The Evening

Lord Ashdown, the former leader of the Liberal Democrats, is a mentor to Nick Clegg, and his party is now at the heart of the coalition government. His views on how the coalition will tackle the economic challenges at home and the political ones abroad will be of significant interest to our business audience.

Ashdown has openly admitted that, while an alliance between Labour and the Lib-Dems would have been his preferred choice, there were "Neanderthals in Labour who wrecked that opportunity" so, in the national interests, his party agreed to a centre-Right coalition.

He added that the coalition document that his party and the Tories agreed was "remarkable" and of which both sides can feel proud. "Real statesmanship and vision have been shown by two young leaders. These ingredients give us about the best start we could have for the hard journey ahead."

The gala evening for TVBMA 2010 takes place at the Royal Berkshire Conference Centre, Madejski Stadium, Reading, on Thursday, November 18.

If you would like to join the audience for this black-tie dinner, email your company's details to admin@elcot.co.uk