Elite Business Live Event Guide 2021 by Elite Business Magazine

EVENT GUIDE

The UK’s No.1 Premium Conference for SMEs

CONTENTS

Contents 05 Welcome 06 About the Conference 08 Your Host Oli Barrett 09 Co-Host Hannah Prevett 15 DAY 1 17 Day 1 Agenda 18 Commercial Business Growth 20 Digital Transformation 21 Talent & Regulations 22 Financial Management 23 Overseas Expansion 25 DAY 2 27 Day 2 Agenda 28 Commercial Business Growth 30 Digital Transformation 31 Talent & Regulations 32 Financial Management 34 Overseas Expansion 36 Breakout Sessions 38 Keynote Speakers 42 Panellists 50 Sponsors 51 Partners 52 A-Z Reference

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

WELCOME

Welcome Elite Business Live, where entrepreneurial minds meet to tackle challenges head on

SCOTT ENGLISH Brand Director, Elite Business Live

WHAT A STRANGE, stressful and exhausting 12 months for everyone, but it has also been a very inspiring one. We have really seen the best in people as businesses came together to support each other like never before. So many businesses have struggled, and we’ve been amazed at how innovative and adaptive the business community has been. One of the most incredible things I noticed over the last year or so is how business owners have responded and adapted to the huge challenges posed by digital transformation and, in some instances, successful businesses have had to re-start again. It is great to be able to host Elite Business Live - although virtually this year - to celebrate the best once again in British business. As entrepreneurs there’s always something to keep us awake at night, be it a problem we can’t solve or an idea we can’t stop mulling over. From breaking through the start-up barrier to successfully scaling - or even selling - our business, there are always new challenges to consider; just as there are new opportunities. This event is designed to create a peer-to-peer community, where entrepreneurial minds can meet and share their experiences, talk through their challenges, and be motivated to take the next step to drive success. Over two days, you’ll hear from entrepreneurs who have asked the same questions that you’re asking now and have gone on to develop their own innovative answers. With a mix of influential and inspiring speakers, interactive breakout sessions online, you’ll not only hear stories that relate to your business, but find a platform to truly address those issues hands-on. What parts of the event you experience are up to you: this is an agenda that’s made to be tailored for you, making sure that you get what you need. Maybe you want to take your business vision a step further. Maybe you’re looking for a practical way to bring exciting ideas to life. Or maybe you just want to address those niggling issues and fall back in love with your business. Elite Business Live is the place to do it. ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

ABOUT

THE UK’S NO.1 LEADING PREMIUM CONFERENCE FOR SMEs Elite Business Live is a one-of-a-kind event. Dedicated to highgrowth businesses, it spans two full days and is packed with speakers, seminars, workshops and networking opportunities. THIS EVENT IS DESIGNED to create a peer-to-peer community, where entrepreneurial minds can meet and share their experiences, talk through their challenges, and be motivated to take the next step to drive success. Over two days, you’ll hear from entrepreneurs who have asked the same questions that you’re asking now and have gone on to develop their own innovative answers. With a mix of influential and inspiring speakers, practical breakout seminars and roundtable sessions, you’ll not only hear stories that relate to your business, but find a platform to truly address those issues hands-on.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

With a number of free-to-attend seminar sessions hosted by heads of industry and business leaders, you will feel motivated to take your business a step further, learn how to bring exciting ideas to life or perhaps fall back in love with your business. These are designed to inspire entrepreneurs and share the problems we all face in business. Interactive Q&As are also an intrinsic part of Elite Business Live 2021, where you can identify pain points in your business, meet people just like yourself and develop strong professional relationships.

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EVENT HOSTS

YOUR HOST OLI BARRETT MBE Oli Barrett is a regular conference and awards host, for events across business, technology, education and entrepreneurship

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

IN THE PAST YEAR, he has chaired events for the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, Tech London Advocates, The ScaleUp Institute, The Times Tech Summit and The StartUps Awards. He is on the advisory boards the New Entrepreneurs Foundation and Centre for Entrepreneurs, One Million Mentors and Troubadour Theatres, and is a Fellow of impact incubator and business builder Zinc. As a serial founder, he co-created Tenner (the UK’s largest schools enterprise challenge), Volunteer It Yourself (the social venture which has helped thousands of young people to fix their own youth clubs) and the TOTS (Turn on the Subtitles) campaign to improve children’s literacy. He co-founded StartUp Britain, which was launched by the UK Prime Minister, leading to the creation of PitchUp Britain (with John Lewis and Sainsbury’s) and PopUp Britain, with the opening of shops around the UK. He co-founded The Rainmakers (an innovation and incubation venture) and co-created eleven international trade missions including WebMission and the Clean and Cool Mission. Oli hosts The Lens podcast with Business in the Community, which pairs senior leaders with future leaders, to discuss the future of work. The Connector Unit, founded in 2016, forges valuable and creative connections across a range of sectors and industries.

EVENT HOSTS

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS and Technology Editor at News UK and a regular feature writer for The Times, Sunday Times, Hannah is also the host for The Times CEO Summit and Launch Editor of Elite Business. Having cut her teeth writing about technology more than a decade ago, Hannah now specialises in start-ups, innovation and people. Her work mainly appears in The Times, but other recent bylines include The Sunday Times and HR Magazine. She is also the business editor at Bridge Studio, News UK’s commercial content arm, and regularly hosts client events including a series of entrepreneur breakfast panel discussions and sessions at The Times and Sunday Times Tech Summit. She was the launch editor of Elite Business and is thrilled to be back in the fold for Elite Business Live.

CO-HOST HANNAH PREVETT

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Design your own e-commerce website with BT BREAKOUT SESSION

Day 2 | 2.05pm Design your own e-commerce website explores the steps required to design an eCommerce website that will convert users into customers. The session provides attendees with a checklist of considerations when planning the design and build of an eCommerce website, as well as advice and guidance on the ways in which businesses can craft an engaging user journey, list products effectively, move users through the conversion pipeline, market their platforms and optimise their online offering for success.

MICHAEL NILES Senior Trainer, BT Skills for Tomorrow

LIMITED SPACES AVAILABLE, BOOK YOUR VIRTUAL PLACE FOR FREE NOW elitebusinessevent.co.uk/interactive-breakout

PANEL DISCUSSION

Hype vs. Reality Discovering the real digital opportunities for businesses PANEL DISCUSSION: DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION - DAY 1 - 11.25am Digital transformation is no longer a differentiator – it’s a must-have for every business. But every digital journey is different, so how can you make sure you’re taking the right steps for your business objectives? Our panellists look at the vast landscape of digital transformation, exploring emerging technologies and must-have digital offerings. • Believe the hype: how new technology is really transforming business operations • Acting with agility: how to adapt to customers’ evolving digital demands • Fad or failsafe: choosing the right digital transformation journey for you

Join Pete Oliver, Managing Director, SME at BT on this panel discussion, along with keynote speaker Michelle Ovens CBE and panellists Melissa Snover; Biplab Rakshi & Kim Antoniou.

