1. Leeds University Business School
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  3. SME Leaders Forum

SME Leaders Forum

SME Leaders Cover photo

Leeds University Business School is delighted to welcome small business owners and senior leaders to join us at our SME Leaders Forum, which runs three times a year, late afternoon/early evening. 

Who should attend?

The forum is free to attend and open to all small business leaders meeting the following criteria:

  • Owner/leader/shareholder of a growing SME
  • Operating from their own business premises
  • Operating at least two years and have employees

Why should I attend?

If you are running a small business then you are likely to be in a fast-moving and changing business environment. As your team and business grow you will find you face new challenges, and that advice from people who have been there before can be invaluable.

You are the expert when it comes to your business, but let us help with developing you as a leader, building your business strategy or identifying the capabilities you require to grow. At Leeds University Business School you can access an exceptional range of business expertise to ensure you get exactly what you need to build your business for success.

This forum has been created to enable small business leaders to: 

  • Hear from inspiring speakers on topics relevant to their fast-paced organisations 
  • Carve out time to work on their business, thinking about key changes and innovations
  • Work with other like-minded leaders to tackle issues and learn from their experiences 
  • Share their own stories of success

Each forum event will have a speaker to introduce a particular topic or share their key learnings, followed by a short workshop session during which leaders will be able to apply new ideas to their business and discuss challenges with their peer-group. The events include networking opportunities. 

Upcoming forum dates

Our next SME Leaders Forum will be held in June 2026. More details will be announced very soon.

Previous SME Leaders Forum Events:

  • ADAPT to Innovate – Leading Digital Transformation in SMEs, an interactive workshop led by Dr Richard Tunstall, Associate Professor at Leeds University Business School, an event designed to help organisations translate digital ambition into measurable business impact. Read the full article here.

  • CEO of Paralympics GB, David Clarke 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. Read the full article here.
  • Generative AI for SMEs - Associate Professor for Digital Strategy at Leeds University Business School, John Palfreyman hosted a discussion on the real-world applications (and limitiations) of GenAI for SMEs. Read the full article here.
  • Investment for Growth and Exit Planning, a panel discussion hosted by Professor Iain Clacher, Pro Dean for International at Leeds University Business School. Read the full article here.
  • Overcoming the Perils that Block Business Growth, a panel discussion led by Lily Newman, Managing Director at Morgan James Consulting. Read the full article here.
  • Getting the most out of your agency and your marketing hosted by Jane Slimming, CEO of Zeal. Read the full article here.
  • Workplace networks: What are they, and why should you care? An interactive discussion led by Dr Helen Hughes, Chartered Psychologist, Associate Professor, and the Behaviour Lab Director at LUBS. Read about Helen’s session here.
  • Building Effective Relationships and Partnerships, a conversation hosted by Nicky Chance-Thompson MBE DL, Chief Executive of The Piece Hall Trust. Read the full article here.
  • Make Failure Your Friend – James Mason, CEO of the West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, shared his experiences and his insights on his career to date. Read the full article on the event here.
  • How SMEs can avoid legal pitfalls and the benefits and challenges of flexible/hybrid working, a discussion led by Chris Allen, Managing Partner of Blacks Solicitors.
  • Labour market challenges for SMEs – Rebecca Padgett, Senior Teaching Fellow in Employability and Professional Development at Leeds University Business School discussed how SME Leaders need to be aware of the current labour market challenges, and the potential impact on their business if they are not proactive in addressing them.

Contact

Contact the Open Programmes Team on LUBSOpenProgrammes@leeds.ac.uk to find out more about future events and the SME Leaders Forum.