Doug, who founded Yelo Enterprises, which processes homegrown rapeseed into eco-friendly oils and high-quality feed that supports UK agriculture, is also the owner of Coventry City FC.
He is among a range of speakers who will be sharing their stories to small and medium-sized businesses from Stratford District at the event, which has been organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group.
Around 200 businesses are expected to attend the conference, which is being held at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon. from 8.15am until 1pm.
Doug will be discussing Yelo’s carbon efficient production site at Atherstone Airfield Industrial Estate, its sustainability initiatives and the provenance of their product.
Cllr George Cowcher, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, said Yelo Enterprises is among the many examples of thriving businesses in the Stratford District.
“The Stratford Business Conference will be a fantastic opportunity to hear first-hand from entrepreneurs such as Doug King about how the business world is changing, the importance of adapting and why location is vital,” he said.
“The event is focused on finding out what’s driving business growth in Stratford, the skills and support needed to sustain it and how collaboration can create long-term success for our area.
“We have been delighted with the response from Stratford District businesses wanting to attend our Stratford Business Conference and we are really looking forward to listening to businesses to find out what they need to expand.”
Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Godley OBE will be hosting the event, which will start with Will Grocett and Eve Baker from GreenTech Industries talking about their journey as a growing green tech business.
Stratford-on-Avon District Council and the Growth Hub will then demonstrate how business support drives success and explain what help is available across the district, before Tracey Sherratt from the British Business Bank outlines access to finance and the value of firms being investment ready.
Founders of local business, Sooper Books - Simon and Charlene Hood - will be discussing how they went from launching their storybook streaming service at home to appearing on Dragons’ Den.
The event will continue with Fay Winterburn from Warwickshire Skills Hub talking about the local skills and employment market as well as the support available to businesses.
The Stratford Business Conference will then close with a Q&A with panellists from various organisations that represent small and medium sized businesses alongside Cllr George Cowcher and John Careford, Head of Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council.
Craig Humphrey, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group, said the Stratford Business Conference is a perfect chance to connect with business owners across Stratford District.
He said: “This event is a great way for businesses to find out practical steps to grow their company by hearing from speakers who have experienced the highs and lows of running a business.
“We will also be highlighting the benefits of the business support network in our area and promoting the additional assistance which is available.
“The added bonus is that everyone who attends has an opportunity to make valuable connections with potential customers, suppliers and support providers to really make a difference to their business in 2026.”
Bookings are close to capacity so to book or be added to the waiting list, please visit https://bit.ly/sdcbizconference26
*Photo Caption: Doug King, owner of Yelo Enterprises. Yelo Enterprises at Atherstone Airfield Industrial Estate in Stratford-upon-Avon
