THE co-founder of high street chain Coffee Republic is to share her expertise with North-East entrepreneurs.

Sahar Hashemi will be a guest speaker at the Big Day event, on Thursday, June 30, at Sunderland's Stadium of Light.

A London lawyer who developed a passion for the skinny lattes she had tried in New York, she set up the firm ten years ago with no knowledge of retail or the coffee business.

Working with her brother, Bobby, the pair have built it into one of the UK's most recognised brands, with an annual turnover of £30m.

Her story, described in her book entitled Anyone Can Do It, was a best seller.

The Big Day will be the highlight of Business Week Tyne and Wear, a programme of activities aiming to raise the profile of industry and commerce in the area.

Other high profile guests include motivational speaker Clive Gott.

The event will also include the final of Biz Idol, a competition to find the region's most promising entrepreneur and set them up in business.

The winner will walk away with £2,000, plus free advice, support and office space worth more than £10,000.

For details, visit the web-site www.bigdayevent.com