Raconteurs

Former Conservative Member of Parliament, Matthew is a broadcaster, columnist for the Times and The Spectator and parliamentary sketch writer for the Times.

Matthew Parris

Journalist and broadcaster best known for presenting Newsnight and University Challenge and his sometimes brusque manner. He has presented documentaries on the British Empire, the Great War and The Victorians.

Jeremy Paxman

Former editor of the Sunday Mirror and Sunday Express, she was the first woman to edit a national newspaper and worked for both Maxwell and Murdoch, but was sacked by neither! Mother of Claudia Winkleman.

Eve Pollard

Former MP and cabinet minister who has now built a successful career in the arts and media as a popular BBC TV presenter, particularly with his series Great British Railway Journeys.

Michael Portillo

Former England and Lions tight head prop and hilarious after dinner speaker.

Jeff Probyn

Famously almost sank his business due to an ill judged comment at the IoD Annual Convention (he described his company's products as crap!). Since then he has bounced bank with a chain of sports clubs and an online jewellery company, the biggest of its kind. Good fun and very self-deprecating with lots of international experience.

Gerald Ratner

Former professional footballer and Premier League Manager and winner of "I'm a Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here!"

Harry Redknapp

Garry presents the sport on the Radio 4 Today programme and is the longest serving member, having appeared on the programme for over 40 years! A very popular after dinner speaker and host, who has a wealth of anecdotes based around his broadcasting exploits, and the fascinating people he’s interviewed and worked with, from Seb Coe to David Cameron to Bill Clinton!

Garry Richardson

Property, travel and lifestyle TV presenter and journalist. Martin's programmes include 'Wish You Were Here?' and 'Homes Under the Hammer'. He is a popular choice as event host, interviewer and after dinner speaker.

Martin Roberts

Best known for presenting Time Team and playing Baldrick in Blackadder. A prolific author of books for adults and children - many on aspects of history.

Tony Robinson

An expert on Money Laundering and international best-selling American author of 20 books. A frequent guest on television and radio talk shows on both sides of the Atlantic. Often lectures to companies, particularly financial, on risk and how to avoid unwittingly getting involved with money laundering.

Jeffrey Robinson

Former political editor for the BBC and ITV, who has gone on to present and appear on numerous programmes from Question Time to Strictly Come Dancing!

John Sergeant

Political Editor of the Sunday Times and author of All Out War, the definitive account of the Brexit referendum. A national newspaper journalist with a wealth of experience reporting on British and American politics and international relations. As we approach another election, can provide an informed view on the state of the nation.

Tim Shipman

Well known face on TV and theatre, including stints in Netflix hit, The Crown. He has written 2 best selling books and has been described as "One of the funniest writers in Britain" by The Daily Mail. Michael draws on a treasure trove of anecdotes from the acting world, be it stage or screen, both big and small.

Michael Simkins

Professional speaker and host who started out as a Rugby player and went on to be a teacher before becoming a full time speaker. Has amazing powers of recall, and can thread in details about everyone in the room as part of the presentation.

John Simonett