CONSULTANT Max McKeown plans to unwrap the secrets of the success of Microsoft, Virgin and easyJet at a business event next month.

He will explore the idea of "unshrinking" a business idea at Venturefest York, at York Racecourse, on February 5.

Based on extensive research and interviews, he will explain what has made many of the world's most high-profile companies and entrepreneurs successful, demonstrating how organisations such as Asda, Microsoft, Virgin, Yo Sushi, easyJet, Dyson and Google "unshrunk" their people and ideas.

The author of three UK Top 20 business list books, Mr McKeown has spent much of his career examining organisations, their customers and the way people interact.

Venturefest organisers the York Professional Initiative (YPI), invited him to speak at the event to capitalise on the similarities between his work and the Venturefest ethos.

John Yeomans, YPI director, said: "Max's concept of "unshrinking" is based around the analogy of the entrepreneur as a business idea gardener, nurturing an idea to ensure it grows into a successful business. This complements the Venturefest approach to helping entrepreneurs and business start-ups achieve success perfectly."

For more information visit www.venturefestyork.net