26 January 2026

Jamaican-British businessman and celebrity chef Levi Roots is to give a public talk at the Royal Agricultural University (RAU) next month.

Levi, who was made an Honorary Fellow of the RAU in 2019 for his contributions to entrepreneurship and food, will share the remarkable story of how he transformed a dream into a global success with an audience at the University’s Alliston Centre, at its Cirencester campus, from 12pm to 1pm on Thursday 12 February.

Stephen Meyer, Lead Business Advisor at the RAU, is organising the talk. He explained: “From his early days in a small Jamaican village, learning the secrets of Caribbean flavours from his grandmother, to building a celebrated food empire, Levi’s journey has been one of passion, persistence, and creativity.

“He started out selling his now famous Reggae Reggae Sauce at Notting Hill Carnival and, having been rejected by banks and investors, he went on to showcase his product on BBC 2’s Dragon’s Den, back in 2007, securing life-changing investment from Peter Jones and Richard Farleigh after opening his pitch with a song!”

Levi went on to create a global brand including sauces and seasonings, ready meals, books, soft drinks and snacks as well as his music.

He has been advising and mentoring in schools, colleges and universities for many years, and has been working with the RAU for more than 15 years. He is a regular judge on the University’s annual Grand Idea competition for young entrepreneurial students.

Receiving his Honorary Fellowship in 2019 he said: “It’s been an incredible journey from arriving in the UK as a boy who couldn’t spell his first name.

“The RAU has entrepreneurship in its DNA and I’ve been inspired and privileged to watch that characteristic bloom in its students over the years. Some of the most exciting ideas I’ve seen have come in disciplines like agri-tech and food security, areas where so many of today’s graduates will go on to benefit society.

“Helping all young people develop their business ideas and grow in confidence, knowing that the deal is out there for them, is really important to me. My message has always been that if I can do it, anyone can. Think about your personal brand and what makes you unique – everyone has that ‘something’ inside them, wherever they come from.”

Tickets, which cost £20 (plus a £2.38 booking fee), can be purchased at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/inspire-me-levi-roots-humble-beginnings-to-business-empire-tickets-1976169438989?aff=oddtdtcreator