THE self-taught entrepreneur behind furniture chain DFS has an important message for the business community when he comes to Bolton next month -- have fun.

Lord Kirkham, a Yorkshire miner's son who made it to the House of Lords, is to deliver the 12th Annual Bolton Business Lecture at the Reebok Stadium on Tuesday, September 18.

His talk is entitled: No conflict between hard work and fun.

The event is being organised by BBV (Bolton Business Ventures Ltd) and is expected to attract an audience of more than 250 invited guests.

BBV chief executive Paul Davidson said today: "We have been enormously privileged over the past 12 years to enjoy listening to some truly inspirational speakers at the Annual Bolton Business Lecture and this year will be no exception.

"Lord Kirkham has promised to deliver a lecture with real 'take home value' and while it may not always be politically correct or expletive-free I know that our guests will have a truly memorable evening." Doncaster-born Graham Kirkham is due to tell the DFS story -- a roller-coaster journey over 32 years from corner shop to Britain's most successful furniture retailer.

Lord Kirkham, who is described in the lecture programme as "an exuberant showman", passed his 11-plus but failed eight O-levels.

He was knighted in 1996 for his work for the Animal Health Trust and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

He was elevated to the peerage in July, 1999. Other activities have included a stint as Treasurer of the Conservative Party following the Tory rout of 1997.

This year's business lecture has been sponsored by Business Link North Manchester.

Mr Davidson said the purpose of the annual lecture was to raise the profile of Bolton "as an enterprising town with commerce at its heart and a willingness to look forward and learn from others."