A Life of

Climb

Why some CEOs go further and higher As a business leader, you know that the hardest climb isn’t Kilimanjaro, Denali or Everest. It’s the CEO’s leadership journey, and it’s fraught with all kinds of challenges and opportunities, setbacks and advances. The good news is you don’t have to go it alone. You can travel with an experienced guide who knows the lay of the land and an elite team of peers who’ve got your back. You can equip yourself with world-class resources to navigate changing environments and uncertain conditions. You can take an approach forged over 60 years and traveled by 100,000+ CEOs of small to medium sized businesses around the world. With that kind of support, how high could you ascend? If you’re ready for the climb of a lifetime, the path starts here. Learn more at vistage.co.uk

T ONLY PLATFORM OF RESOURCE FOR BUSINESS GROWTH.

Subscribe to the UK’s leading business news platform for FREE, and receive EXCLUSIVE interviews from key movers and shakers in UK business. As well as the latest news, views and advice along with updates covering the best events straight into your inbox.

elitebusinessmagazine.co.uk/subscription

DAY 1 THURSDAY 11TH MARCH 2021 9.15am – 4.45pm

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

LCCI COMMUNITY APP Get Connected! LCCI has launched a new, free B2B social network app. Recognising that businesses are at their best when they come together, the LCCI Community App facilitates these connections digitally and allows businesses across London to connect, share and chat.

Available Now Designed to support business development, the digital B2B app enables professionals: • • • • •

Connect with peers and start 1-to-1 chats Join sector and interest groups Find out about upcoming events Discover LCCI member product and service offers Get access, engage and provide comment on LCCI’s policy, research and media activities

To find out more, click here.

Raise your profile It’s now easier than ever to showcase your expertise to the network. The app has business interest groups that everyone can join and contribute to, as well as a selection of LCCI Member exclusive groups and sectorled groups. Take part to find out the latest news in your industry, find peers to collaborate with and share your business updates, events and opinion pieces.

Open to all London businesses – Join today LCCI is providing the capital’s businesses with free access to a new ‘London Chamber Community Network’. With a Community Network account, you can access a number of free benefits, including the LCCI Community App. Sign up for free here.

DAY 1 - CONFERENCE AGENDA

DAY 1 AGENDA

9.15am

Opening remarks by Oli Barrett the event host & Hannah Prevett co-host

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS GROWTH 9.30am 10.00am

10.30am

Keynote speaker: Piers Linney Entrepreneur, Former investor on BBC Dragons’ Den Panel: Opportunity in adversity: the importance of mindset in a challenging climate Panellists: Saasha Celestial-One, Co-founder, OLIO; Josh Wintersgill, Founder, Able Move; Nick Dormon, MD, Echo; Marko Ilincic, Group chairman, Vistage Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION 10.55am 11.25am

11.55am

Keynote speaker: Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain Panel: Hype vs Reality: discovering the real digital opportunities for businesses Panellists: Melissa Snover founder, Get Nourished; Pete Oliver, Managing Director, SME at BT; Biplab Rakshi MD, Atomic Acquisitions; Kim Antoniou Co-founder, Kafoodle and CEO and Founder, Auris Tech Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

TALENT AND REGULATIONS

1.05pm

Keynote speaker: Sunny Dhami, Senior Director, EMEA Product Marketing & GTM, RingCentral Panel: Workforce expectations are changing: how to adapt to the new normal Panellists: Matthew Phelan Co-founder, The Happiness Index; Joanna Dai Founder & CEO, Dai; Rachel Carrel CEO & founder Koru Kids; Lucy Chamberlain Founder, C&C Search Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

1.20pm

LUNCH BREAK

12.05pm 12.35pm

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 2.05pm 2.35pm

3.05pm

Keynote speaker: Symmie Swil, Head of SME Banking, Starling Bank Panel: Reality check: getting money into your business when you need it Panellists: Lucy Mullins, Co-founder, StepLadder; Gary Turner, Co-founder, Xero; Richard Bearman, MD, British Business Bank; Catherine Young, Founder, ThinkRoom Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

OVERSEAS EXPANSION 3.30pm 4.00pm

4.30pm

Keynote speaker: Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter OBE, Chairman Coltraco Ultrasonics Panel: Boots on the ground or eye in the sky? Panellists: Kerstin Robinson, Co-founder, Nix & Kix; Natanel Bigger CEO, Monpure; Rashida Abdulai, Strand Sahara; Christian McBride, CEO, Genuine Solutions Group Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

DAY 1 - 11TH MARCH

DAY 1: 9.30am – 10.50am

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS GROWTH Keynote speaker:

9.30am

PIERS LINNEY

Entrepreneur, Former investor on BBC Dragons’ Den (Shark Tank), Former lawyer & ibanker, NED British Business Bank 10.00am

PANEL: Opportunity in adversity: the importance of mindset in a challenging climate The last twelve months have been full of uncertainty, and the challenges to business aren’t over. But that doesn’t mean you need to put your growth plans on hold. Our panel discuss their experiences of growing a business during a downturn and seeing opportunities in unlikely places. • Managing mindset: the importance of optimism and drive • Growth strategies: steering your business in a difficult climate • Mitigating commercial risk • Sales and marketing: how to maximise impact of outreach PANELLISTS

Saasha Celestial-One Co-founder, OLIO

10.30am 18

Nick Dormon MD, Echo

Josh Wintersgill Founder, Able Move

Backstage with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Marko Ilincic, Group Chairman, Vistage

BREAKOUT SESSION MARCH 11TH AT 2.05PM

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Session strictly limited to 20 business owners only - book your complimentary place now at: elitebusinessevent.co.uk/interactive-breakout

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DAY 1 - 11TH MARCH

DAY 1: 10.50am – 12.00pm

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Keynote speaker:

10.55am

MICHELLE OVENS CBE

Founder, Small Business Britain

11.25am

PANEL: Hype vs Reality: discovering the real digital opportunities for businesses Digital transformation is no longer a differentiator – it’s a must-have for every business. But every digital journey is different, so how can you make sure you’re taking the right steps for your business objectives? Our panellists look at the vast landscape of digital transformation, exploring emerging technologies and must-have digital offerings. • Believe the hype: how new technology is really transforming business operations • Acting with agility: how to adapt to customers’ evolving digital demands • Fad or failsafe: choosing the right digital transformation journey for you PANELLISTS

