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OUR SPEAKERS
Take a look at our list of speakers at this year's event - please note times are approximate and subject to change.

OUR KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Dame Dianne Thompson - 12.20pm

Our keynote session will see More Radio's breakfast host Tom Evans in conversation with Dame Dianne Thompson. Dianne was CEO of Camelot, the operator of the UK National Lottery, for 14 years and has a host of fascinating stories that include her dealings with some of the UK's top entrepreneurs, including Richard Branson and Richard Desmond.

In a career spanning 42 years, Dianne has also worked in executive roles for ICI Paints, Signet, Woolworths, Sandvik and Next PLC. In 2001 she was awarded the Veuve Cliquot Business Woman of the Year award. Today, Dianne is Non Executive Chairman of Sanderson Design Group and a non - executive director of Pagefield Communications. Dianne is an early trailblazer for women reaching the very top echelons of business, you don't want to miss her fascinating story.

 

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An Audience with Rachel Watkyn OBE - 2.10pm

She is the Sussex businesswoman whose idea was called "pathetic" on Dragons' Den 15 years ago and has gone on to become one of the most successful women from the show. Eco-Entrepreneur Rachel Watkyn is turning over £10million a year from 'Tiny Box Company' which makes environmentally-friendly and recycled packaging.

On the BBC show, she was told by Duncan Bannatyne that Rachel had produced a box which his "8-year-old daughter Emily could make better at school" and called the idea "pathetic". But Rachel is having the last laugh now, as she was awarded an OBE this year for her work in sustainability, ethical business growth and exports.

Rachel has a fascinating backstory and we can’t wait to find out more.

Market like McDonald's - 11.10am

What can your business learn about marketing from the world's biggest brands like McDonald's, and how can you apply the successful techniques and strategies they use to benefit your business?

Join Allan Moulds, the founder and CEO of Total Sense Media, for an informative talk full of tangible ideas and strategies that you can implement in your business. This talk is a MUST-SEE for SME owners and professionals that work in SME marketing.  

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It's strategy, stupid - 1.30pm

Benjamin Franklin once said, "by failing to prepare, you are preparing to fail." Many SME owners are so busy working in their businesses that they don't spend enough time working on their business. However, strategy and planning do not need to be an onerous time consuming task.

 

Join business consultant Melanie Roberts as she demonstrates how using simple techniques like a 'business canvas' can help you develop, document, and communicate your business strategy. Melanie had a successful corporate career in sales, before becoming a business consultant. Melanie is an academic trainer at the Cranfield Business School, a lecturer at Kingston University and an expert speaker for the Help to Grow programme.

Is laughter key to your business success? - 10.30am

In evolving workplaces, creating a sense of belonging is crucial for employees' well-being. Valuable transformations occur when employees genuinely connect with their workplace.

In this fun session, learn how to connect and energise your employees and leaders with ease.  Sam Rehan has been a corporate trainer, author and wellness teacher for 24 years and is known as The Well-being Motivator. Her background in science, scientific research, corporate training, health and management are key to her work.

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How to turn your financial management into a business advantage - 3.20pm

Do you regard your accounting and finance activities as a cost and afterthought, or something that can help guide and drive your business? 

Join Dominic Charles, an experienced accountant and business leader who set up Vör Accounting Limited, to understand some of the key benefits you can gain by using accounting, tax and finance as a critical part of your business success.  He will cover a number of simple areas that all businesses – regardless of their size – should be addressing to get in control and ahead.

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