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Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Disruptors and Influencers


    The world is ever-changing and is evolving especially in the UK, culturally, economically and politically. This inspiring event brings a ‘red table’ style discussion with change-makers, to discuss how they are not only shifting the image of women in business, but are also responding to change and breaking barriers against the odds in a post-pandemic world.

    Topics of discussion will include:

    • The reality of starting a business and getting into entrepreneurship as a woman today
    • The ways in which women are rising in recovery within a post-pandemic world
    • The opportunities our speakers have found to break barriers, especially receiving funding as a woman, visibility in the press and being recognised by key stakeholders.
    • The International Women’s Day 2023 of Embrace Equity, and how we can best embrace and encourage diversity and inclusion in business for colleagues and peers from marginalised communities.

    Guests will hear insights into how to emerge from the unique difficulties of the past few years and still have your business remain in good shape even with increased costs and challenges.

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The Beat Goes On: Black Voices in the British Music Industry


In celebration of the British Library’s “Beyond the Bassline” exhibition, we’ve assembled some ground-breaking Black entrepreneurs who’ve transformed the British music industry to share the secrets of their success, including the highs and lows of their entrepreneurial journeys.

At £2.5 billion, the UK is home to Europe's most valuable digital music economy (Statista, 2021, 2023). However, despite the undeniable contribution of Black music artists and entrepreneurs to these figures, 2021’s Black Lives in Music report found that among Black music professionals, 73% experienced direct or indirect racism and noted disparities in respondent’s earnings and ability to gain music funding.

As part of our Inspiring Entrepreneurs series, this event provides a unique chance to hear our panel discuss the challenges and realities of the industry and share their experiences leveraging their creative talent to drive positive change for other artists and innovators. So if you’re thinking about starting a business, or already running one, join us to gain insight into their journey – or simply be inspired!

On the day, you can expect to:

Examine how entrepreneurship has evolved in the music industry, focusing on the journey of Black music in Britain and how this has been impacted by trends and other cultural shiftsLearn how music artists and creatives are transforming wider popular culture and redefining BlacknessAnalyse diverse business models utilized in the industryDiscover new opportunities and potential pitfallsPut your specific questions to our expert panel.

How to build resilience as a start-up entrepreneur

London libraries are transforming the way ideas grow into successful businesses. By partnering with ten London boroughs, we are developing a community of new and existing business owners, which is free to join and open to everyone. Whether you are just setting out, need advice on protecting your intellectual property, or simply have a brilliant idea you want to discuss, we're here to guide you. Since April 2020, we have offered all of our Start-ups in London Libraries' services online, including our core workshops and virtual one-to-ones with our borough Business Champions, many of whom will be hosting sessions during Start-up Day. To find out more about Start-ups in London Libraries and how to join our thriving business community, visit bl.uk/SiLL.

Juliana is a fashion expert with over 20 years’ professional experience within the industry. Five years ago, she resigned from a Senior Director position within a Mayfair fashion company to set up her own personal styling consultancy. Today she has clients all over the world including Italy, Israel, France the UK and America and is passionate about working with her clients to reach their true style potential. She also provides a creative consultancy service that helps start-ups and established business owners to build supportive relationships to help their businesses thrive.

During this talk Juliana will discuss:
Her personal experience of moving from a comfortable position as an employee to developing a new business for the first timeThe importance of building and maintaining self confidence in yourself and your vision, and how she has done thisHow professional and personal relationships can either help or hinder your business journeyManaging feelings of self debtSelf care and networksHow she has personally built resilience

BIPC Worcestershire's In conversation with Craig Carr - the thrills and spills of running your own business

Join Angela Podmore from Kinetic Communications as she talks to Craig Carr, founder and owner of Fairburn Heating Solutions, who will share what led him to start-up his business 15 years ago and valuable insights into how both he and the business have developed. Craig will be discussing the strategies he’s adopted along the way and the key ingredients to success in business, to inspire those considering or just starting out on a business venture. We’re going to find out how Craig turns fear of failure into fuel whereby he learns from mistakes and takes his business forward. Craig will share his favourite business books – be prepared for some surprising titles!

Santander - The Business of Sustainability


Sustainability is no longer just a requirement for businesses; building a business that is more sustainable for its people, its investors, and our planet presents a huge opportunity.

Rather than treat sustainability as an afterthought or as a boost to brand image, our panellists will discuss how they have infused sustainability into their core businesses model from day one and share the inexpensive methods they used to help you do the same.

The session will be moderated by Lynne Robertson – Enterprise Education Lead and Sustainability Business Partner for Santander Business Banking.

Followed by Santander key note - Susan Davis

BIPC Glasgow: Making a difference – starting and running a business with environmental impact


Meet the local businesswomen making an impact in the environmental space at this event hosted by BIPC Glasgow, during COP26. Join us to hear their inspirational stories - their motivations, challenges and aspirations.

Sustainability is an increasingly important issue for many businesses. At this panel event you’ll hear how and why Trudi Donahue (Wild & Kind CIC), Lynne Haddow (Extincts CIC) and Fiona Lindsay (Reblade) took life changing decisions to start and run businesses with sustainability as a core principle.

The panel discusses why protection of the environment is important to them, their start-up journeys, sustainable business practices and sources of support.

Michael Cashman

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