Simon Woodroffe is the founder and creative driving force behind all things YO! Current brands include YO! Sushi, the internationally famous conveyor belt sushi restaurants and YOTEL, the hotel brand providing a luxury experience in small spaces. A London Entrepreneur of the Year, Simon was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2006 for his contribution to hospitality.

Simon left school at the age of 16 and spent 30 years in the entertainment business. His production companies in London and Los Angeles designed and staged concerts for many artists during the 70’s and 80’s, including The Moody Blues, Madness, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder, George Michael and the world’s most famous concert in history: Live Aid in 1985.

In the 90s, Simon went into television. He spearheaded the development of television deals to show huge international rock concerts worldwide, including Nelson Mandela concerts, shows for Amnesty International and the Prince's Trust concerts.

In 1997, Simon founded YO! Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi bar. The concept was to make eating a complete entertainment experience and featured call buttons, robot drinks trolleys and Japanese TV. The first restaurant opened on London's Poland Street and became an overnight phenomenon. Today it continues to expand both at home and abroad: 50 sites serving 3 million customers worldwide including the UK, France, Ireland and the Middle East.

In 1999 Simon won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and became part of the CBI/BCC Ambassador of Entrepreneurism campaign. In 2001 he was awarded the accolade of Best Venue at the Retailer of the Year Awards. In recognition for his contribution to hospitality, Simon was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours 2006.

Simon was an original “Dragon” on the BBC 2 produced worldwide hit programme Dragons’ Den as one of the formidable panelists, who make and break the dreams of would-be entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas for financing. Simon has also featured on Discovery TV’s VIP Weekends with Ian Wright, ITV’s Homes & Property, ITV’s The Millionaire’s Club and Through the Keyhole with David Frost.

As a result of being asked to share the story of his entrepreneurial success, Simon has developed a strong reputation on the UK and international public speaking circuit. Simon speaks openly avoiding business cliché and audiences find his story extremely inspiring and a catalyst for their own endeavours, be they in a large corporate setting or working at a start-up level.

The YO! story continues to develop and Simon works with others to develop new YO! Brands. Unconventional innovation in each YO! retail concept will deliver customers that “zizzz” factor traditionally found in showbiz.

YOTEL, the world’s most radical hotel with rooms of just 10sq metres and space travel inspired interiors opened to the world at London Gatwick Airport in Jul 2007 and was the first hotel in the world to be actually inside an airport terminal. London Heathrow opened in Winter that year and the first international YOTEL, Amstedram Schipol Airport opened 30 September 2008. The public love YOTEL and press has been fantastic: “It's definitely a hip new way to kip” (London’s Sunday Times)

Simon is developing more new YO! Brands including YO! Zone: part spa, part café, part bar and part nightclub; and YO! Home: which will provide a futuristic take on the traditional home. Simon has also created the YO! Foundation to support various charitable causes that are important to him.

AWARDS

2009 Best Business Accommodation – Business Travel World Awards 2009
2001 Retail Interiors Awards Best Food & Supermarket Design for Edinburgh
2001 Retail Interiors Awards Most Outstanding Retail Experience for Edinburgh
2001 Theme Best Marketing Award
2000 Group Restaurateur of the Year
1999 Emerging Entrepreneur of the Year
1998 Marketing Week Design Effectiveness Award

Simon is in great demand as a speaker at corporate events talking about entrepreneurship, customer service and creativity.

The feedback from the delegates has been phenomenal and you are officially down on their score-card as the ‘best ever’
Aventis Awards Conference - Miami

If I said that your appearance and presentation went down well, I reckon that would be a tragic understatement; rather we all thought that you really were magnificent!
Bob J Silk - Barclays Corporate

The most inspirational and exciting presentation I have ever attended.
Mari-Cecil Boulle - Boulle International

You've received rave reviews in all the feedback we've had so far not only for your story and your style but for your all out attitude to life!
Impact Training Group

Your presentations were fantastic. Perfect message, excellent delivery and a refreshing natural style.
Legal and General

Your presentation turned out to be the highlight of the conference for most delegates.
Forbes Mutch - Caterer & Hotelkeeper

Your account of failures as well as successes gave a very realistic and encouraging perspective.
Andrew Ceresto - Blue Chip Associates

You have inspired a lot of people to grab opportunities around them and have the courage to think outside the box.
Neil James - Glaxo Wellcome

Wow, what an extraordinary, ordinary guy.
Karen Mc Grath - VT Events

The best speech I have heard in this building in ten years.
David Twiggy Molecy - Institute of Directors

Such honesty and candour is not something one normally associates with successful speakers...
Roy U Moëd - Pourshins PLC

I came in feeling tired. I went out thinking about the future.
Business Link - Worcester

Simon blew me away. His presentation was absolutely FAB. The pace and content were both fascinating and fantastic. He spoke with such passion and honesty that I felt truly inspired.
Gaynor Murray, BT Retail Conference

At last! Someone who skips the b*%^"!*t, tells it how it really feels, and motivates us in the bargain!
Liz Meikle, Horizon Hotel – Scottish Enterprise Event

The most innovative speaker we have ever heard.
Associated Independent Stores

You were a vital part of our event, and the breadth, depth and richness of your presentation was genuinely appreciated.
Maggie Atkinson, Director of Children’s Services @ Gateshead – NEEC Conference 2006

Thank you for your contribution to our successful event yesterday. Everyone agreed that the execution of your presentation was outrageous!
Liz Gibson, Marketing Manager, Parsons Brinckerhoff – Project of the Year Awards

Funniest. Talk. Ever. It was brilliant! He was searingly honest and very down-to-earth. Inspiring and hugely encouraging. He gave loads of insights into how he motivates himself and others and how he innovates.
Michael Walsh, Attendee – University of Limerick Enterprise Event

Simon’s messages, state and being all landed very well again this year. His philosophy and message will live on in those people and affect their families and team for the better. Marvellous job and beatifully executed.
Deborah Tom, MD @ Human Systems – KPMG Developing Top Management Event

Your speech was well polished and truly inspirational and has urged me to change my perception of how I want to do things and the way I'm putting my team together and inspiring them. You motivated and fuelled me.
Paul Hancock, Attendee – Star Technology Event

The audience response to your presentation was impressive! You coloured the day suitably and left us enthused. I would have no hesitation in recommending your services……
Justin Walton, Regional Director, Star Technology – Business Forum