Be a part of our first Business Bootcamp in Beds, Cambs and Herts as we look at ways to Grow your Business for Good. Brought to you in partnership with NatWest.

Talks, Workshops and Speakers


Esther Roche

From Problem Skin to Problem - Solving: Esther Roche's Blueprint for Success 

Discover the inspiring story of Esther Roche, founder of the award-winning skincare brand DeRoiste Natural Beauty and a true champion for inclusive entrepreneurship. With over 20 years of experience in dental health and education, Esther brings a unique perspective on blending purpose with business success.

In this fireside chat, Esther will share actionable insights on aligning your brand with your values, conducting effective market research, and achieving financial stability. She’ll also discuss the art of balancing career, motherhood, and community leadership.

You'll leave inspired and equipped with practical strategies to grow your business and build meaningful connections.

About Esther
Esther Roche is the founder of DeRoiste Natural Beauty, an award-winning inclusive skincare brand for problem skin. With 20+ years in dentistry, she also launched a top dental nurse training centre. Host of The Mum CEO Podcast and an Enterprise Nation mentor, Esther inspires through leadership, entrepreneurship, and community impact.

Bailey Readings,
 AI expert

Small bites of AI for busy SMEs 

Join this eye-opening session with Bailey Readings as he serves up bite-sized, practical AI solutions tailored for busy small and medium-sized enterprises. In this dynamic workshop, Bailey will showcase the highlights of his viral 30-day AI challenge, demonstrating how you can harness the power of artificial intelligence to streamline your business processes and boost efficiency.  Often using nothing more than the phone in your pocket!

Discover how to implement cutting-edge tools like ChatGPT to save precious time and resources. Bailey's hands-on approach will provide you with actionable AI tips and tricks that you can apply to your business immediately. 

About Bailey
Bailey Readings is an AI expert who has been using AI since he started his own business at the age of 14. He recently completed a 30-day challenge where he posted 30 videos about AI, which gained significant popularity.

Ian Bishop,
 Peer2Peer

Diving deeper beyond the basics 

Interactive sessions that really make you think are often where those sparks of inspiration are lit.  During this fast-paced session you'll explore how to unlock your business's growth potential using proven methodologies. This interactive workshop will guide you in breaking down key aspects of your business, enabling you to create a solid foundation for growth and success.

Ian will facilitate a collaborative environment where you can share your current challenges and goals with peers. By leveraging the collective wisdom of the group, you'll gain fresh perspectives and practical strategies which can be tailored to your unique business needs. This session is designed to help you understand and plan effectively for growth.

About Ian
Ian, a long-standing member of Peer2Peer, successfully exited his business in December 2023 and now chairs a local group in Bedfordshire. In this interactive session, he will guide us through an insightful process, expanding a popular Peer2Peer topic beyond the boardroom to a wider audience. 

Find out more>

Sam Squire,
 Inspire 2 Ignite

Starting curious conversations 

Get ready to revolutionize your networking experience! In this engaging session with Sam Squire, you’ll use the innovative, and locally made, Curious Conversation Blocks to transform traditional small talk into dynamic discussions that spark genuine connections and insights. Say goodbye to rehearsed elevator pitches and hello to meaningful dialogues that truly matter.

This unique approach ensures that everyone, whether seasoned or new to entrepreneurship, can engage in energising conversations. By the end of our time together, you’ll leave with valuable new perspectives, enhanced communication skills, and a network built on authentic curiosity.

About Sam
Sam is the CEO of Inspire 2 Ignite, where he has engaged over 10,000 young people and transformed thousands of lives. Previously a scholar at Cambridge United, he contributed to mental health initiatives and now focuses on empowering youth through targeted programmes and support for their futures.

Alex Hughes
Inspire 2 Ignite

Business baby shower 

Do you remember that feeling when you had just started your business? Maybe you are taking those first steps now? Bring your enthusiasm and creativity as we shower the youngest businesses at the event with resources and encouragement. Led by Alex Hughes, the Business Baby Shower will be a vibrant celebration of local entrepreneurship! Just like a traditional baby shower, this part of the day honours our community's innovators as they launch and grow their businesses.

If you are a more established business this is a great opportunity to support local innovation, gain valuable market insights, and enhance your brand visibility all whilst being part of this exciting celebration of entrepreneurship!

About Alex

Alex Hughes is the founder of Inspire 2 Ignite and serves as Chair of the St Neots Initiative, promoting sustainable community development. He also leads the Green Jobs Foundation and advocates for future talent empowerment. His journey, shaped by young fatherhood, drives his commitment to youth empowerment and social change.

