For nearly 30 years,
Alan Wright has been one of the most well-known voices on BBC Radio and,
more recently, a familiar face too on BBC TV. Highlights of Alan's career
include three industry awards in 2001 and 2002.
He also had
the privilege of acting as royal commentator for BBC TV when Her Majesty the
Queen opened the Millennium Bridge in 2002 and the big talking point of 2003
was a personal invitation from Tony Blair for Alan to speak at an event
celebrating his 20 years as an MP.
Today, Alan heads his own company specialising in publicity consultancy,
strategic advice, and training in presentation and media skills. His travel
writing and broadcasting keeps him particularly busy, and he has enjoyed
combining his speaking trips with travel journalism in many parts of the
world.
He has also played a
key role in publicity and media consultancy for many leading companies and
high profile individuals. For many years, Alan has been a popular columnist
and travel writer in the regional and national press.
In 1998, two of the
major events on the calendar in Northern England were the European
Presidency Meeting of Ministers, and the launch of the new Rolls Royce.
The link between them
was Alan Wright, who was the anchor man for the first, and the after-dinner
speaker at the glittering dinner for the second.
From 1993 to 1995, Alan
took a short "sabbatical" from the BBC when he was asked to become Chief
Executive at Durham County Cricket Club and had a fascinating two years
during which the superb new Riverside Ground was developed. During his spell
at the helm, membership became the biggest in England outside a Test Match
Ground, and business support broke all records, with the GBP500,000
sponsorship deal with Newcastle Breweries drawing a gasp throughout the
cricket world. Under the headline "Captain's Innings", an editorial in the
Newcastle Journal said: "The enormous success of the county has been due to
his astute enthusiasm."
Many people throughout
the UK, and beyond, know Alan Wright best as a top class after-dinner
speaker. Recent London engagements have included the Cafe Royal, the Park
Lane Hilton, the Dorchester and the Institute of Directors, while
international appearances have included the USA, Dubai, and even France (for
Martell Cognac).
He has regularly
chaired major conferences and awards ceremonies, and has recently hosted
events featuring some of the biggest names of British politics, including
Prime Minister Tony Blair, and senior Government Ministers Peter Mandelson,
Mo Mowlam, and Jack Cunningham.
Alan has also hosted
many tours and "talk-ins" with big sporting names including Ian Botham,
Kevin Keegan, Graham Gooch, Jack Charlton and Dean Richards.
Alan's experience and
versatility is in constant demand, whether as a stimulating speaker at
business conferences, or a very funny entertainer on lighter occasions. He
has received the highest praise from a legion of leading personalities, and
commendations have included the following:
'......... a superb performance. Alan Wright held over 500
people in the palm of his hand for nearly an hour. The banqueting suite was
rocking with laughter, and he thoroughly deserved his long standing
ovation." - Institute of Shipbrokers.