2023 AGENDA

Traffic Sales & Profit: How to Build a Multi-Million Pound Business Using Digital Marketing Strategies

Drawing on real-life case studies and years of expertise with US-based startups, this talk will cut through the noise to deliver actionable insights. You’ll leave equipped with a clear roadmap and practical tools to drive more traffic, convert more sales, and generate more profit. This is a must-attend for anyone committed to scaling their business in the digital age.

Business may not be for everybody, but understanding the concept of intrapreneurship and its distinction from entrepreneurship is an avenue worth exploring.

Our panel of seasoned intrapreneurs will explore the transformative potential of intrapreneurship and its impact on career trajectory and organisational success.

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Hear fresh and innovative Black-owned businesses present to investors, buyers and top-level executives.

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For this session, we take a deep dive into the intersection of business and social impact.

Our panellists will discuss the models, strategies, and challenges associated with building and sustaining successful social enterprises, as well as share their firsthand experiences, inspiring stories, and valuable insights gained from navigating the ever-evolving landscape of purpose-driven business.

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In this session, you’ll hear about how franchising can empower aspiring entrepreneurs to realise their ambition to run their own businesses, and how McDonald’s has been part of this journey with our franchisees to give back to their community and empower their people.

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Would you like to take your business to the next level but lack the knowledge and confidence to make it happen? The Help to Grow: Management Course helped Bayile Adeoti and Amanda Townsend boost their leadership skills and their business performance. 90% government funded, Help to Grow: Management is a 50-hour leadership course. Available for senior managers and leaders at organisations employing between 5 and 249 people, the course includes 12 modules, 10 hours of 1-2-1 mentoring, peer support sessions and entry to the Help to Grow: Management Alumni Network. Delivered over 12 weeks in 60 different locations across the UK, the course has already enabled SME leaders to increase turnover, reduce operating costs and develop a more resilient business. Join this panel to hear why Bayile and Amanda signed up for the course, their learnings, and how their business and leadership has benefitted.

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Spaces limited to 20 per table

1. Nurturing your well-being as an entrepreneur

Through engaging conversations and shared experiences, we’ll discuss effective strategies to prioritise self-care amidst the demands of entrepreneurship.

Discover how nurturing your well-being can enhance productivity, boost creativity, and prevent burnout. Explore ways to monetize your hobbies or just simply enjoy them as a source of relaxation and rejuvenation.

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2. Empowering Black Entrepreneurs for the Green Economy: Preparing for a Sustainable Future

This session aims to provide valuable insights and practical strategies to help black entrepreneurs harness the opportunities presented by the green economy. We will explore topics such as sustainable business practices, renewable energy, eco-friendly technologies, and sustainable financing options.

By discussing success stories, challenges, and best practices, we aim to empower black entrepreneurs to lead the way in driving positive environmental change while building successful and sustainable businesses.

3. Leveraging Tech and AI to enhance business processes.

Engage in stimulating discussions, gain actionable strategies, and learn from real case studies that demonstrate how integrating tech and AI can streamline workflows, enhance decision-making, and unlock new avenues for growth.

4. The Pivot: Learn how to leverage your strengths and monetise your passions.

Feeling unfulfilled in your career? Here you’ll learn the framework that will allow you to successfully pivot in your career and turn your passion into profit.

(PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE GALLERY BAY)

5. The Future of Music, Creativity and Beyond

(PLEASE NOTE THIS SESSION WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE GALLERY BAY)

Every trading business has a credit score no matter how small. But what does a ‘good’ credit score really mean; it is the key to accessing credit to help a business survive and thrive, but more fundamentally it is a highly predictive indicator of the longevity of a business; how likely is it to survive the next 12 months? As well explaining why a credit score is a vital survival and growth tool for any small business owner, this session will explain what goes into a business credit score, how it relates to the owner’s personal credit score and give tips on how a business can maximise its score.

