Alumni Network Annual Conference
Thur Feb 12th 2026
Alumni Network Annual Conference
Highlighted speakers:
Justine Roberts CBE CEO and Co-founder, Mumsnet
Huib van Bockel Founder, TENZING
Denise Nurse Entrepreneur, BBC Journalist, and CEO of DBN Enterprises
Ben Keene Entrepreneur, Community Builder
Make 2026 your strongest year yet
Join us at the Alumni Network Annual Conference in London – the flagship event bringing together hundreds of ambitious SME leaders from across the UK.
This unmissable day is designed to give you real-world strategies used by businesses just like yours, and connections that could spark partnerships and collaborations. You will hear from visionary entrepreneurs who have built purpose-driven, high-growth businesses, take part in interactive workshops, and engage with peers who share your ambition and drive for growth. You’ll leave inspired, equipped, and connected to a community of leaders that will help you set your business on the path to success for 2026.
Agenda
08:30 Breakfast and registration
Tea, coffee, and networking.
09:30 Opening Remarks from the conference chair
Byron Dixon OBE Founder and CEO, Micro-Fresh® and Chair, Small Business Charter
09:40 welcome address
Flora Hamilton CEO, Chartered Association of Business Schools
09:50 What It Takes to Grow and Monetise an Authentic Digital Community
Justine Roberts has been named among the world’s Top 500 influential CEOs. In this keynote session, she will share how she grew from a business started in her living room with limited funding and a small team to a trusted national platform that partners with brands, policymakers, and organisations to improve the lives of parents. She’ll explore how SMEs can balance a strong community ethos with the commercial realities of scaling a successful digital business.
Justine Roberts CBE CEO and Co-founder, Mumsnet
10:40 Mid-morning Break
Tea, coffee, and networking.
11:15 PANEL DISCUSSION – FINDING GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUR BUSINESS
12:00 Fireside chat – Leading with purpose in a competitive market
Huib van Bockel, founder of TENZING Natural Energy and former Head of Marketing at Red Bull Europe, knows what it takes to build a purpose-driven brand that stands out against global giants. He will join BBC journalist and former Sky News presenter Denise Nurse to share his journey, from navigating with limited resources and securing investment to winning over retailers and consumers with a mission rooted in sustainability and integrity. His story will help you think differently about brand, culture, and the power of purpose in driving sustainable business success.
Huib van Bockel Founder, TENZING
Chaired by:
Denise Nurse Entrepreneur, BBC Journalist, and CEO of DBN Enterprises
12:40 Lunch
13:40 Breakout 1
Sales strategies
Expanding into new markets
Social media marketing
13:45 break
14:00 Breakout 2
AI for operational efficiencies
Leadership
Productivity through your people
14:45 break
15:00 Breakout 3
Cybersecurity
Growth Action Planning development
Skills for growth
15:45 Afternoon break
Tea, coffee, and networking.
16:00 Purpose, People, and Practical Lessons for Thriving Teams
Drawing on 20 years of experience building and advising global communities – from startups to social enterprises including Rebel Book Club, Raaise, and Good with AI – Ben will share insights on how clearer purpose, stronger communities, and smarter use of technology can give organisations their real edge. This energising session will offer practical lessons and inspiration to help attendees build their own thriving communities of purpose.
Ben Keene Entrepreneur, Community Builder
17:00 Doors close
Please note: speakers, timings or format of our events may change due to circumstances beyond our control. We will inform delegates of any changes at the earliest opportunity.
Enquiries
If you have any questions, please get in touch by email at HTGM.Events@smallbusinesscharter.org or contact the Small Business Charter by phone on 020 7634 9584.
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