Melanie Llewellyn,
Owner and Founder, MLC Brand and Marketing Agency

The Video Advantage: Boost Your Brand with Engaging Content

We are thrilled to introduce Melanie, a dynamic marketer with over 20 years of entrepreneurial experience. As the founder of the award-winning creative brand and marketing agency, MLC, she has earned accolades from industry leaders, including the esteemed Theo Paphitis. At this upcoming FSB event, Melanie will lead an engaging and interactive workshop focusing on the power of video in marketing. With marketing being one of the most requested topics by our members, this session promises to be both relevant and inspiring!

Participants can expect a treasure trove of practical tips and actionable takeaways, along with the chance to join in on a fun video challenge. The winner will receive a Power Hour consultation with Melanie, plus a bottle of bubbly to celebrate! Additionally, Melanie will offer 20 attendees a complimentary brand and marketing review, providing invaluable insights to help elevate their business strategies. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

About Melanie

Melanie Llewellyn is a seasoned marketer with over 20 years of experience in running her own businesses. As the owner and founder of the award-winning creative brand and marketing agency, MLC. Her agency specialises in helping small businesses enhance their visibility and drive sales through a variety of services, including branding, web design, SEO, and social media management.

Jim Stevenson,
Cyber Resilience Centre

Shield your small business from cyber crime

Join Inspector Jim Stevenson, Head of Cyber Security and Innovation at the Cyber Resilience Centre, for an insightful presentation that highlights why small businesses are prime targets for cyber-criminals.

In his session, Jim will explain how SMEs often face greater vulnerabilities and the potential impacts of cyber-attacks on operations, reputation, and finances. You will walk away with valuable insights into current cybercrime trends, practical strategies for protecting your digital assets, and tips for fostering a strong cybersecurity culture within your organisation.

About Jim
With 21 years of policing experience, Jim brings a wealth of knowledge on how cybercrime affects local enterprises and communities. His background in neighbourhood policing equips him with a unique perspective on tackling the long-term challenges posed by cyber threats.

Vinnie Chopra,
Tyl by NatWest

Tyl by Natwest - Managing Payments

About Vinnie
Vinnie runs a team of 10 highly experienced Business Development Managers across the region with a focus on making customers’ payment facilities simpler to use and more cost effective. Tyl follows NatWest’s aspirations to help people, families and businesses thrive by always being there.


Workshops

Melanie Davies,
Sleep consultant

Unlock Your Full Potential: Sleep Your Way to Success!

Join award-winning sleep consultant Melanie Davies for an interactive workshop that reveals how optimal sleep can enhance your work-life balance and boost productivity. Discover the science behind sleep's role in stress reduction, learn practical strategies to improve your sleep routine, and practice self-hypnosis techniques for restorative rest.

Don’t miss this chance to invest in your health and career! Attendees will receive a complimentary sleep audio MP3 to support their journey towards better sleep. Elevate your work and life – it all starts with a good night's sleep!

Jim Stevenson,
Cyber Resilience Centre

Cyber Escape Room: Cracking the Case on Cybersecurity

Join Eastern Cyber Resilience Centre for an exhilarating 30-minute adventure in a Cyber Escape Room, where you'll step into the shoes of a police cybercrime unit investigator. Your mission: work as a team to solve a series of challenging puzzles and prove that an organised crime gang is behind an attack on the Detective Chief Inspector. This interactive experience will test your problem-solving skills and cyber knowledge as you race against the clock to prevent the collapse of the entire investigation.

David Bell,
Simboc Ltd

Host : David Bell

David Bell is a multi-award-winning company director, entrepreneur, executive business advisor, technology expert, keynote speaker and chat show host. He is FSB's East of England Regional Chairman and has been an activist with FSB for over 18 years.

 Find out more here>


Notes for attendees

Accommodation In Peterborough

Should you wish to book accommodation the following are close to the venue:

Premier Inn - Located in the centre of the city and a short walk from Peterborough Cathedral, Peterborough station and Queensgate Shopping Centre the Premier Inn is roughly 10 mins walk away as it is 0.4 miles from the Allia Future Business Centre.

DragonFly Hotel Peterborough- The Peterborough hotel is the located on the outskirts of the city but still very convenient for accessing into the centre. It is roughly 2 miles from the Allia business centre.

Parking

There is free parking on a first come basis on the gravel car park at the venue. Please ensure you register your vehicle with reception upon arrival.

Exhibitor Stands

Why not book an Expo stand to showcase your business and gain a feature in our brochure? Due to the building layout, stands are limited, but all businesses and business support organisations with quality offers for SMEs are welcome to exhibit. To book a stand click here!

We look forward to seeing you there!

For those that opt in for this event, we will share your business contact details with NatWest. They may contact you with information from this event as well as product information and other information relevant to you. NatWest will process your data in accordance with their Privacy Notice. You can withdraw your consent at any time.

Event contact

For general enquiries regarding the event, please contact Rachel McCook on r[email protected]

Further information

  • To help ensure things run smoothly, please refer to our Events terms and conditions here.
  • We want all attendees to feel welcome - please read our statement on Diversity and inclusion here.
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