Alumni National Event
Thur March 27th 2025
Alumni National event
Highlighted speakers:
Byron Dixon OBE Founder and CEO, Micro-Fresh
Andrew Bloch Founder, Andrew Bloch & Associates
Liz Barclay UK Small Business Commissioner
Finding the right expertise, inspiration, and support can be challenging, especially when time is in short supply. In March, take the opportunity to refocus and recharge at our third Alumni National Event.
Designed exclusively to connect our Help to Grow: Management Alumni Network across the UK, this engaging event will leave you informed, motivated, and better equipped to tackle your business challenges.
Join us to gain insights from experienced entrepreneurs, participate in our informative sessions and learn with peers who share your ambition for success.
Agenda
09:00 Breakfast and registration
Tea, coffee, and networking.
09:30 Opening Remarks from the conference chair
Byron Dixon OBE Founder and CEO, Micro-Fresh
09:40 welcome address
Flora Hamilton CEO, Chartered Association of Business Schools
09:45 Keynote address: TBC
10:00 Keynote address: TBC
10:30 Mid-morning Break
Tea, coffee, and networking.
10:50 panel
(More speakers to be announced)
Liz Barclay UK Small Business Commissioner
11:30 Fireside chat with Andrew Bloch: PR stunts & guerrilla marketing
Chaired by Byron Dixon OBE
Andrew Bloch Founder, Andrew Bloch & Associates
Byron Dixon OBE Founder and CEO, Micro-Fresh
12:00 Lunch
13:00 Breakout 1
Marketing matters
Understanding your target audience and delivering a message that resonates is at the core of effective marketing. In this session you will:
- Learn to identify key audiences and execute results-driven strategies.
- Practical segmentation methods and key criteria for identifying profitable segments.
- Building your value proposition.
Emma Easton Founder, Business Bollox
The art and science of pricing
Pricing is a powerful yet often misunderstood tool for business success. This session will share:
- Typical mistakes most businesses make with their pricing.
- Psychology of pricing – simple techniques to help give you an advantage.
- The ultimate pricing strategy that works for any business.
Mark Peacock Managing Director, PriceMaker
Resilience through crisis & change
Leading through times of crisis and change can be challenging for SME leaders, as it often impacts personal wellbeing, resilience, and the overall culture of the organisation. This session will help you:
- Reflect on your own wellbeing challenges and find practical solutions to help you become more resilient.
- Share your experiences with other SME leaders on what works and doesn’t work.
- Explore how you can role-model positive behaviours that can shape the wellbeing culture of your businesses.
Dr Aarti Anhal Founder, before nine
14:00 Movement break
14:10 Breakout 2
Strategy and business success
An effective strategy that aligns with your initiatives ensures long-term success. This session will explore:
- The forces that shape an organisation’s strategic direction, how to understand them and ways to adapt.
- A range of successful SME strategies.
- Strategies for SMEs selling within supply chains and those engaging directly with customers in the market.
Patrick Hoverstadt Director, Fractal
Sales made easy
Discipline, adaptability, and communication are some key factors essential for driving growth in sales. This session will delve into:
- Building and managing an optimal sales pipeline.
- Lead generating skills and tools.
- Building and nurturing customer relationships.
- Building scalable sales processes that can handle growth.
Kevin Hayler Founder and CEO, Sales Made Easy
Employee engagement: building healthy and happy teams
In today’s uncertain economic environment, every leader needs a happy, productive, and agile team who can adapt and perform when it really counts.
- Explore how you can role-model positive behaviours that can shape the wellbeing culture of your businesses.
- Creating a culture of purpose, flexibility and trust.
- How happiness and satisfaction impact workers productivity,
- Understanding what motivates your employees.
Brad Walker Director, Adaptive Accountancy
15:10 movement break
15:15 Breakout 3
Identifying and overcoming imposter syndrome
Many leaders struggle with imposter syndrome, especially those in high-pressure roles. This supportive session will provide:
- A clear understanding of how imposter syndrome manifests in leadership roles.
- Practical tools and strategies to build confidence and maintain a positive and empathetic leadership mindset.
- Connect with fellow SME leaders and industry experts to share stories, experiences and coping mechanisms.
Michaela Smith Imposter Syndrome and Conscious Leadership Coach, Empowered by Michaela Smith
Melissa Blackwood Beacon of Positivity, Roller Girl Gang
AI and digital transformation
Integrating artificial intelligence into your business process can enhance efficiency, streamline operations, and boost productivity. This session will offer:
- An overview of general AI capabilities and platforms.
- How AI can produce valuable data & analytics to help inform strategy.
- How AI-led automation can save on operational costs.
- Ways to tailor AI to tackle specific business requirements.
Dr Pauldy Otermans Co-founder and Head of Research AI in Education, Otermans Institute
Harvey Pitt CTO & Co-Founder, Alive Industries
Scott Fulton Digital Experience Consultant
SME fundraising options
Securing funding can be overwhelming but it is a critical step for many SMEs. This session will outline:
- Funding options available to SMEs and how to assess which one is right for you.
- Key steps to get your business “investor-ready” and common reasons why applications are rejected.
- How to communicate your vision, scalability, and value proposition effectively.
Gareth Anderson Head of Business Management, Allica Bank
Sarah Gardiner Director of UK Network Insights & Strategy, British Business Bank
16:15 event ends
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.
Book Your Place
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