Melissa Snover Founder, Get Nourished

11.55am 20

Biplab Rakshi MD, Atomic Acquisitions

Pete Oliver, Managing Director, SME at BT

Backstage with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Kim Antoniou Co-founder, Kafoodle and CEO and Founder, Auris Tech

DAY 1 - 11TH MARCH

DAY 1: 12.05pm – 1.20pm

TALENT AND REGULATIONS Keynote speaker:

12.05pm

SUNNY DHAMI

Senior Director, EMEA Product Marketing & GTM, RingCentral

12.35pm

PANEL: Workforce expectations are changing: how to adapt to the new normal The last year has brought enormous upheaval to the UK’s workforce, with a permanent increase in flexible working and a rising focus on mental health and wellbeing in the workplace. Here, our panel look at how businesses are adjusting to this new climate, from the logistical challenges of managing remote work to the shifting expectations around employee welfare. • Wellbeing and mental health in the workplace: a new perspective • Managing communication: engagement & productivity alongside flexible working • The generation gap: understanding what drives different age groups • Keeping talent: rewards and perks in the workplace PANELLISTS

Matthew Phelan Co-founder, The Happiness Index

1.05pm

Lucy Chamberlain Founder, C&C Search

Rachel Carrel CEO & founder Koru Kids

Joanna Dai Founder and CEO, Dai

Backstage with Hannah Prevett ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

DAY 1 - 11TH MARCH

DAY 1: 2.05pm – 3.25pm

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Keynote speaker:

2.05pm

SYMMIE SWIL

Head of SME Banking, Starling Bank

2.35pm

PANEL: Reality check: getting money into your business when you need it Whether your business is back in growth mode, or still weathering the economic storm, finding the right source of finance for your needs is crucial. But with so many options available, how can you make sure you’re making the right decisions for the long-term financial health of your business? In this session, our panel talk us through the options and the factors that influenced their decisions – and the challenge to businesses in the here and now. • Thinking creatively about finance • Decision making: making the right choice • Financial health: short-term solutions vs long-term goals • Bounce-back loans: what next? PANELLISTS

Lucy Mullins Co-founder, StepLadder

3.05pm 22

Richard Bearman, MD, British Business Bank

Catherine Young Founder, ThinkRoom

Backstage with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Gary Turner Co-founder, Xero

DAY 1 - 11TH MARCH

DAY 1: 3.30pm – 4.45pm

OVERSEAS EXPANSION Keynote speaker:

3.30pm

CARL STEPHEN PATRICK HUNTER OBE Chairman, Coltraco Ultrasonics

4.00pm

PANEL: Boots on the ground or eye in the sky? Is it always necessary to have a physical presence in the region you’re expanding into? Our panellists unpick the old advice that a successful overseas expansion needs boots on the ground to work, and the opportunities now available to business to manage their international expansion differently. • Growing your business without a global workforce • Planning vs responding to opportunity • Pros and cons of expanding through third-party partnerships • Global trade and the digital economy PANELLISTS

Julia Kesser Co-founder, Nix & Kix

4.30pm

Natanel Bigger CEO, Monpure

Rashida Abdulai Strand Sahara

Christian McBride CEO, Genuine Solutions Group

Backstage with Hannah Prevett ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

DAY 2 FRIDAY 12TH MARCH 2021 9.15am – 4.45pm

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Discover the new frontier for payments Payments. Together. We go further.

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DAY 2 - CONFERENCE AGENDA

DAY 2 AGENDA

9.15am Opening remarks by Oli Barrett the event host & Hannah Prevett Co-host

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS GROWTH 9.30am Keynote speaker: Lara Morgan, Entrepreneur 10.00am Panel: Planning and reacting: going for growth in a changing world Panellists: Eric Partaker, Co-founder, Chilango; Jas Bagniewski, Founder, Eve Sleep; Abbie Morris, Co-founder and CEO, Compare Ethics; James Davidson Founder, Tails.com 10.30am Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION 10.55am Keynote speaker: Chieu Cao, Co-founder, Perkbox and founder, Mintago 11.25am Panel: Exceeding customer demand: expectations vs innovation Panellists: Jenni Young, CMO, Tappit; Billie Quinlan, CEO & Founder, Ferly; Gareth Owen, Co-founder, ROAST and MD, TIPI Group; Jay Richards, founder, Imagen 11.55am Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

TALENT AND REGULATIONS 12.05pm Keynote speaker: Charlie Mullins, Chairman & Founder, Pimlico Plumbers Panel: Talent, anywhere: broadening skill search horizons 12.35pm Panellists: Akshay Ruparelia Founder and Managing Director, Doorsteps.co.uk; Noel McGonigle, HR Director, Savills; Valerie Mann, Director, People at Elder 1.05pm Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

1.20pm LUNCH BREAK

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT 2.05pm Keynote speaker: Ciaran O’Donnell, Founder, The Virtual FD 2.35pm Panel: Putting a figure on it: the importance of forecasting Panellists: Randy McFarlane, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Bottomline; Victoria Prew, CEO & Co-founder, Hurr; Deri Llewellyn-Davis Founder, BGI Group; Phil Hobden, Head of Education, Capitalise 3.05pm Backstage: with Hannah Prevett

OVERSEAS EXPANSION 3.30pm Keynote speaker: Allyson Stewart-Allen, Chief Executive 4.00pm at International Marketing Partners Ltd. Panel: Spotlight on…Asia Pacific Panellists: Arne Mielken, Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd.; Nohman Ahmed, Co-founder, Crep Protect; Anthony Goodwin, Founder and Chairman, Antal; Chris Forbes, Co-founder, The Cheeky Panda; 4.30pm Backstage: with Hannah Prevett ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

DAY 2 - 12TH MARCH

DAY 2: 9.30am – 10.50am

COMMERCIAL BUSINESS GROWTH Keynote speaker:

9.30am

LARA MORGAN Entrepreneur

10.00am

PANEL: Planning and reacting: going for growth in a changing world It’s not an easy time to grow a business, but the opportunities are there for entrepreneurs who are ready to take them. Here, our panel share their stories of adaptation and resilience – from reacting to challenges to maintaining ambitious growth plans in adversity – and how it is possible to be a force for good in a tough climate. • All change: what to do when your commercial growth strategy hits a roadblock • Adapt to evolve: how changing course can be a big opportunity • Mindset and growth: how positive leadership is crucial to driving your business • Good growth: making a difference and a commercial success PANELLISTS

