BATH legend Nigel Redman proved a star attraction at the inaugural celebrity lunch last week. More than 100 businessmen and women packed into The Farmhouse to hear the ex-England international talk about the highs and lows of his rugby career.
The event, run by Monaco-based company Azur Productions, gave businesses a chance to entertain clients and to network.
Mr Redman stepped in as the guest speaker at the eleventh hour as a replacement for fellow rugby star Austin Healey.
‘I have known Austin a long time and was happy to step in for him after he had a family emergency,’ he said.
The former Bath second row, who now coaches the England under-21 team, has spoken at such events since he retired nine years ago.
‘It’s always nice to be able to stand up and give a talk,’ he said. ‘I take a light-hearted look back at my career.
‘There were a lot of good times but also a lot of disappointment. I talk about both ends of the scale and try to see the funny side of it.’
The event was sold out and Mr Redman said functions like this were very popular.
‘It’s a great way of networking. People from all walks of life, from business to tradesmen, can come together and find out more about each other.
‘I think sport can also galvanise people because they might never have met before but find they are both massive football or rugby fans.’
He said the number of speeches he gave varied from month to month.
‘It’s a bit like London buses,’ he said. ‘I don’t have any for months and then three come along at once.’
Mr Redman added that although his topic remained the same, the experience was always different.
‘I have had only one career and I don’t talk about other people’s experiences. It never gets boring because I don’t really do enough events to get bored by it.’
Brian Stewart, CEO at Stewart Asset- Management Group, said events such a celebrity lunch were invaluable for businesses.
‘It’s an opportunity to spend two or three hours with people whom you would normally struggle to spend 10 minutes with,’ he said.
‘Business people meet in a nice environment and all come together for an entertaining lunch and speech. Everyone ends up talking about things that they would never usually get to do in any other environment.
‘It’s hugely beneficial.’
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