Simon Woodroffe is the founder, owner & creative driving force behind all things Yo!
Simon left school at the age of 16 and spent 30 years in the entertainment business. His production companies in London and Los Angeles designed and staged concerts for many artists during the 70s and 80s, including The Moody Blues, Madness, Rod Stewart, Stevie Wonder and George Michael.
In the 90s, Simon went into television. He spearheaded the development of television deals to show huge international rock concerts worldwide, including the Nelson Mandela concerts, shows for Amnesty International and the Prince’s Trust concerts.
In 1997, Simon founded YO! Sushi, a conveyor belt sushi bar. The concept was to make eating a complete entertainment experience and featured call buttons, robot drinks trolleys and Japanese TV. The first restaurant opened on London’s Poland Street and became an overnight phenomenon. Today it continues to expand both at home and aboard.
In 1999 Simon won the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award and became part of the CBI/BCC Ambassador of Entrepreneurism campaign, with which he is still actively involved. In 2001 he was awarded the accolade of Best Venue at the Retailer of the Year Awards. In recognition for his contribution to hospitality, Simon was awarded an OBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours list in 2006.
Simon has most recently appeared on the BBC 2 produced worldwide hit programme Dragons’ Den as one of the formidable panellists, who make and break the dream of would-be entrepreneurs as they pitch their business ideas for financing. Simon has also featured on Discovery TV’s VIP Weekends with Ian Wright, ITV’s Homes & Property and ITV’s The Millionaire’s Club.
As a result of being asked to share the story of his entrepreneurial success, Simon has developed a strong reputation on the UK and international public speaking circuit. Simon speaks openly avoiding business cliché and audiences find his story extremely inspiring and a catalyst for their own endeavours, be they in a large corporate setting or working at a start-up level.
Simon is developing new YO! brands including YOTEL, the world’s most revolutionary hotel opening 2007; YO! Zone, part spa, part café, part bar and part nightclub; and YO! How, an online support community for budding entrepreneurs.
To enquire about or book Simon Woodroffe for your event contact Arena Entertainment. Either send an email to info@arenaentertainments.co.uk or speak to one of our booking agents on 0113-239-2222.
