TOP names have been announced to take part in a North Yorkshire business conference for entrepreneurs.

Speakers at the Venturefest Yorkshire 2006 event will include a gold medal winning Olympic athlete, a UK Entrepreneur of the Year, and a business "dragon".

The third annual event for entrepreneurs will be held at York Racecourse on Wednesday, February 8.

Professor Tony Robards, who will chair the event, said the speaker line-up will contribute to what he is predicting will be the best Venturefest yet.

Olympic gold medal winner Denise Lewis tops the evening bill and will share her experiences of overcoming injury to achieve Olympic gold.

BBC Dragons' Den panellist Doug Richards will deliver the morning keynote address.

Over breakfast, entrepreneurs can hear from last year's Venturefest business award winner Victor Buchanan, of Bioflame.

Other speakers include former UK Entrepreneur of the Year Steve Pipe, Jonathan Perks MBE, an award-winning life coach and representatives from Microsoft.

More than 2,000 people are expected to take part in the free, one-day event.

Prof Robards said: "The event is a culmination of everything entrepreneurial that is happening continually throughout the region.

"The purpose of the day is to provide a focus for this enterprising spirit and an environment in which people can network, discuss, learn and have access to the support they need to be successful."

The event will feature the Venturefest business awards, offerinh £20,000 prize fund.

To register for a free place at the event, visit www.venturefestyorkshire.net