
A Million In
Business

A Million In
Business

your next event!
Gary Beckwith. Founder of City Cruises. Entrepreneur, author, and public speaker.
In a world of get-rich-quick schemes and social media fame, what can we learn from Gary Beckwith’s story? Perhaps that we must stop looking for shortcuts. Over half a century in business, Gary has found that there’s no substitute for hard work, a willingness to learn, an appetite for risk, and the tireless support of a loving family. So keep learning, enjoy the journey, and remember, a little humour goes a long way to keeping you sane.

Discover Gary's story and the transformation of an entire industry.
Gary shares his remarkable journey from a dyslexic kid in East London to the founder of the UK’s largest tour boat company. A treasure trove of insights, anecdotes, lessons, and inspiration for anyone aspiring to achieve greatness in business and beyond.
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As an experienced CEO and the visionary entrepreneur behind many multi-million-pound businesses, Gary has learned lessons from every stage of a company's growth. His high-level experience and self-effacing sense of humour make him a captivating public speaker with candid advice for real-world scenarios
Gary shares his secrets
From a council estate in East London to conversations with the queen, Gary has spent a lifetime defying expectations. Along the way, he’s taken monumental risks, faced personal and professional tragedy, and gone head-to-head with government legislation. But, thanks to a clear vision and unwavering determination, he’s seen huge financial success, built a legacy, and taken his family on the journey. He’s a man who loves to tell a story, and he has so many to tell.
A Self-Made East Londoner.
Gary founded his first business in the late 1970s, parlaying his experience in casinos and hospitality into City Cruises PLC, the UK’s largest tour boat company. To get there, he had to drag a cottage industry into the 21st century. He rationalised consortiums, lobbied for new legislation, and played host to prime ministers, celebrities, and royalty. After selling City Cruises in 2019, Gary has invested in many different businesses, sharing his vision and leadership across a range of new industries.
What They Say
An inspiring must-read for anyone growing a business or with dreams of an exit one day. I’ve read hundreds of business books, but few show the highs and lows of an entrepreneur’s journey like this.