Eric Partaker Co-founder, Chilango

10.30am 28

Jas Bagniewski Founder, Eve Sleep

Abbie Morris Co-founder and CEO, Compare Ethics

Backstage with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

James Davidson Founder, Tails.com

CALLING ALL ENTREPRENEURS

ENTRIES OPEN

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DAY 2 - 12TH MARCH

DAY 2: 10.50am – 12.00pm

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION Keynote speaker:

10.55am

CHIEU CAO

Co-founder, Perkbox and founder, Mintago

11.25am

PANEL: Exceeding customer demand: expectations vs innovation The last year has proven that digital transformation is no longer a great differentiator: it’s a necessity. So how can businesses innovate to offer their customers something truly exciting? Our panel discuss the opportunities available, from customer-centric digital offerings to exciting transformative technologies. • Meeting customer demand: the first step in any digital journey • Online experience: building reviews, trust scores and online services into your digital strategy • Above and beyond: using digital to surprise and excite customers • Competitive edge: digital transformation that’s right for your business and your audience PANELLISTS

Jenni Young CMO, Tappit

11.55am 30

Gareth Owen Co-founder, ROAST and MD, TIPI Group

Billie Quinlan CEO & Founder, Ferly

Backstage with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Jay Richards Founder, Imagen

DAY 2 - 12TH MARCH

DAY 2: 12.05pm – 1.20pm

TALENT AND REGULATIONS Keynote speaker:

12.05pm

CHARLIE MULLINS Chairman & Founder, Pimlico Plumbers

12.35pm

PANEL: Talent, anywhere: broadening skill search horizons Is it time to think differently about global talent? With the growth in work from home culture, an increasing number of corporates are expanding their global skills search and employing remote-working talent across the globe. Is it an option for SMEs, and what are the opportunities it brings to businesses? • The changing talent landscape: what it means for UK businesses • Finding the skills you need in a global, or pan-regional setting • Managing remote teams: overcoming the challenges • Rewarding a diverse workforce: the importance of tailored perks PANELLISTS

Noel McGonigle, HR Director, Savills

1.05pm

Valerie Mann Director, People at Elder

Akshay Ruparelia Founder and Managing Director, Doorsteps.co.uk

Backstage with Hannah Prevett ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

DAY 2 - 12TH MARCH

DAY 2: 2.05pm – 3.25pm

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT Keynote speaker:

2.05pm

CIARAN O’DONNELL Founder, The Virtual FD

2.35pm

PANEL: Putting a figure on it: the importance of forecasting Financial forecasting is difficult at the best of times, but it’s even more of a challenge against the background of economic uncertainty. In this session, our panellists discuss the importance of forecasting, and how to balance realistic expectations and ambitious goals as you grow your business – as well as finding the funding to support your ambitions. • Flexible forecasting: financial planning for every eventuality • Finding funds: driving forecasts with the right finance • Right move, right time: making the right decisions for your business PANELLISTS

Randy McFarlane, Director of Strategic Partnerships, Bottomline

3.05pm 32

Victoria Prew CEO & co-founder, Hurr

Phil Hobden Head of Education, Capitalise

Backstage with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Deri LlewellynDavis Founder, BGI Group

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DAY 2 - 12TH MARCH

DAY 2: 3.30pm – 4.45pm

OVERSEAS EXPANSION Keynote speaker:

3.30pm

ALLYSON STEWARTALLEN Chief Executive at International Marketing Partners Ltd.

4.00pm

PANEL: Spotlight on…Asia Pacific The region has been pushed as a significant trade opportunity for businesses post-Brexit, but how can British businesses grasp the opportunities and make the most of what the region has to offer? Here, our experts look at the Government’s trade deal and how it’s shaping our trade with the region. • Risk vs reward: Asian expansion in a challenging global climate • Demand for British business in Asia-Pacific: Is it the right option for your offering? • Identifying barriers and how to overcome them • Understanding Asia-Pacific markets: cultural, linguistic and legislative challenges PANELLISTS

Chris Forbes Co-founder, The Cheeky Panda

4.30pm 34

Anthony Goodwin Founder and Chairman, Antal

Nohman Ahmed Co-founder, Crep Protect

Backstage with Hannah Prevett

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Arne Mielken Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd

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BREAKOUT SESSIONS

BREAKOUT SESSIONS PLEASE REGISTER TO ATTEND, PLACES ARE LIMITED.

EMPOWERMENT: YOUR LEADERSHIP TIPPING POINT

FINDING OPPORTUNITY IN DISRUPTION WORKSHOP

DAY 1 - 10.35am

DAY 1 - 12.05pm

MARKO ILNICIC Group Chairman, Vistage

To say that Marko likes to help build things is an understatement! After all, he has spent the last 25 years doing that on behalf of the world’s most famous toy brand, LEGO®. He started his long career there as Marketing Assistant, rising through the ranks to serve on its global Executive Board and has held numerous commercial roles in the UK, across Europe, North America and Asia. Directly responsible for building businesses ranging in size from £35million to over £1billion in sales, he has first-hand knowledge of what it takes to truly embrace digitalisation, build a world class brand and globally scale a business that displaced Ferrari to become the world’s most powerful brand*. At the core of this session, Marko talks about the challenges of scaling a business whilst creating an empowered organisation, sharing his own personal story and the dangers of not evolving your leadership style to the changing environment around you.

BOOK SESSION NOW 36

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

JAMES BENTLEY UK Strategy Director, Awin

We are in an era of unprecedented disruption – when the past is no longer a reliable indicator of the future. In this session, we will focus on finding opportunity in disruption and adapting to the new unknown. Those who can leverage diverse digital partnerships, rapidly activate innovative technologies, and accurately measure attributed cost-per acquisition across both, stand to win a disproportionate share of the opportunity on offer. Find out how businesses big and small are using partnerships to: • Double-down on the foundations of digital success • Deliver diversified digital growth • Seamlessly activate innovative marketing technologies on a performance CPA • Speaker: James Bentley, UK Strategy Director, Awin

BOOK SESSION NOW

BREAKOUT SESSIONS

Our breakout seminar sessions are designed to bring real-life experiences and clear advice to entrepreneurs focused on business growth. They are included in your delegate experience and are based on first-come, first-serve. At 45 minutes long, these sessions are the ideal place to pick up valuable business learnings and learn from other industry experts who have faced similar hurdles to you.

