Derek Ray

Derek Ray is a dynamic multi-sector entrepreneur and Business Development Executive at BGi.uk insurance brokers. His diverse business journey spans owning supermarkets and petrol stations to co-owning a multi-franchise estate agency and managing a family property portfolio. Famously
( or infamously) , his ambitious build with wife & young family in Alicante was featured on Channel 4’s Grand Designs Abroad with Kevin McCloud. A former South African Defence Force officer & qualifying as a Major, Derek has also run an outdoor adventure company with his wife and co led a Christian worship band as a saxophonist. Having built businesses from scratch and triumphed over major adversity twice, Derek brings unparalleled resilience, relaxed warmth, understanding of family, and sharp commercial insight to the Ideas Fest stage as a master storyteller and session moderator. Married to Jen, this their 40th year, having 3 amazing daughters & 2 fabulous grandchilren.