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OUR SPEAKERS
Take a look at our list of speakers at 2025's event:
OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER: An Audience with Jo Fairley
We’re thrilled to welcome Jo Fairley as our keynote speaker—a true pioneer in ethical business and one of the UK’s most inspiring entrepreneurial voices. Best known as the co-founder of Green & Black’s, Jo launched the world’s first organic chocolate brand in 1991, creating a product that became the first to carry the UK Fairtrade Mark. From a kitchen table idea to a household name, Green & Black’s was acquired by Cadbury in 2005, and Jo continues to serve as its passionate ‘Chocolate Ambassador’.
In her talk, Jo will share the story behind her extraordinary journey—offering hard-won lessons and practical advice for SME owners looking to build a business with both purpose and profit. Now based in Sussex, Jo has founded a number of successful ventures, including an organic bakery, a wellbeing centre, and a natural
food store. A celebrated author, journalist, and business mentor, Jo brings a wealth of experience to the stage. Whether you’re just starting out or ready to take your business to the next level, this is your chance to learn from one of Britain’s most authentic and accomplished entrepreneurs.
Dare to Dream with Jack the Lad
For over 20 years, Jack the Lad has been a familiar voice, energising and inspiring thousands of listeners across Sussex. Now, he also brings that same passion and positivity to the classrooms of Sussex through the Dare to Dream programme, delivered by the Love Local Jobs Foundation.
In this opening session, Jack shares insights from his unique 'day job' — leading a transformative initiative that empowers young people across Sussex. The programme focuses on building self-belief, improving employability, and fostering resilience — all essential qualities for future success.
Join Jack as he offers a taste of his motivational content, shares powerful stories from his work with young people, and explains how businesses like yours can get involved. Whether it's through mentorship or broader engagement, this is your chance to be part of a movement that’s shaping the workforce of tomorrow.
An Audience with Tamara Roberts of Ridgeview Wine Estate
This is an unmissable opportunity to hear from one of the region’s most inspiring leaders.
As the successful CEO of Ridgeview in Ditchling, Tamara has played a pivotal role in growing the family-run business into one of the UK’s most celebrated producers of premium sparkling wine. Under her leadership, Ridgeview has seen remarkable growth and international recognition, all while staying true to its Sussex roots.
An award-winning local entrepreneur, Tamara will share insights into building a brand of excellence, the challenges and triumphs of scaling a family business, and the personal philosophies that have driven her success. Don’t miss this chance to learn from a true pioneer in the world of British wine and business.
Built to Grow: What would you + 20% achieve?
What would happen if you were just 20% more confident, more focused, or more informed?
In this inspiring and practical talk, Allan Moulds - CEO and Founder of Total Sense Media - challenges small business owners to imagine the powerful ripple effects of small, consistent personal growth. Drawing on real-life case studies and years of experience supporting SMEs, Allan argues that the smartest investment you can make in your business, is not new equipment, it’s in you. And this talk will give you the mindset shift and practical tools to start unlocking your next level.
This session is perfect for hands-on business owners and managers who don’t have a formal business background but have the drive to grow. Allan shares how dedicating just a small slice of your time each month to learning and development can lead to major gains in leadership, confidence, and profit. You’ll also get a first look at The Sussex Collective - a unique, no-nonsense business club designed for real people running real businesses. If you’re ready to stop feeling stuck and start thinking bigger, this talk is your sign to take that first step.
AI for SMEs: Stand Out Without Selling Out
In this eye-opening and down-to-earth session, business transformation expert François Contreiras invites SME owners and leaders to adopt AI with purpose—not pressure. With AI
tools now widely available, true competitive advantage comes not from using the latest tech, but from embedding it into your business with the right mindset, structure, and goals. What
makes you different is your strength—amplifying it is the real journey to success. François will explore how SMEs can avoid the “AI herd effect” and use AI to strengthen their uniqueness—not dilute it.
This session focuses on the practical side of AI adoption sidestepping tech-first thinking and instead aligning AI with what matters most: your business goals, your people, and your
customer promise. Learn how to empower your teams, amplify human creativity, and drive meaningful change—without losing what makes your business special. If you’re serious about using AI as a tool for real progress—not just buzz—this session is for you.
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