Krisitina Grimes, the Harrogate based former Apprentice runner up, had for the second year running organised her "Raising The Bar" Business Event and I entered the Harrogate Conference Centre foyer on time (strange for me) and collected my ID badge and my Delegate pack. It was all very well organised and I moved upstairs to have a quick look around.

Into the main auditorium after grabbing a coffee and the familiar strains of the Apprentice theme heralded the appearance of the lovely Kristina to introduce the day. Kristina came from a privileged background in Ireland but has had her share of ups and downs and she clearly is a tenacious lady who has a great business head. She has gone on post Apprentice to develop three companies including Raising the Bar.

Kristina amused the audience when she told us that because Michael Portillo (who was the keynote speaker)was running late, she was going to vote Labour at the next election. Unfortunately it soon became apparent that Mr Portillo wasn't going to Raise The Bar at all and I felt sorry for Kristina and her team of organisers who had to reaarange the order of the day...... but it always seems to be the case these days that politicians disappoint us. Nevertheless Mr Portillo was to be found on TV later beaming out blamelessly into our living rooms.

Claire Young, another ex Apprentice runner up took the spotlight to tell the audience how much like a Rottweiler she was...well after all she is a Wakefield lass! Clare was entertaining and obviously is destined for great things as she combines hard work and enthusiasm with supporting great causes. I would have liked Claire to have told us more about her methods and tips for success in business and less about her achievements but maybe I'm being a little too fussy.

I missed the Speed Networking in the Morning by about 10 minutes but met lots of nice helpful people, particularly at the Business Link and Harrogate College exhibition stalls. I also tasted the nicest Cupcakes ever courtesy of the lovely Emma of the Bespoke Cupcake Co and I would urge you to order dozens of them!

Andy Bounds, crowned Britain's Sales Trainer of the Year in 2009 was really entertaining and informative with some great tips for the audience on Cold Calling, and emphasising the Benefits of what you are offering to your prospective clients. All good stuff. Just wish I could take Andy with me to my Sales Pitches!

Tried again to do the Speed Networking but it seemed to fizzle out a bit as delegates started to leave, no doubt disappointed by Portillo's no show. I bumped into a few old friends and made some new ones and received some really good advice and help from several exhibitors. I have now Raised my own Bar and will be visiting it again tonight!! Thanks to Kristina for organising a really good Event and I look forward to Raising the Bar in Harrogate in 2011.

Kristina's next event is in Sheffield on October 20th. She can be contacted on 01423 876359 or by email at info@raisingthebaruk.co.uk