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DAY 1 - 2.05pm

DAY 2 - 2.05pm JAMES BURKE

Author & Franchisee, ActionCOACH

Never been seen before, in this cutting-edge, fast-paced, interactive workshop James will answer your questions relating to your biggest business frustrations. Providing tools, strategies and fresh ideas which you can implement in your business straight away without a huge expense, resulting in growth of your business. This interactive breakout session is a fast-paced interactive event where you, the business owner submits a question to James who will be ready to provide answers to your biggest challenge. Every business owner has the opportunity to do this, so come armed with your no.1 frustration. The content provided is for all spectrums of businesses, don’t worry you won’t need a deep pocket to implement these strategies just a business that’s set up and ready for next level growth. Our strategies work, in our latest survey of over 800 clients 98% said they would recommend our service. You will quickly learn effective growth strategies that you can implement straight away!

BOOK SESSION NOW

MICHAEL NILES

Senior Trainer, BT Skills for Tomorrow

Design your own e-commerce website explores the steps required to design an eCommerce website that will convert users into customers. The session provides attendees with a checklist of considerations when planning the design and build of an eCommerce website, as well as advice and guidance on the ways in which businesses can craft an engaging user journey, list products effectively, move users through the conversion pipeline, market their platforms and optimise their online offering for success.

BOOK SESSION NOW

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS ALLYSON STEWART-ALLEN

Chief Executive at International Marketing Partners LTD

Chairman Coltraco Ultrasonics

DAY 2 - 3.30pm Overseas Expansion

DAY 1 - 3.30pm Overseas Expansion

A Californian based in Europe for 30 years, Allyson applies her international consulting experience, MBA education with Dr. Peter Drucker and languages to the company she founded, International Marketing Partners. Allyson has advised more than 200 businesses in 26 countries including BAE Systems, Burberry, Cadbury, HSBC, Lufthansa and SAB Miller. Following her early career with PwC, PA Consulting Group and Hay Management Consultants, Allyson advises Boards and senior leaders to profitably grow across regions. Allyson is author of both editions of best-selling book Working with Americans, and all three editions of Marketing in the USA (UK Dept for International Trade).

Carl Stephen Patrick Hunter is a Chairman and former British Army Greenjacket Officer who works to advance professionalism, performance and integrity in international business and public life. Coltraco Ultrasonics is a world-leading UK designer and manufacturer in its field and exporter of its maritime and safety engineering technology to 120 countries. In early 2019 the company won the Queen’s Award for Enterprise in International Trade and later in 2019 Carl won the Lifetime Exporting Achievement Award at Mansion House. Carl offers a unique global perspective gained from over 30 years of leadership, advisory work and international trade.

CHARLIE MULLINS

Chairman & Founder, Pimlico Plumbers

CARL STEPHEN PATRICK HUNTER OBE

CHIEU CAO

Co-founder, Perkbox and founder, Mintago

DAY 2 - 12.05pm Talent and Regulations

DAY 2 - 10.55am Digital Transformation

Charlie Mullins is a British businessman, and the founder of Pimlico Plumbers, London’s largest independent plumbing company.

Chieu is the founder and CEO of Mintago. We help people be in control of and feel better about their financial life by providing the tools and support to make better, more informed financial decisions. Our holistic solution is employee-centric, inclusive and unbiased – ending the single cause of employee stress – their finances. Prior to Mintago, Chieu was also the co-founder and CMO of Perkbox, Europe’s fastest-growing employee experience platform. Prior to co-founding Perkbox, Chieu established himself as a tech marketing professional leading initiatives for brands including Microsoft, Amazon and Yahoo.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS CIARAN O’DONNELL

LARA MORGAN Entrepreneur

Founder, The Virtual FD

DAY 2 - 2.05pm Financial Management

DAY 2 - 9.30am Commercial Business Growth

Lara Morgan is a British entrepreneur with a track record of delivering exceptional accelerated growth. Her investment strategy in wellbeing products primarily is pinned to improving life’s journey. Investing as a family office she has a portfolio of seven consumer services businesses which she works to drive sales, leadership and innovation. She is an inspirational leader with a legacy of building world-class teams and aligning organisations behind a clear strategy. She practices the art of selling and creating win-win customer partnerships for her brands 24/7. Her specific expertise is in sales strategy, customer insight and brand development, multichannel and multisite management plus organic or M&A / partnership driven expansion.

MICHELLE OVENS CBE

Founder, Small Business Britain

PIERS LINNEY Entrepreneur, investor, speaker

DAY 1 - 10.55am Digital Transformation

DAY 1 - 9.30am Commercial Business Growth

Michelle Ovens CBE is the founder of Small Business Britain and its campaigns – f:Entrepreneur and The Small Awards, with more set to be announced in 2020. She is director of Small Business Saturday, a grassroots not-for-profit campaign to support, inspire and promote the UK’s 5.8 million small businesses, both on the day and beyond. She is responsible for delivering and growing the campaign across the UK and has been since its launch in 2013. Since 2018 Michelle has served as chair of the Small Business Charter, an award that celebrates business schools that play an effective role in supporting small businesses, entrepreneurship and engagement with the local economy.

Entrepreneur, investor, speaker, non-executive director, adviser, former investor on BBC Dragons’ Den.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS

KEYNOTE SPEAKERS SUNNY DHAMI

SYMMIE SWIL

Senior Director, EMEA Product Marketing & GTM, RingCentral

Head of SME Banking, Starling Bank

DAY 1 - 12.05pm Talent and Regulations

DAY 1 - 2.05pm Financial Management

Sunny Dhami is the Senior Director, EMEA Product Marketing & GTM for RingCentral, the leader in cloud communication solutions and is responsible for driving and delivering the messaging strategy, GTM and positioning across the EMEA business and strategic partners. Sunny has a passion to create differentiation and value for the customer and to share this through messaging and positioning, during his time at RingCentral he has successfully led major product launches across EMEA and APAC. Dhami is a student of Marketing having earned his BA in Business Management and following this up with an MA in daltonsbusiness half page 147mmx210mm with 6mm bleed 300dpi Advertising and Marketing.

Symmie is passionate about empowering small businesses and a diverse range of entrepreneurs to achieve their full potential with easier and fairer access to financial services. Symmie is responsible for Starling’s Business customers and works closely with the product, engineering and customer service teams to ensure we deliver them an exceptional customer experience. Prior to joining Starling, Symmie spent 12 years in investment banking, advising entrepreneurial businesses on their growth strategy, acquisitions and funding, before moving into strategy and operational leadership roles in Investec’s Corporate & Investment Bank.

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ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

25/02/2021 14:36:26

The Great British Business Festival Wednesday 31 March 2021 In 2020 the world pressed “RESET” and everything we ever knew about the way thingswere done was turned upside down overnight. The way we do business changed and with it the way we do expos, conferences and networking. 36 Speakers, 24 Workshops, 100 Exhibitors, 2,000+ Attendees Book Here: GreatBritishBusinessFestival.co.uk

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

PANELLISTS

PANELLISTS The leading Elite Business Live innovators and experts taking the stage in 2021. Full bios are available on the speaker page of website.

