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Eden Project co-founder & speaker

Tim Smit

Sir Tim Smit KBE helps organisations turn environmental purpose into commercial growth. A sustainability keynote speaker and social enterprise leader, Tim inspires audiences to align profit with purpose through storytelling, creativity, and regenerative thinking. Co-founder of the globally recognised Eden Project.

Trusted by Brands At Work, University College Oxford, The Walled Nursery

Sir Tim Smit, Speaker | Eden Project Co-Founder
Tim Smit

Tim Smit

Exeter, United Kingdom

Typical fee range

£11k–25k

This is an estimated fee range for local in-person events. Location and format affect the final fee.

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Book Sir Tim

Exeter, United Kingdom

Starting from

£11k–25k

Send an email

loading@getapeptalk.com

Give us a call

+44 203 835 2929

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Tim Smit's biography

At a glance

  • Co-founder of the celebrated Eden Project in Cornwall
  • Restorer of the Lost Gardens of Heligan
  • Author and Sunday Times Book of the Year winner
Sir Tim Smit is an entrepreneur, regeneration pioneer, and sustainability leader best known for transforming ambitious environmental ideas into projects that deliver lasting social and economic impact. Tim co-founded the Eden Project in Cornwall, one of Britain's most recognised environmental and visitor attractions, and helped restore The Lost Gardens of Heligan from decades of neglect into an internationally celebrated destination. Under his leadership, Eden evolved from a former clay pit into a landmark project that has generated more than £1.9 billion for the regional economy. He is also the founder of HOW2, a digital technical college, a recipient of the Royal Society of Arts Albert Medal, and a KBE. Drawing on experience across heritage restoration, sustainability, education, science communication, and social enterprise, Tim demonstrates how large-scale projects can unite commercial success with environmental and community benefit. His work shows organisations how to build purpose-led initiatives that create measurable value while engaging people through clear storytelling and shared ambition. Audiences leave Tim's sessions with a clearer sense of how environmental responsibility translates into commercial opportunity, and a practical framework for aligning organisational purpose with long-term value creation. Book Tim Smit to bring one of the most compelling cases for sustainable enterprise to your next event.

Sir Tim's showreel and videos

Topics, sessions and talks

How The Eden Project Contributed £1.9b To The Cornish Economy
Sir Tim Smit KBE traces the entrepreneurial journey behind the Eden Project, from a neglected clay pit to a destination that has attracted 19 million visitors and contributed over £1.9 billion to the Cornish economy. Tim shares the decisions, principles, and creative risks that shaped Eden's growth, offering a candid account of how sustainability, innovation, and commercial rigour can reinforce rather than undermine each other.

Why we recommend booking Sir Tim

Tim is a regeneration pioneer and sustainability leader whose Eden Project and Lost Gardens of Heligan restorations transformed communities, generated significant regional economic impact, and exemplify purpose-led enterprise. Drawing on his work, Tim provides practical frameworks for value creation delivered through compelling storytelling to mobilise people and organisations.

Check Sir Tim's availability

Trusted by Brands At Work, University College Oxford, The Walled Nursery

Testimonials

Tim was a strong advocate of our sustainability policy to the event, so much so that he decided to walk there.

Brands At Work

Tim was an inspirational speaker. He spoke for 45 minutes, without notes and just flawless, with the time that just passed and when he concluded you wanted him to carry on talking. He has our audience riveted from the moment he walked onto the stage and had them hanging onto every word. He shared so much wisdom and insight and was REAL. He will inject his passion and energy into any function and allow people to come away with a new look on life itself - a truly inspiration man and speaker.

Tatjana Keenan

Acumen Business Law

Tim Smit held this audience in the palm of his hand, and no-one wanted it to end!

University College Oxford

Featured Projects

Tim Smit - Eden book cover
Tim Smit - The Lost Gardens Of Heligan book cover

frequently asked questions

Something we've not covered here?

How do I book Tim Smit for my next event?
Email tim.smit@getapeptalk.com or call PepTalk on +44 20 3835 2929 (UK) or +1 737 888 5112 (US), and one of our speaker agents will contact you within hours to confirm Sir Tim's availability and fees. If you can, please include your budget upfront – it helps us fast-track your request. It’s also helpful to know the date, format (virtual or in-person), location, and a bit about your audience.
What is Tim Smit's speaking style like?
Tim Smit structures his session as a first-person entrepreneurial case study, tracing the Eden Project from a derelict clay pit through the decisions and commercial risks that produced a destination generating £1.9 billion for the Cornish economy.
What topics does Tim Smit specialise in?
Sir Tim Smit KBE speaks on entrepreneurial decision-making, sustainability as a commercial strategy, and the economic impact of purpose-led regeneration projects. He co-founded the Eden Project, which has attracted 19 million visitors and contributed over £1.9 billion to the Cornish economy, and led the restoration of the Lost Gardens of Heligan, recognition of which includes a KBE and the Royal Society of Arts Albert Medal.
What does 'typical fee range' mean?

Speaker fees vary based on factors like event location, format, and availability. The 'typical fee range' figure gives you a baseline of someone's local, in-person rate sits, and we'll confirm the exact fee when you get in touch.

What happens if I need to cancel or reschedule a speaker booking?

Life happens! Most speaker bookings can be rescheduled with reasonable notice. Cancellation terms vary by speaker, but PepTalk handles all the details & contracts transparently upfront so there are no surprises. Our team supports you through any changes, making the process as smooth as possible.

Have all the speakers on the website previously worked with PepTalk?

Not necessarily. While the speakers listed on our website may not have worked with PepTalk in the past, they are recognized professionals in the industry and known to engage in similar events and engagements. Alongside direct talent, we work with a wide variety of speaker agents and talent agencies, to ensure we have the best selection of speakers, hosts, comedians and entertainers available.

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How far in advance should I book a motivational speaker?

Book a motivational speaker at least 3–6 months in advance, especially for popular speakers or large events. Top speakers get booked quickly, so earlier is always better. For major conferences or peak seasons, booking 12 months ahead ensures you secure your first choice.

Help, I need a last-minute speaker for my event!

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