Entrepreneur Tom Mercer – the man behind MOMA (Making Oats More Awesome) – will be the keynote speaker at the opening event for this year’s Evolve Business Festival.

The former management consultant will tell of his success at spotting a gap in the market for healthy on-the-go breakfasts. In the space of ten years he has built a multi-million pound business with its products stocked in supermarkets across the UK.

Tom, who is the Founder of MOMA, said: “I am really excited to be part of this unique festival and share my story.

“From a makeshift store in Waterloo Station until now has been amazing with MOMA now stocked nationally in supermarkets, trains and airlines.

“Sharing my journey, meeting and engaging with fellow entrepreneurs and business leaders along the South Coast will be great. I’m really looking forward to the event.”

The Entrepreneur and Founders Evening takes place on Wednesday October 9 at Pavilion Dance in Bournemouth and will be hosted by Warren Munson, Founder of Evolve and Inspire.

The keynote speech will be followed by a Q&A panel of entrepreneurs and founders from successful local businesses.

They include Arabella Lewis-Smith, Founder and Managing Director of Salad Creative; Barbara Cox, Founder of NutriChef and award-winning nutritionist and specialist health consultant; Mark Cribb, Founder of Urban Guild, and Cheryl Hadland, Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Tops Day Nurseries and Hadland Care Group.

The Evolve Business Festival is held from October 9 to 16 in locations across Bournemouth and Poole.

Forming part of Bournemouth’s BOMO Festival, it will feature an impressive line-up of inspirational and motivational events, ranging from keynote speakers and networking breakfasts to charity dinners and development days.

To view the list of events and book tickets, please visit www.evolvemembers.com