ABBIE MORRIS Co-founder and CEO, Compare Ethics

AKSHAY RUPARELIA Founder & Managing Director, Doorsteps.co.uk

DAY 2 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

DAY 2 - 12.35pm Talent and Regulations

Abbie Morris, Co-Founder and CEO, is a sustainability and policy expert. Formerly at AEQ Global, Abbie has led global teams in solving complex policy challenges, including leading a Presidential campaign in West Africa. Previously securing relationships with the United Nations, World Economic Forum and other international organisations, communication is at the heart of her approach to business.

ANTHONY GOODWIN Founder and Chairman, Antal

ARNE MIELKEN Managing Director, Customs Manager Ltd

DAY 2 - 4.00pm Overseas Expansion

Founded in 1993, Tony launched Antal International, a management and professional recruitment specialist. One of the first recruitment organisations to devote substantial resources to emerging markets, the company now has over 130 offices in more than 30 countries and works with many of the world’s most successful and ambitious employers. Award winner 2014 “I took a fairly large gamble and it paid off. Antal really took off in China, Eastern Europe and India. I’ve had the opportunity to work in some of the most interesting markets that exist in the world today”.

Driven and obsessed Founder of Doorsteps.co.uk. The UK’s 10th largest estate agent. StartupOfTheYear2017 // Best Emerging Online Agent 2018. Transferwise 20 under 20 // Sunday Times // NatWest Great British Entrepreneur Of The Year Finalist // London Power 100 // Evening Standard 25 under 25, 2019. Sold over £1bn worth of homes across the UK in 3 years of incorporation. Customer service rated as one of top online agents by several independent reviewers.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Arne Mielken is a leading global trade professional in the UK and the EU and Managing Director of Customs Manager Ltd. He is accredited customs & export control practitioner and certified classification specialist. He has worked with customs and trade authorities in the EU and the UK for over a decade and he continues to be actively involved in the development of EU and UK customs policy and legislation through his membership in the EU’s Trade Contact Group (TCG) and the UK’s Joint Customs Consultancy Committee (JCCC).

PANELLISTS

BILLIE QUINLAN CEO & Founder, Ferly

BIPLAB RAKSHI MD, Atomic Acquisitions

DAY 2 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

DAY 1 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

Billie Quinlan is an entrepreneur, public speaker and passionate advocate for women’s health. In 2018 she delivered a TED talk on the pleasure gap and in 2019 she co-founded the venture backed sexual wellness app Ferly. The app is the first digital therapeutic for sexual difficulties, providing an effective and engaging solution for the 1 in 4 people that struggle with a sexual difficulty e.g. inability to orgasm, low libido, pain or anxiety around sex.

An energy industry executive and strategic advisor with more than thirty years’ global experience spanning the oil & gas, utilities, and nuclear sectors, Biplab Rakshi was instrumental in the founding of the UK Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) leading numerous restructuring and divestment programmes. Now leading the conversation on low carbon energy initiatives, Biplab is a founding member of UK-based Atomic Acquisitions. In August 2020, Biplab was appointed as Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) East of England, where he aims to drive innovation and opportunity across the region.

CATHERINE YOUNG Founder, ThinkRoom

CHRISTIAN MCBRIDE CEO, Genuine Solutions Group

DAY 1 - 2.35pm Financial Management

DAY 1 - 4.00pm Overseas Expansion

Catherine Young is an African entrepreneur with executive level experience across a number of businesses, including a successful corporate career, holding various senior and executive positions in companies including Deloitte, Chevron and SAP Ariba. Her capabilities are underpinned by deep engagement and care for people across her work career. As the founder of Thinkroom, she is involved in entrepreneurial ecosystem development across Africa and the UK, as well as acceleration programmes through her co-ownership in Grindstone Accelerator.

Christian is the Co-founder and Chief Executive of Genuine Solutions Group – a company he started as a young entrepreneur with some friends back in 2005. Today the company employs more than 100 people in their head-office in Surrey and has grown into one of the most dynamic companies in the UK. Genuine Solutions Group is the proud parent of two successful brands; Genuine Solutions and GSUK , a multi-award winning enterprise which specialises in the re-use and re-cycling of consumer tech and is also a distributor of new and reused mobile phones and accessories.

CHRIS FORBES Co-founder, The Cheeky Panda

DERI LLEWELLYN-DAVIS Founder, BGI Group

DAY 2 - 4.00pm Overseas Expansion

DAY 2 - 2.35pm Financial Management

Co-founder of The Cheeky Panda along with his partner Julie Chen. Cheeky Panda is Ranked 6th in the UKs top 100 start-ups and a B Corp. Chris is passionate about delivering change for good and has been a public speaker with regular features in press and radio helping share the journey and inspire others to become environmental entrepreneurs. Passionate about building sustainable 21st century companies that have purpose over profit but are still commercially viable entities.

From a working-class boy in a tiny village in rural Wales, to one of the world’s top performance expert and business strategist, best-selling author and international speaker, Deri is proof that it doesn’t matter where you start, but what matters is your focus and the strategies you use to get there. From very humble beginnings Deri has worked his way up through the corporate ranks, built over 20 companies of his own and firmly established himself as one of the leading experts on business strategy and extreme performance.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

PANELLISTS

ERIC PARTAKER Co-founder, Chilango

GARY TURNER Co-founder, Xero

DAY 2 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

DAY 1 - 2.35pm Financial Management

Eric has been named “CEO of the Year” at the 2019 Business Excellence Awards, one of the “Top 30 Entrepreneurs in the UK”, 35 and under, by Startups Magazine, and among “Britain’s Most Disruptive Entrepreneurs” by The Telegraph. He has advised Fortune 50 CEOs while at McKinsey, helped build Skype’s multibillion dollar success story, and has founded several businesses. His work has been featured on over 7 major TV stations, in the Wall Street Journal, and The Economist. He has also appeared as a guest judge on The Apprentice with Lord Alan Sugar.

GARETH OWEN Co-founder, ROAST & MD, TIPI Group

JAS BAGNIEWSKI Founder, Eve Sleep

DAY 2 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

DAY 2 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

Gareth is responsible for the quality of product offering and driving innovation. He oversees business’ growth and ensures a more efficient partnership between each agency. Gareth was one of the Co-Founders of TIPi Group in 2015. He has over 15 years industry experience, including leading the SEO offering at STEAK for clients such as British Gas, Comparethemarket.com and Post Office. He later became Head of Performance Media at 360i, followed by Strategy Partner at iProspect working on British Gas and MoreThan amongst others.

