TAUNTON Prep School is welcoming one of the country’s leading business figures to give a talk on his career tomorrrow (February 21) and the public are welcome to attend.

After a six-month Graduate Training Scheme with C & J Clark at Street, John Timpson joined the family footwear business William Timpson Limited, becoming the Director responsible for buying in 1970.

In 1983 he led a £42m management buyout of the company which had become part of the Hanson Trust.

In 1987 he sold the shoe shops to rival retailer George Oliver and subsequently concentrated on building up the shoe repairing and key cutting business, which he has diversified into engraving, watch repairs, dry cleaning and photo processing.

Timpson now has over 800 branches nationwide with a turnover of £150m and profits of over £10m. It is a private business wholly owned by Mr Timpson and his family.

Mr Timpson is in demand for an increasing number of speaking engagements talking about his unique business style, which he calls ‘Upside-down Management’.

The event at 7pm in the Old Library at Taunton School is free to attend - email nicola.mccoll@tauntonschool.co.uk or call 01823-703305 to book your place.