THE man who raised the profile of fish and chips through the Harry Ramsden's chain of restaurants is to speak at the Business Festival in Malvern in May.

Richard Richardson will head a sizzling line-up of expert business speakers at the event, which is free to visitors and organised by the Chamber of Commerce and Business Link Herefordshire and Worc-

estershire.

With partner John Barnes, Mr Richardson built the Harry Ram-sden's chain up from a single fish and chip shop in Yorkshire to an international brand with restaurants in seven countries.

He worked on the principles of what he calls Marketing Judo - and just 12 years later the business empire was sold to Compass plc, the world's largest catering company.

"The principle behind Marketing Judo is that brains matter more than brawn," said Mr Rich-ardson.

"Anyone can become a Black Belt if they move quickly, train hard enough and keep their balance when others don't."

More than 2,000 people are expected to attend the festival.

pour through the doors of the Three Counties Showground, near Malvern, when the fourth annual Business Festival takes place next month.

This year, 150 companies are exhibiting in a new, enlarged area, which will be split into themed zones for the first time.

on Thursday, May 26.