Jas is the founder and CEO of Lover, a digital platform focused on improving people’s sex lives. Before founding Lover Jas was the founder and CEO of Eve Sleep PLC, a direct to consumer mattress business that exited in one of the UKs fastest IPOs. Jas was also the country head of Zalando UK (UKs largest ecommerce business) and a member of the Senior Management Team at CityDeal/Groupon UK. Prior to working in e-commerce, Jas worked as a consultant in the Financial Services industry with Accenture.

JAMES DAVIDSON Founder, Tails.com

JAY RICHARDS Founder, Imagen

DAY 2 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

DAY 2 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

James started his career at Unilever, gaining extensive experience in operations and management. After 6 years, he embarked on an expedition in Central America volunteering with Raleigh International, during which he realised the power of a strong purpose coupled with an entrepreneurial approach. On his return to the UK, he joined Innocent Drinks, where his role as Head of Supply Chain was key in supporting the company as it grew rapidly in the UK and across Europe.

Gary is a co-founder and the Managing Director of Xero UK, responsible for business operations across Europe, Middle East and Africa. Under Gary’s leadership, Xero UK has scaled from a three-person startup with annual revenues of £50k to more than £40M in the year to 31 March 2018. A visionary on SaaS and technology, Gary is renowned for his trend spotting. He’s loved tech since he started coding on a BBC micro computer in his parents’ attic in the 80s. Gary is also passionate about small business, being an active investor in startups with a passion for building better businesses.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Imagen Co-founder and CEO, Jay Richards is the 5th of 6 children from migrant parents. From a rebellious start while at school to now the Founder of Imagen and a Forbes 30under30 entrepreneur, he credits his Business Studies teacher at school for guiding his sense of entrepreneurship in the right direction at the right time and now aims to provide opportunities for Gen Z to shape their future.

PANELLISTS

JENNI YOUNG CMO, Tappit

JOANNA DAI Founder & CEO, Dai

DAY 2 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

DAY 1 - 12.35pm Talent and Regulations

Jenni has worked with start ups, scale ups, corporates and not for profits worldwide, and has over 20 years’ experience in marketing, events, communications, operations and commercial development. She has worked across both B2C and B2B sectors and has won several high profile awards from PRCA and D&AD. She has extensive experience of working with live events, tech, media, lifestyle and innovation brands. Her previous roles include Marketing Director at Live Nation, Marketing & Centres Director at Digital Catapult and Managing Director of Upstream.

Joanna Dai is the founder and CEO of innovative womenswear brand, Dai. Dai delivers comfort-empowered performance for the modern woman, designing at the intersection of eco-certified technical fabrics, minimal aesthetics, timeless silhouettes, and purposeful versatility. The brand is a Certified B Corporation™ and committed to creating a positive environmental and social impact. Since launch in 2017, Dai has been on a tremendous growth trajectory and is a pioneer in sustainable materials innovation and tech-enabled fit and e-commerce experience.

JOSH WINTERSGILL Founder, Able Move

KERSTIN ROBINSON Co-founder, Nix & Kix

DAY 1 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

DAY 1 - 4.00pm Overseas Expansion

Joshua is currently the Founder and Director of easyTravelseat. In August 2017, an innovative idea was sparked by his difficulties faced by accessing air travel as a wheelchair user. Just over a year later, Joshua had registered the business, filed a patent, created a working prototype, developed and documented a detailed business and marketing plan. In September 2018, Joshua applied to the UK Disabled Entrepreneurs Award ran by the Founder of easyJet, Sir Stelios Haji-Ioannou.

Kerstin is the co-founder of refreshingly fruity, naturally zingy, lightly sparkling soft drinks company NIX&KIX. NIX&KIX are a sugar tax exempt, vegan soft drinks which come in 4 unique flavours : Mango Ginger, Watermelon Hibiscus, Blood Orange Turmeric and Cucumber Mint, all with a little hint from cayenne. Their range of cans, small and large bottles have successfully launched with Sainsbury’s, Bidfood, Tesco, Waitrose, Ocado, Foodservice, food lead chains as well as internationally in Holland and Germany.

KIM ANTONIOU Co-founder, Kafoodle and CEO and Founder, Auris Tech

LUCY CHAMBERLAIN Founder, C&C Search

DAY 1 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

DAY 1 - 12.35pm Talent and Regulations

Kim Antoniou is an award-winning tech entrepreneur and Founder and CEO of Auris Tech Limited, inventors of a unique patented Automatic Speech Recognition (ASR) technology, designed specifically for ‘read’ speech, which is a distinctly different speech pattern to conversational speech. It has been developed in collaboration with The University of Edinburgh, and used to launch, Fonetti, the world’s first children’s listening bookshop App, available in the AppleStore and soon to be obtainable for Android.

Passionate, fun and straight-talking, Lucy has become one of the business world’s popular motivational speakers. Lucy’s business journey as a Founder has seen her work as a TV presenter, Awards Judge and Leading Coach. She won the Female Speaker’s Award for Most Engaging Speaker at the Female Speaker’s Conference in 2019. Alongside her fantastic knowledge base, Lucy’s level of experience enables her to give genuine insights into leadership, change and overcoming adversity.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

PANELLISTS

LUCY MULLINS Co-founder, StepLadder

MARKO ILINCIC Group chairman, Vistage

DAY 1 - 2.35pm Financial Management

DAY 1 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

Lucy is the Co-Founder and COO of StepLadder, a fast-growing, award-winning fintech company pioneering collaborative finance and revolutionising the home-buying process. She has won awards including the Female Founder award at the Unbound Innovation Awards in 2019, Innovator of the Year at the Women in IT Awards 2020, and delivered the winning pitch for StepLadder in the Future of FinTech Battle. Aside from StepLadder, Lucy is also an executive coach, having co-founded #RideTheWave, a coach-training programme that helps leaders and founders.

MATTHEW PHELAN Co-founder, The Happiness Index

MELISSA SNOVER Founder, Get Nourished

DAY 1 - 12.35pm Talent and Regulations

DAY 1 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

His passion is to understand how people experience happiness and his vision is to use data to visualise culture in a similar way to how Google Maps visualises the world.

Melissa Snover (aka Melissa Burton) is an entrepreneur, visionary, and a trendsetter in the world of food technology and 3D printing. She is passionate about developing innovations which offer solutions to her customers, challenge her competitors and disrupt current market offerings. She is currently the founder and CEO of Rem3dy Group which pioneers personalised health solutions across nutrition and medicine under the brands Nourished and Scripted.

