"Determination is the key to success" - Founder of Inn or Out in 1995

After working her way around the world in a series of five-star hotels, Lena settled in London and founded Inn or Out,. A vivacious and six-foot tall blond Swede, this success of the company is testament to her hard work, irrepressible sense of humour and total devotion to customer service. She has won many awards along the way but is still very down-to-earth and remains very focused on providing the best possible service to clients.

It all began with a £2500 loan from the Prince's Trust - she made her case in a typically enterprising manner - by showing a delicious cake get crushed by a rush-hour crowd on the tube. Not many business proposals are conducted underground, but this one enabled her to buy a computer and a van and the business has not looked back since.

Inn or out have kept up very close ties with the Prince's Trust, catering for many fundraising events - including Party in the Park - sponsoring prizes and mentoring students. This has been a familiar pattern as the company has grown, with many early clients still firm friends and loyal customers.

With wheels on the road and a computer behind the scenes, Lena set about growing the business. Her determination and iron will to succeed, combined with a nerveless self-confidence and sense of humour form the backbone of Inn or Out's business ethic, the twin planks of which are a "total devotion to customer service" and a commitment to "under-promise and over-deliver".

The business was launched into the big time when she won the contract for the American Ambassador's fourth of July party, a 2000-strong glitterati event in Regents Park. Still catering from her home kitchen and flying in trusted chefs and staff from Sweden, the event was a great success and proved she could still offer a superb and individual level of service to a large, high-profile guest list.

Before long the business outgrew Lena's warehouse-style apartment and Inn or Out then spent seven years in the heart of the city, slowly taking over more and more of Newbury Street as the business operations and client list expanded. In May 2006 there was no more room to grow and the company moved operations to a much larger base in Bermondsey, from where they continue to cater for events as diverse as small, intimate dinners at home to Rolls-Royce at the Paris Air Show.

The journey has not been without accolades, with both Lena and the company picking up many awards along the way. Most notably, in 1999 Lena won the National Woman into Business Award for the inspirational way she had grown the business against all the odds.
 
Lena’s determination and iron will to succeed, combined with a nerveless self-confidence and sense of humour form the backbone of Inn or Out's business ethic, the twin planks of which are a "total devotion to customer service" and a commitment to "under-promise and over-deliver".

In her speeches Lena talks about how important goals are in life and the value of positive thinking! The success of her company is testament to her hard work, irrepressible sense of humour and total devotion to customer service. Her business success is an inspiration to others and she is a regular speaker at various seminars in both the UK and Sweden. She was also used as a case study on www.MillionaireMBA.com, a website designed to help you develop a millionaire mindset. 

She has won many awards along the way but is still very down-to-earth and remains very focused on providing the best possible service to clients. To name a few awards that Lena has won: 

• O2 Inspiration Award 2007 - Runner up, "London's Most Inspirational Entrepreneur"
• Orange "Small is Beautiful" Award 2003 - Runner up, "Best Customer Satisfaction" 
• The Business Excellence 2001 Award - Winner Docklands Business Club 
• Business Woman of the Year 2001 - East London Business Award 

In recognition of the support Lena gives the Prince’s Trust she has been given an honorary member of the Women’s Leadership Group of the Prince’s Trust.

Lena officially became a member of Duni's advisory board in March of 2008. Duni is a Swedish-based company that has rapidly become one of the leading packaging companies of the world. Duni had asked four high profile caterers and chefs to work alongside the company and help develop new and improved disposable packaging products. The group meets quarterly and has recently been discussing the hope of becoming a more eco-friendly provider, creating products that are biodegradable and recyclable. Lena has expressed her excitement about the opportunity and really enjoys the work. She is thoroughly excited that Langoustine and Duni can work hand-in-hand, to create events that are sustainably geared. You can find more information about Duni and their services at

Lena’s public speaking is based on her business, her lifestyle and the value of positive thinking!

Testimonials

“Your contribution was a great aid in enhancing the audience’s knowledge of entrepreneurship and served as a truly inspiring source of energy”  - Scandinavian Society
 
 “Wow! What can I say? Thank you so much. I can honestly say, no one was inspired as they were when you left. You certainly reminded us about the passion and drive and what is needed  - for success: belief!” - Federation of Small Business

“Thank you so much… your talk was most enjoyable and so inspirational. We loved the way you delivered your presentation in such a relaxed way with a brilliant injection of humour.” - Durham Business School

Book Lena Björck now

To book Lena Björck for your event, or to discuss your requirements further with one of our consultants, contact us via the web, or call +44 (0) 1628 636 600.

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