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Join Bolaji Sofoluwe, co-Founder & MD of ETK Group Ltd and Shalom Lloyd, CEO of Naturally Tribal Skincare Ltd and find out how they turned their businesses in successful companies selling internationally. Full of fascinating insights and tips to help you take your business overseas, listen to expert advice from business owners like you. Answering key questions such as:

• How did they get started and take those first steps into export?

• How did they find their first customer?

• What challenges did they face and what would they do differently today?

• What support did they have and how did the Dept for Business and trade help?

• What are their top tips to finance growth?

Hosted by Mark Burkett, Export Academy Adviser from the DBT, come along to this session and find out more about how to grow your business and the free support from the UK Export Academy . There will also be a Q&A session as part of this event.

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Join us at the intersection of entrepreneurship and innovation on the transformative potential of embracing diversity as a business strategy. This panel, featuring remarkable Black entrepreneurs, will explore the infusion of cultural identities into brands and products, shedding light on how authenticity plays a pivotal role in shaping a more inclusive and vibrant business ecosystem.

Moderated by Square, this discussion will delve deep into how embracing cultural identity can serve as a driving force behind the creation of inclusive, forward-thinking brands.

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The primary aim of the Start-Up Loans programme is to ensure that viable start-ups and early-stage businesses have access to the finance and support they need to thrive. The programme has backed 103,577 businesses, providing £983m of funding since 2012. This workshop will provide you with crucial information about Start Up Loans; including how they work, the eligibility criteria, and repayments, as well as useful tips and techniques for producing a Start Up Loan application.
Discover how to access the free guides for start-ups, plus business planning templates, and more about British Business Bank’s impressive work with RNIB and Sign Live to make their guides and contacting their customer service team more accessible.
Learn about British Business Bank’s exciting courses with the Open University, which provide a rich source of information on topics such as business essentials, sustainability and mental health.

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Ready to take your business to the next level in the digital realm? Join us for an insightful workshop that delves into the heart of e-commerce and online growth. Discover the secrets behind attracting potential customers, optimising conversions, and fostering long-term relationships with customers. With a focus on practical techniques, you’ll walk away with actionable insights to enhance your online presence and navigate the ever-evolving e-commerce landscape. 

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For this dynamic session, we sit down with our panel of Gen-z professionals who will be sharing their insights into climbing the corporate ladder and excelling in their careers. They will discuss how they navigate challenges unique to their generation. while utilising their tech-savvy skills and adaptability to achieve success in their respective fields, while making an impact on their peers.

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Join one of these hands on, interactive sessions held behind closed doors.

How to Attract More Customers to Your Business

If you have no paying customers you have no business. You don’t want a better website, or a better logo what you really want is more customers. Learn how to get more people interested in your business, from someone that’s been there and done it and taught thousands.

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In a world where effective communication is paramount, the “Elevate Your Voice: Mastering the Art of Public Speaking Masterclass” is your opportunity to unlock the power of persuasive and impactful speech. This dynamic seminar is designed to equip participants with the essential skills and confidence to become compelling speakers, whether in front of a small group or a large audience.

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Scale Up Sessions – What’s stopping you from scaling?

Honest Insights with those on the journey

Held behind closed doors, this is a unique opportunity to network with fellow business owners and to hear and share stories and valuable advice with Black entrepreneurs who are taking their businesses to the next level. You’ll also hear from an HSBC economist on the key trends most likely to affect your business in the coming years.

An exclusive opportunity for 20 founders on the journey to scaling their businesses to participate in this intimate discussion.

The session will be hosted by international trade expert, Stefan Johnson of HSBC who will be joined by Kameese Davis, Director and Founder of Nylah UK, and Chris Hare, Economist at HSBC who will also be providing key insights.

*Places are limited to companies generating minimum of £100,000+ annual turnover.

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Self Awareness and Acceptance Taster Session

Join us for a snapshot of our in-depth Self Awareness and Acceptance Workshop tailored for Black professionals and business owners during UK Black Business Week. This taster will provide you with a glimpse into the powerful tools and insights that can drive both personal and professional growth.

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