"The man who launched a million Motor Cars"

Tony Ball is acknowledged internationally as one of Britain's most accomplished after dinner speakers and successful marketeers. (He must be - his entry in Who's Who is longer than the Archbishop of Canterbury!). 

Noted for his humour, amongst his many achievements he is the winner of the prestigious Benedictine Award as Business Speaker of the Year. His numerous broadcasts include Start of the Week, The Money Programme, The Gloria Hunniford Show, Top Gear and a panellist on BBC's Any Questions. Tony started his career as an apprentice on the shop floor of the Austin Motor Company and rose to become its youngest ever Sales Manager. He is the man who actually launched the MINI in the swinging sixties.

A top presenter and distinguished businessman who speaks his mind wisely, wittily and warmly, Tony has the unique advantage of a highly successful career as Chief Executive of major international companies covering literally the entire spectrum of industry and commerce.

As World Sales Chief of BL, Rover and Jaguar Cars in its most critical days, Tony was deeply involved in resolving the massive industrial relations problems and restoring sales in world markets. He masterminded the launch of the METRO and all new models in the BL, Rover and Jaguar Cars recovery programme. For this, he was awarded the Fellowship of the Chartered Institute of Marketing.

Today, as the leading exponent of what he calls Industrial Theatre, he launches new products for Blue Chip companies world-wide together with staging events like the launch and the opening ceremonies of the Rugby World Cup and the relaunch and marketing of London Zoo, as well as being retained by the SMMT to produce and promote the British International Motor Show, the largest event of its kind ever staged in Britain.

Tony was appointed Marketing Advisor to three Secretaries of State in Margaret Thatcher's Government and has been awarded 'Freeman of the City of London, the Prince Philip Medal for his outstanding contribution to British Marketing as well as the MBE from Her Majesty the Queen for his outstanding services to Industry.

And as an aside.........quite apart from the above, friends say Tony's real claim to fame is that he is the father of Michael Ball, Britain's young Eurovision hero and star of 'Les Miserables', 'Phantom of the Opera', and Andrew Lloyd Webber's Aspects of Love!!!