David Clare

David Clare, Founder of Exposed Design Consultants, leads a multi-award-winning graphic design business based in London. 

With over 35 years of experience, David specialises in branding, retail design, and corporate communication. David's belief in the power of great design to build trust and drive success has helped to reshape industry categories, notably in supermarkets, high street banking and travel retail. It has delivered impactful results for large and small clients and start-ups. His longest client relationship is 36 years, and start-up clients from 2003 remain growing clients today. 

David is the North London Area Leader for FSB, advocates for positive change in the business environment, and strongly believes in the power of local community building.

Celia Rizothanasi

Celia Rizothanasi runs Marketing AI Hive  - an AI for Marketing & LinkedIn Educator, helping marketers and small business professionals thrive in the age of AI.

Gary Blunden

With over a decade of experience in the technology sector, Gary is the visionary founder of Blundens, an IT services organisation dedicated to helping clients harness the power of Microsoft business applications and data solutions.

As a trusted Microsoft Partner, Gary's expertise lies in translating complex technological concepts into practical solutions that drive operational efficiency and foster growth for businesses. Renowned for his dynamic speaking engagements at premier tech events and conferences, he shares invaluable insights to guide and inspire others in the field.

Gary's track record includes transformative projects that span diverse industries, from orchestrating seamless cloud migrations to leveraging data analytics and artificial intelligence. His passion for innovation and continual learning ensures that his clients benefit from cutting-edge solutions tailored to their unique needs.

Dale Chalk

Dale Chalk is the Regional Account Manager UK at Zoho UK and has been in sales for over two decades, so he has amassed significant experience in what works and what doesn't. He will talk through his experiences and provide some tips/best practices on what to do to execute a successful sale.

Sarah Marsh-Collings

Sarah is Troop Leader at babelMonkey, a digital marketing agency launched in 2014. A copywriter at heart, Sarah is an experienced social media manager with a particular focus on LinkedIn. An award-winning agency, babelMonkey works with clients across various sectors, including scientific instrumentation, lifestyle coaching, recruitment, and email and performance marketing. Sarah has been an FSB member (since 2017) and volunteer (since 2019) and is often asked to speak at FSB and other networking meetings and workshops. She was also the international judge for the American Marketing Association (Houston chapter) for two years.

Nigel Davies

With over 25 years in the creative industry Nigel has been employed by leading London design agencies (creating the first global standard for Ford Motor Company), formed his own agency (launching the first 4G telecoms brand in Russia) and now works directly with clients.

He has won multiple awards for ‘Brand Transformation’ working with businesses as diverse as CitySprint (national courier business), Cancer Research UK (relaunching the  the UK’s largest charity), Soak&Sleep (online retailer), global digital radio app Radioplayer (a partnership between the BBC and Global Radio) and recently created the brand for Txeya, a financial platform delivering equality for entrepreneurs.

He is also an avid music collector and regular pub DJ with over 6,000 records slowly taking over his family home.

Cheryl-lya Broadfoot

Panel Host

Providing innovative, creative project management solutions to grass roots charities, community micro-businesses, and women-owned businesses Soul's Compass manage and support various projects within the Heritage, Community, Health and Wellbeing fields. In addition to receiving a Contribution to Community Award, Cheryl-lya Broadfoot of Soul's Compass has been nominated for several Leadership and Volunteer Management awards within the VCS Sector. The vision for Soul’s Compass is to elevate clients and communities to ‘thrival’.

Ghitta Basson

Meet Ghitta Basson, a dedicated Clinical Hypnotherapist, Mind Mediator, and Psychotherapist based in London. Originally from Namibia, Ghitta transitioned from sales and marketing to therapy in 2004 after life-changing hypnosis sessions. Her expertise lies in Stress & Anxiety and Hormone Rebalance, addressing issues from High Blood Pressure to Infertility. Ghitta is also a Corporate Mental Health Consultant, specialising in the Construction Industry, offering workshops, in-house therapy and collaborating on Wellbeing Programs.

Jemma Fairclough-Haynes

Jemma Fairclough-Haynes, CEO of Orchard Employment Law, is an employment law specialist and dynamic public speaker, known for making complex legal topics engaging and accessible. Her extensive experience representing various companies in employment tribunals across the UK, Jemma excels in delivering compelling, "eye-opening" presentations. She's recognised for her practical approach to legal advice, supporting over 300 employers internationally. Her influence extends to the media, where she is frequently featured as an expert, contributing to outlets like BBC Radio Kent, Times Radio, and the Daily Mail. Jemma is celebrated for her ability to demystify law, ensuring it's both understandable and relatable. Her commitment to offering early-stage legal and HR support has established her as a respected figure in her field.

Bayo Igoh

As a Business Coach and Mentor, Bayo of Bigoh Coaching has worked with a cross section of senior managers and executives in voluntary, public and private sectors, and has a demonstrable track record working with entrepreneurs, start-ups and SMEs. Bayo knows what it’s like to feel like you’re constantly on a treadmill – always working but not necessarily progressing. You want the tools and systems that will help you thrive but you don’t have the time to find them – a business coach can support you on your small business journey whilst keeping wellbeing prioritised.

Nick Blanchard - Zoco Networking

Helping to create genuine business friendships. Zoco, based in South West London,  has community and support at the heart of its mission bringing a new fresh approach that is a mixture of fun and professional, online and offline, knowledge sharing and supportive with networking to helping each other's businesses to grow.

Jason Perry - Mayor of Croydon

Jason Perry is the first directly elected Mayor of Croydon, and he has been serving his community as a member of Croydon Council since 1994. As the Mayor, he has pledged to overhaul the council's operations and improve its financial management. Being born and raised in Croydon, he has a deep passion for the place and works hard to promote it as a great place to live and work. At the heart of his business plan is the regeneration of Croydon and restoring pride in the borough that he loves. Jason is a married father of two and also serves as the London Councils' Executive Member for Business, Economy, and Culture. During his free time, he can be seen cheering on his lifelong team, Crystal Palace Football Club, from the stands of Selhurst Park.

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