1 - WED MARCH 12 2025
OR BE DISRUPTED
OPENING REMARKS BY THE EVENT HOSTS:
OLI BARRETT MBE & HANNAH PREVETT
Are you seizing tomorrow’s market opportunities? In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, the key to survival and success is not just keeping up, but staying ahead. Join us to learn from industry experts who will reveal how to spot and seize tomorrow’s market opportunities. ALEXANDRA WOOD Founder, Alexandra Wood Bespoke
Key Takeaways:
Discover how to identify and capitalise on emerging market opportunities before your competitors.
Learn how to harness disruptive technologies to stay ahead and drive business growth.
Gain strategies to futureproof your business against ongoing industry shifts and changes.
DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY MARCH
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Cyber Security Specialist & Founder, Cyber Security Unity
ROLE OF
Artificial Intelligence is revolutionising the way businesses operate, but is it a double-edged sword? In this session, industry leaders will explore how AI and automation can propel SMEs towards greater efficiency, faster decision-making and streamlined operations.
LISA VENTURA MBE Cyber Security Specialist & Founder, Cyber Security Unity
Key Takeaways:
• Understand how AI can drive efficiency and innovation, but also the hidden costs that come with implementation.
• Explore the ethical implications of AI and automation in business, and how to navigate them responsibly.
• Gain insights into balancing the benefits of AI with the challenges of maintaining authenticity and security in your operations.
How do we truly build workplace inclusion for the future? True workplace inclusion goes beyond ticking boxes—it’s about creating a culture where diversity, equity and inclusion (DE&I) are at the core of your business strategy.
ANDREW GRILL AI Expert, Futurist Speaker, and Podcast Host KRISTJAN BYFIELD Co-Founder and Mission Commander, The Depositary
AI
Key Takeaways:
Learn how to move beyond compliance and create a truly inclusive culture that drives business growth and innovation. Discover strategies for attracting top talent and boosting employee engagement through genuine DE&I initiatives.
Gain practical insights on fostering a workplace that values diverse perspectives and promotes authenticity.
ERIK SCHWARTZ
Infotech
CASSIE GASSON Co-CEO, Thrive
ALISON WRIGHT SMB Director, Microsoft
SPEAKER
THE UNTOLD STORY OF GENDERED FUNDING
The gender funding gap is a critical issue, but addressing it benefits everyone in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. In this session, we’ll dive into the challenges faced by female founders and explore solutions that are transforming the funding landscape for the better.
ANDREA REYNOLDS Founder & CEO, Swoop
HATTY FAWCETT Founder & CEO, Focused for Business
LOUISE DOYLE CEO and co-founder, needi.co.uk
RICHARD BEARMAN Co-Chief Banking Officer at The British Business Bank
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
FOSTER DAY 1 - WEDNESDAY MARCH 12
Key Takeaways:
• Understand the unique challenges female founders face and how to overcome them in today’s funding landscape.
• Explore alternative funding options that prioritise diversity and inclusive leadership.
• Gain valuable pitching strategies and insights on how inclusive funding practices can drive growth for all entrepreneurs.
NAVIGATING A SHIFTING TRADE LANDSCAPE
In a world of constant geopolitical shifts and trade disputes, how can you stay agile and capitalize on new opportunities? Unpack the complexities of the global trade environment in 2025, from ongoing tensions to evolving trade agreements in this session.
JOSEPH FOSTER Founder, Reebok
Key Takeaways:
Gain insights on navigating the complexities of a new government and global geopolitical shifts.
• Learn practical strategies to adapt your business for international growth in an unpredictable trade environment.
• Discover new opportunities to thrive in the face of global challenges and trade disruptions.
THOMAS HAL ROBSON-KANU Founder & CEO, The Turmeric Co.
JULIANNE PONAN MBE CEO, Creative Nature
SHALINI KHEMKA CBE Founder, Chief Executive & Board Director, E2E
DHAVAL PATEL Co-founder and Chairman, Universal Partners
Key Takeaways:
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KEYNOTE SPEAKER ANNOUNCED JANUARY
In a world where technology changes at lightning speed, how can SMEs build a tech stack that keeps pace? This panel will tackle the chaos head-on, offering expert insights on how to choose, implement and scale the right technologies for your business.
Serial entrepreneur, Sunday Times Best Selling Author
As hybrid work becomes the new norm, businesses face a critical question: Is it boosting productivity or holding teams back? This panel will explore the challenges and opportunities of managing a hybrid workforce in 2025. Industry experts will share strategies for fostering collaboration and communication between remote and in-office employees.
Key Takeaways:
Learn how to build a scalable and secure tech stack that evolves with your business needs.
Discover strategies to future-proof your technology investments while maintaining compatibility with existing systems.
Gain insights on staying agile and adaptable in a rapidly changing technological landscape.
Key Takeaways:
• Discover strategies to improve collaboration and communication between remote and in-office teams.
Learn how to maintain high levels of employee engagement and motivation in a hybrid work environment.
• Gain insights on leveraging technology to create a seamless and unified work experience for all employees.
JOANNA HOWES Founder and CEO, The Change Creators
ADAM HERBERT CEO, Go Live Data
BESNIK VRELLAKU Founder and CEO, Salesflow.io
ÁINE ROGERS Managing Director of Cisco’s SMB for the UKI theatre
ANDY WILSON Senior Director, New Product Solutions, Dropbox
DAY 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 13
Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Purdy and Figg
Can businesses truly thrive while prioritising sustainability, or is it a trade-off between ethics and profit? Discover how sustainable practices can lead to cost savings, enhance brand reputation and foster customer loyalty.
Key Takeaways:
• Explore the benefits of sustainability, including cost savings, enhanced brand reputation, and stronger customer loyalty.
Understand the practical challenges and limitations of going green, such as rising costs and supply chain disruptions.
AND BREAKING BARRIERS
The world of e-commerce is expanding faster than ever, and SMEs have a golden opportunity to reach customers across the globe. But how do you navigate the complexities of international growth and stand out in a crowded digital marketplace? Explore the booming potential of global e-commerce and learn how SMEs can build their brand and scale internationally.
Key Takeaways:
Learn how to build a strong global brand and scale internationally in the booming e-commerce landscape.
• Discover effective strategies for overcoming logistics and payment system challenges when selling across borders.
• Gain insights into crafting powerful digital marketing strategies to stand out in the competitive global marketplace.
PAVLO PHITIDIS Founder & CEO, Aurik Business
SAKINA BUOY Chairman, Somerset Toiletry Company
CHARLIE RUBIN Co-founder and Chief Product Officer, Purdy and Figg
SIMON CROWTHER Flood Protection Solutions
PAUL HARGREAVES Founder & CEO, Cotswold Fayre & Flourish
LUCIE MACLEOD Founder & CEO, Hair Syrup