Festival of Female Entrepreneurs 2018

10.05am: Doing good while doing business: Jaya Chakrabarti MBE

Co-founder of Nameless media group and a passionate advocate for engaging business with community through technology to improve lives, Jaya shares her thoughts on why doing good while doing business can lead to success.

10.30am: Access to money and mentors

Looking to raise funds? In search of a mentor for your business? This panel provides the answers to your questions.

• Bev James, one of the UK’s most famous business mentors, has mentored entrepreneurs and athletes to millionaire status including Joe Wicks, The Body Coach
• Katie Massie-Taylor, co-founder of parent-tech app Mush, has raised £2m to help in her mission to better connect mums
• Jessica Pillow, director, Pillow May Accountancy

11.00am: Coffee break

11.30am: The secret sauce of family-owned businesses

An increasing number of people are starting businesses with their nearest and dearest. A panel of experts and entrepreneurs share their insights into this challenging but rewarding journey

• Seb Sokol and Amber Fraser-Sokol, co-founders of healthy snack company, Brave Peas
• Elizabeth Bagger, executive director, Institute for Family Business
• Patricia Bacon, founder, Couplepreneurs

12:00pm: Selling a service

A panel of experts share their top tips for running a service-based business: 

• Amanda Ruiz, Amanda Ruiz PR and Enterprise Nation adviser member
• Jazz Gakhal, head of Direct Line for Business
• Sarah Goulbourne, co-founder of law firm, Gunnercooke
• Karelle Lamouche, SVP marketing, guest relations and commercial divisions - AccorHotels UK & Ireland, ‎AccorHotels

12:30pm: Lunch 

It’s a tasty hot networking lunch for everyone this year that’s perfect for autumn as you chat with fellow guests.

1.30pm: Emma Bridgewater - 30 years in design.

Emma Bridgewater has become a household name having spent over 30 years building up a successful business that’s most recognisable in her trademark hand-decorated kitchen pottery. Emma was educated at London University where she read English Literature.

With no formal training in design or business. she nevertheless quickly established the company which now employs over 300 people. A refusal to outsource manufacturing to low wage economies abroad has led Emma to a role as a champion of British industry, something about which she feels very strongly.

2.10pm: She Means Business

When women succeed, the economy does better. A Q&A with inspiring female entrepreneurs:

Angela Laws, TrustedHousesitter
The 70-year-old social media manager shares her tips on personal confidence, motivation and a positive mental attitude. Angela came out of retirement to work for global start-up, TrustedHousesitter, which connects thousands of home and pet owners with care-orientated sitters who will look after their home and pets for free, in exchange for a place to stay.

Kelli Aspland and Laura Griffin, co-founders of co-Solar Buddies
The Solar Buddies applicator assists teachers and school staff in applying sun lotion to children in a safe and convenient way whilst having the benefit of less mess. Since its launch in 2015, it has proven a hit with adults too! The simple idea is now an award winning product that’s sold worldwide.

2.40pm: Meet the journalists

A panel of local and national journalists share their tops tips on how to PR your small business:

• Emma Broomfield, journalist at the Sunday Times
• Frances Ambler, Oh Comely mag and The Simple Things
• Hannah Baker, business editor, Bristol Post
• Sue Bradley, Western Daily Press

3.10pm: Female Start-up of the Year 2018 

Four judges will take to the stage to crown the Enterprise Nation Female Start-up of the Year 2018. They will receive amazing prizes to help them and their business flourish and grow. The 10 semi-finalists have now been shortlisted and you can vote for them now! 

3.30pm: Bringing a product to market, powered by Square 

Entrepreneurs share how they took their business from concept to market. Kate McCutchen, head of marketing at Square UK, will be in conversation with 

• Emma Odell, founder, Acanteen
• Rebecca Wilsherem, founder, Two Dogs & Co

4.00pm: Female Start-up of the Year 2018: Winner

The winner of the 2018 competition will be announced.

4.10pm: Drinks reception 

Join us for a glass of something special as we close the 2018 festival.

5.00pm: Event ends

How much does it cost?