Independent brand consultant and angel investor Alex Hunter will be speaking to delegates at the GCA annual conference in January.

Alex, who was the Global Head of Online Marketing for the Virgin Group, will be sharing his thoughts on branding at the conference in Blackpool on Tuesday, January 28.

Iain Wylie, Chief Executive of the GCA, said: “Alex had an amazing career with Virgin, he started out working on digital strategy for Virgin America, conceived as a low-cost airline. When the company failed to gain the crucial certification from Congress, he and a handful of colleagues refused to sit back and do nothing.

“Facing enormous costs and a grounded fleet, they raced against time to find a way to highlight their plight. Deciding popular pressure was the best tool available, they started a grassroots campaign on social media and influential, independent websites. The campaign was a huge success and eventually the decision was overturned.

“Alex then became Head of Online for the entire Virgin Group, overseeing a rapid expansion of the brand’s internet strategy and constantly adapting to new trends, technology and consumer requirements. The main site was very quick to embrace social media and user-driven content, underlining the company’s reputation for customer focus.”

Alex now advises start-ups on strategy and business plans. He is a popular and energetic speaker, he assesses the power and weakness of brands, explores how a brand evolves and what makes people loyal to a particular brand. He will be speaking at the GCA conference about branding, online presence, social media, e-commerce and digital.

The conference, which is sponsored by Davidson Richards and Westland Horticulture, takes place at the Hilton Blackpool Hotel in Blackpool from January 26 until 29. More than 300 delegates are expected to attend.

Iain continued: “As always the conference is bound to have a lively and entertaining atmosphere. Our roster of challenging speakers will give you much to think about including a plethora of key points to take home, which will help you drive your business to greater successes in the following years.”

To book a place at the conference visit the members’ area on the GCA website via www.gca.org.uk.