SME Leaders Forum October 2024

Leeds University Business School is delighted to invite local small business owners and senior leaders to join us at our next SME Leaders Forum in October 2024.

'Overcoming the Perils that Block Business Growth'

Gain insight into the challenges that businesses face (from a financial, legal, governance and competition perspective) and how to overcome them. Learn about the benefits that having a Non-Executive Director (NED) could offer you and your businesses.

The event will be hosted by Lily Newman, Managing Director of Morgan James Consulting, Behavioural Strategist, Leadership Consultant and Motivational Speaker.

About our host, Lily Newman

Lily Newman is an award-winning Behavioural Strategist and founder of Morgan James Consulting who has helped to transform over 3,700 business leaders. Known for her laser insights whilst driving high performance and growth, Lily is renowned for using probing questions to get to the root of the toughest of company issues. She is an active NED who works to build high performing teams across a range of sectors.

Our Expert Panel will consist of representatives from finance, law, a business owner, and a NED:

Andrew Leakey LLC

Andrew Leakey is a vastly experienced civil litigator. He has undertaken large numbers of cases in relation to housing, debt, employment and consumer issues. He has lectured nationally on challenges to consumer credit agreements, land law issues, and overcoming the perils and pitfalls of employment law. He has spoken at the EU in relation to the BEUC group for consumer advice organisations across the EU and has also made many media appearances in relation to consumer and employment rights.

Steve Baker, Director of Baker & Co Accountants

Steve’s expertise is in taking small, owner-managed businesses in the £500K - £1M range and driving them to be c. £10M sustainable businesses with solid processes, great teams of people and a sound strategic plan. Steve has been a NED to many businesses over the years after working as an Electronic Engineer for BAE Systems in a variety of roles. He also served in the Army Reserve reaching the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and Commanded a Regiment in Yorkshire
 

Kate Goodman, Founder & Owner of Reserve Wines Ltd

Kate Goodman established Reserve Wines in 2003, starting with a shop in West Didsbury, Manchester, which now has six sites across Greater Manchester and a successful online sales business. Kate has travelled the world selecting interesting quality driven wines for customers, and really focuses on making new wines accessible to everyone. Having worked alongside some of the world's top chefs she’s also great at delivering exeptional customer service by helping them to match food with great wine.

A business owner and a NED will share their experiences during a Fireside Chat:

Sherri Ward, Director of Omega Security Systems

As a Director of OSS, Sherri brings 30 years of management experience to the Board. With foundations in education and a career in the Public Sector, Sherri adds the strategic direction and quality management elements to the core of the business direction.

Ade Lingard, Executive Coach & NED

Ade Lingard is a NED, Strategic Advisor and Qualified Executive Coach registered with the European Mentoring and Coaching Council (EMCC).  He has worked in this capacity since 2020 through his company North Peak Consulting. As a NED, Ade works for specialist Supply Chain and Logistics Consultancy Hatmill and Digital Marketing Agency Engage Interactive. Ade also works with a number of leaders across several blue chip and SME businesses as a 1:1 coach.
 

Agenda

3.00-3.15pm – Welcome & Refreshments

3.15-3.45pm – Introduction

3.45-4.30pm - Expert Panel

4.30-5.00pm - Fireside Chat

5.00-5.15pm - Q&A

5.15-6.00pm – Networking & Drinks

More details to follow soon...

This event is fully-funded by the Business School and places are limited, so please reserve your place by completing the Registration Form.

Register Here