NATANEL BIGGER CEO, Monpure

NICK DORMON MD, Echo

DAY 1 - 4.00pm Overseas Expansion

DAY 1 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

Nate’s story is a very unique one, from being brought up by a hardworking single mother in the conservative city of Hamburg, to being taken under the wing of Andy Rubin, CEO of one of the most successful British companies Pentland Brands. This prompted him to move to the UK, where he eventually set up the worlds first dedicated scalp- and hair health brand MONPURE LONDON.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Nick started his career as an engineer before moving on to product design, innovation and strategy with the world leading design agency IDEO. After designing everything from computers and telephones to post boxes and furniture, he changed direction and moved into branding, working with several leading London agencies. In 2004 Nick set up the London based, brand design and innovation agency, Echo, with Nigel Ritchie and Andrew Capper.

PANELLISTS

NOEL MCGONIGLE HR Director, Savills

NOHMAN AHMED Co-founder, Crep Protect

DAY 2 - 12.35pm Talent and Regulations

DAY 2 - 4.00pm Overseas Expansion

Highly commercial international HR Director, outstanding leader with extensive experience in both strategic and operational HR management roles within the private and public sectors. Skilled in Strategic change management, organisational design, executive coaching, reward, training and development, M&A and TUPE. Ability to work in global, multi-site organisations.

Nohman Ahmed is one of the three brothers who founded the group Undercover Brothers which specialises in the lifestyle fashion industry, one of the more notable brands under their ownership is Crep Protect which has revolutionised the shoe care industry. Crep Protect which was founded in 2013 has rapidly grown to become an international player in the industry with presence in over 52 countries worldwide. With its award winning marketing and content creation Crep Protect quickly became the world’s largest premium shoe care brand.

PETE OLIVER Managing Director, SME at BT

PHIL HOBDEN Head of Education, Capitalise

DAY 1 - 11.25am Digital Transformation

DAY 2 - 2.35pm Financial Management

Pete Oliver is a managing director focused on leading teams in commercial, digital, sales and marketing in both direct to consumer and enterprise businesses. Passionate about technology and entertainment, he has led teams spanning EE, BT, BT TV and BT Sport, delivering consistent revenue growth and expansion into new categories. Over the last 7 years he has been proud to lead teams delivering game-changing launches in the UK, from BT Sport disrupting the pay TV market to EE becoming the UK’s first 5G network.

With a background in financial services & the Fintech accountancy sectors, Phil has worked for some of the largest and most innovative businesses across these industries. Whilst at HSBC Phil designed, piloted and rolled out a successful national training academy program helping hundreds of new employees start their careers in the bank whilst at Furtli he launched the forecasting software successfully into the South African market in the year it was voted Xero Practice App of the Year.

RACHEL CARREL CEO & Founder, Koru Kids

RANDY MCFARLANE Director of Strategic Partnerships, Bottomline

DAY 1 - 12.35pm Talent and Regulations

DAY 2 - 2.35pm Financial Management

Rachel Carrell is the founder and CEO of Koru Kids, a fast-growing tech company dedicated to building the world’s best childcare service. Originally from New Zealand, Rachel holds a masters and doctorate from the University of Oxford, where she was a Rhodes Scholar. She has received numerous awards including ‘Inspirational Mother’ and ‘Best Businesswoman in Tech’, and was elected a Young Global Leader by the World Economic Forum in recognition of her work. Rachel is also the mother of two young children.

Randy has over 25 years’ experience across sales, product, client strategy and the building out of successful partnerships to improve distribution models and delivering increased value to customers. An evangelist re the power of collaboration; Randy is passionate regarding the opportunities for growth, transformation and genuine business benefit that the Financial Technology landscape offers businesses today.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

PANELLISTS

RASHIDA ABDULAI Founder & CEO, Strand Sahara

RICHARD BEARMAN MD, British Business Bank

DAY 1 - 4.00pm Overseas Expansion

DAY 1 - 2.35pm Financial Management

Rashida Abdulai is an award-winning lawyer and founder of Strand Sahara, the online legal service for SMEs in the UK and across Africa. Proudly serving entrepreneurs of Africandescent, Strand Sahara makes legal services more relevant and accessible, preparing businesses for growth and investment. Before Strand Sahara, Rashida was an international arbitration specialist at global law firm Hogan Lovells, where she represented some of the world’s largest corporations in highvalue, complex disputes.

SAASHA CELESTIAL-ONE Co-founder, OLIO

VICTORIA PREW CEO & co-founder, Hurr

DAY 1 - 10.00am Commercial Business Growth

DAY 2 - 2.35pm Financial Management

Saasha Celestial-One is Co-Founder & COO of OLIO, a free app harnessing the power of mobile technology and the sharing economy to provide a revolutionary solution to the problem of food waste, which is the 3rd largest contributor to the climate crisis. OLIO is growing quickly, empowered by 50k+ volunteers. Since 2016, 2.4m OLIOers have successfully shared over 6m portions of food in 54 countries.

VALERIE MANN Director, People at Elder DAY 2 - 12.35pm Talent and Regulations Valerie joined Elder as Director of People last September, working closely with CEO Andy Dowds and the fabulous Elder’s Team to accelerate Elder’s growth. Her expertise covers strategy, organisation design, coaching, thriving through change, employee development and experience. She is passionate about leading the People agenda for humansized, purposeful, fast growth and innovative companies. Prior to Elder, Valerie worked at Mention Me (Head of People), HomeAway (EMEA HR Director), RSA Security (EMEA HR Manager).

Richard Bearman has over 20 years’ experience in the banking sector and over that time has developed a real passion for working with and supporting entrepreneurs. Richard is Managing Director at the British Business Bank and is responsible for the Start Up Loans programme. Working with a range of Delivery Partners across the UK to help start up businesses access funding, Richard is proud to play a part in helping people achieve their dream of being their own boss.

ELITEBUSINESSLIVE | MARCH 2021

Victoria Prew is the co-founder and CEO of HURR Collective, the UK’s first peer-to-peer wardrobe rental platform. Offering luxury fashion to women who prefer to rent rather than buying, HURR was deemed the ‘Airbnb of Fashion’ by Forbes in 2019. Headquartered in London, HURR Collective aims to address an underserved market of women who want access to the latest trends, without the commitment of purchase. Prew is the first to tap into the growing market, spearheading rental fashion and shifts in millennial behaviour.

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Elite Business Live Event Guide 2021

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A-Z Reference

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Day 2 Agenda

Day 1 Agenda

About the Conference

DAY 1

Keynote Speakers

Welcome

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