EIGHTEEN months ago, mother of two Helen Packham went from being a housewife in hiding with an anxiety disorder to sharing her story on stage in front of 1,500 people, having had only 48 hours to prepare.

Now a businesswoman, coach and speaker, she is introducing a new annual conference to the Brighton business scene to inspire others who might be having a crisis of confidence, suffering from anxiety, nerves or are at a crossroads in their lives.

Entrepreneurial Leaders Live 2018 is a conference with a difference.

The theme is The Big Breakthrough, aimed at small business owners or entrepreneurs struggling to stand out in a crowded market, those who want to know how to attract the most ideal customers and clients and win more business, and who want to become the go-to expert in their field.

The two-day event is being held at The Harbour Hotel on Brighton’s seafront.

Keynote speakers will include Ann Daniels, the first woman to walk to the North and South Poles.

The event combines inspiration with experiential learning, practical workshops and the chance for delegates to flex their storytelling skills by taking to the mic themselves.

Uniquely, the conference ends with a half-day in the hotel spa to relax, pamper and contemplate the new knowledge and insights learned, the buzz and flow of the two-day event, alongside some top-quality networking in an informal setting with new contacts made.

Helen, who lives in Southwick, said: “I want to share the message that everyone has a worthy story inside them and that sharing their stories is a force for good.

“The positive ripple that occurs when someone does this is huge.

“It’s also incredibly confidence-boosting and challenges comfort zones, which all aid personal growth.

“Giving business owners and entrepreneurs the platform to do this is part of my mission to get people sharing their stories all over the world.”

This is the first of an annual conference and each will have a theme.

Next year’s event is already being planned, based on the positive reaction and ticket sales already experienced.

This year’s is on June 28 and 29 from 9.30am to 4.30pm each day

For more information about the event you can go to http://helenpackham.com/entrepreneurial-leaders-live/