Wales Alumni National Conference

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08:30 Breakfast and registration 

Tea, coffee, and networking.

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09:30 Opening Remarks from the conference chair

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09:10 Business Wales 

Join Carys Roberts, Head of Entrepreneurship and Business Wales at the Welsh Government, as she explores the unique challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises in Wales. From navigating rural connectivity and access to funding, to building resilient supply chains and talent pipelines, Carys will highlight the key barriers Welsh businesses encounter and how they can be overcome. Learn how Business Wales is driving inclusive, sustainable growth by equipping entrepreneurs with the tools, support, and guidance they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.  

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09:30 conversation cafe

We will be kickstarting the day with an engaging networking exercise. You’ll receive a set of innovative questions that will encourage you to get to know fellow business leaders, sharing your journeys and discussing the challenges you’ve faced along the way.  

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10:00 Drop Bear Beer:  

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10:30 AI without the hype: practical tools & advice to boost your business  

In this interactive, jargon-free session, you’ll cut through the noise and discover how real businesses are using AI to save time, boost productivity, and make better decisions—without needing to hire a data scientist. Led by Help to Grow alumnus and AI consultant Vasilij Nevlev, this session blends live demos, relatable case studies, and hands-on breakout activities to help you spot AI opportunities in your own business. You’ll explore smart tools like ChatGPT, NotebookLM, and no-code automation platforms like n8n, and leave with a practical blueprint you can test during the break out sessions. Whether you’re new to AI or looking to take the next step, you’ll walk away with clear ideas, not just theory. 

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11:15 Mid-morning break 

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11:30 Implementing AI: live demo 

In this hands-on part, the attendees will be guided through:  

• NotebookLM Podcast Creator: Use your business’s existing content—like blog posts, newsletters, or case studies—to generate a podcast script that answers typical customer questions. 

• Chat with Your Spreadsheets: Build a simple chatbot interface that pulls answers from spreadsheet data using n8n. 

• Prompt Engineering Sandbox: Understand the power of well-crafted prompts and how to adjust them for different business use cases. 

• Firestudio with Gemini 2.5: Show the power of generative design using AI by creating website drafts or campaign content in minutes. 

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12:15 Lunch & challenge-based networking 

Scaling & Growth Strategies 
Topics: Expanding operations, entering new markets, managing rapid growth, funding expansion, franchising. 

• Talent & Workforce Management 
  Topics: Hiring, retaining top talent, leadership development, remote/hybrid teams, company culture, succession planning. 

• Marketing, Branding & Customer Acquisition 
  Topics: Digital marketing, social media, lead generation, customer loyalty, brand positioning, content strategy. 

• Financial Management & Funding 
  Topics: Cash flow, profitability, cost control, investment readiness, funding sources, budgeting, financial planning. 

• Technology & Digital Transformation 
  Topics: Automation, CRM/ERP systems, cybersecurity, AI integration, e-commerce, choosing the right tools. 
• Operational Efficiency & Process Improvement 
• Topics: Workflow optimization, quality control, supply chain issues, lean methodologies, sustainability practices. 

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13:15 Inside the SME engine room: real talk on business best practice

Join a dynamic panel of seasoned SME leaders as they dive into an open, organic conversation about what really drives success in today’s fast-evolving business landscape. From leadership resilience and strategic thinking to employee engagement, export challenges, and pricing strategies, no topic is off-limits.  

Expect candid insights, practical takeaways, and real-world stories that go beyond theory—straight from those who live it every day. Whether you’re scaling up or staying agile, this session will fuel fresh thinking and actionable ideas. 

Chaired by CMI 

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13:45 Translate, cascade, communicate: bringing strategy to life 

Build on Module 4: Vision, Mission and Values as we explore it in the context of internal communication, operation and strategy.  

• Strategy deployment and operational excellence – how can they work together and have equal power and significance?  

• How to make strategic mission and vision come alive through the ‘translate and cascade’ method 

• Communicating and embedding strategic intent to different parts of the business appropriately to encourage buy-in, motivation and productivity 

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14:30 ANNA Money:  from 0 to one of UK’s fastest growing companies 

Join the co-founder of the award-winning fintech company ANNA Money, for an inspiring and practical keynote on the journey of building a successful, purpose-driven business from the ground up. With a track record of innovation and a bold approach to entrepreneurship, building and exits from half a billion companies, Boris will share lessons learned from launching and scaling ANNA Money—an unconventional financial service platform that blends creativity, technology, and customer obsession. 

Key takeaways: 

• Building a scalable business 

• Finding product market fit amongst fierce competition 

• Customer support as the face of the business  

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15:00 Closing remarks  

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15:10 Industry-based networking

• Professional Services 
  Includes: Consulting, legal, accounting, marketing agencies, design firms, HR services. 
  Focus Areas: Client acquisition, value-based pricing, service delivery models, talent retention. 

• Technology & SaaS 
  Includes: Software development, IT services, tech startups, platform businesses. 
  Focus Areas: Product development, scaling tech teams, recurring revenue, staying ahead of innovation. 

• Retail & E-Commerce 
  Includes: Online stores, brick-and-mortar retail, DTC brands, marketplaces. 
  Focus Areas: Inventory management, omnichannel strategy, customer experience, logistics. 

• Manufacturing & Supply Chain 
  Includes: Product-based businesses, OEMs, contract manufacturers. 
  Focus Areas: Production efficiency, supply chain resilience, cost control, automation. 

• Health, Wellness & Personal Services 
  Includes: Clinics, social services, fitness studios, salons, health products, wellness coaching. 
  Focus Areas: Customer loyalty, staff turnover, regulations, local marketing. 

• Hospitality, Food & Tourism 
  Includes: Restaurants, catering, travel businesses, events, accommodations. 
  Focus Areas: Seasonality, staffing, customer experience, cost pressures, branding. 

• Construction, Trades & Property Services 

Includes: Builders, contractors, electricians, plumbers, architects, surveyors, property maintenance, real estate services. 

Focus Areas: Project timelines, skilled labour shortages, compliance & safety regulations, bidding for contracts, supply chain management. 

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16:00 Doors close

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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.