SME Leaders Forum, October 2025: Turning Challenge into Opportunity
Leeds University Business School welcomed regional business owners and senior leaders to Nexus on 21 October 2025 for the latest SME Leaders Forum, an afternoon of insight, inspiration and connection.
The SME Leader’s Forum event series is part of the Business School’s ongoing commitment to supporting SMEs across Yorkshire and beyond. The event brought together entrepreneurs, academics and community partners to explore the theme of resilient leadership in uncertain times.
The highlight of the afternoon was an engaging keynote from David Clarke OBE, CEO of Paralympics GB. Blind from birth and a record-breaking goal scorer for the Great Britain blind football team, David shared stories from his sporting and professional journey — from teamwork and adaptability to leading through change.
It was a fantastic experience to address the SME Leaders Forum and explore how resilience and collaboration can empower businesses to thrive.
His message resonated strongly with SME leaders facing the fast-changing realities of business today, from technological disruption to workforce transformation.
Caroline Wherritt, Founder and Managing Director at Workspace Furniture said,
Another inspiring session at the SME Leaders Forum — reconnecting with familiar faces, meeting new business owners, and hearing the remarkable story of David Clarke OBE, Paralympian and keynote speaker. Two hours well spent!
David spoke openly about his journey from elite sport to executive leadership, sharing inspiring stories. He challenged businesses to think differently about adaptability and mindset — qualities that every SME leader needs to be able to adapt to constant change.
I hope that the conversation sparked new ideas, new partnerships and helped SMEs to believe in their organisation to open the door to real growth and innovation.
Connecting ideas, sharing experience
Following David’s talk, attendees joined an open Q&A session that allowed business leaders to exchange ideas on resilience, inclusive leadership and growth strategies.
Ben Westerby, Managing Director at B K Westerby Consultancy Ltd said,
Another fantastic event at the SME Leaders Forum. The speakers never fail to disappoint, and David was both insightful and inspiring. Always a great crowd too, giving the opportunity to catch up with current connections and make new ones
Supporting and connecting the SME community
The SME Leaders Forum series is part of Leeds University Business School’s wider engagement with the regional business ecosystem, offering practical learning opportunities and access to academic thinking.
Anthony Main, Founder at The Distance said:
As well as the amazing inspirational speakers - the diversity of people at the SME forum is great, really helps to grow my network
The event is part of the Business School’s continuing work to support the regional SME community — helping leaders share knowledge, gain fresh perspectives, and build the kind of networks that make a real difference.
The session closed with networking and refreshments, giving participants the chance to connect and collaborate. A big thank you to David Clarke OBE — and to everyone who joined us for such a thoughtful afternoon.
We’ll be announcing details of the next SME Leaders Forum soon, so keep an eye on the Business School events page or follow us on social media to stay updated. You can view more photos from the event here.
