companies that also make and install signage, thus making the co-located The Sign Show and The Print Show events a suitable platform to speak with both markets.
Baguley says: “The event offers the opportunity for attendees to visit both sign and print businesses under one roof,” Baguley said. “Whether you are a sign or print company, the industries are merging in many ways certainly with development of digital processes in recent years.”
Meanwhile, The Sign Group director Graeme Hoole explains that being able to demonstrate the capabilities of its solutions first-hand will be a major benefit for The Sign Group at the show this year.
Hoole adds: “If you’re in the sign trade and you want to find suppliers of components all the way up to finished signs, then there’s no better place to visit. Spend a few hours walking around, seeing what’s new in the industry, speaking to people and gleaning insight and useful information.”
