A FORMER Olympic Silver Medallist will speak at the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) National Conference, which takes place in Scarborough later this month.

Runner Roger Black will help to motivate small firms to grow and innovate with an speech to help build on growing confidence among the small business sector.

Small businesses will also be able to ask questions at a question time panel chaired by TV presenter and journalist Selina Scott.

The panel, which includes Mike Cherry, policy chairman of the FSB, Julian Smith MP and Caroline Flint, Shadow Secretary of State for Energy and Climate Change, will give advice and their opinions on what help small businesses need to grow and innovate as the economy stabilises.

The three-day conference, which is expected to attract 600 delegates, will begin at Scarborough Spa Complex on Friday.