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Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Fireside Chat with Sara Davies MBE


    Join us for an inspirational evening with renowned business mogul and TV Dragon, Sara Davies MBE, Founder and Creative Director of Crafter’s Companion. Sara founded her business from her university bedroom and forged her way through the world of business – and, in her own words, she’s never done anything by halves!

    Her drive, determination and inspiration have paved her way to success. She’s passionate about sharing the hard-earned knowledge, expertise and insights that she’s picked up along the way, and keeping the door of opportunity wide open for others keen to turn their dreams into a reality.

    This fireside chat will be hosted by TV presenter, lawyer and Business Coach, Denise Nurse.


Speakers

Denise Nurse

TV presenter, Lawyer and Business Coach

Sara Davies MBE

BBC Dragon and Founder of Crafter's Companion

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Inspiring Entrepreneurs: Fashion Retail Reimagined


Online retail sales for textiles, clothing and footwear reached an unprecedented peak of 31% in 2020, as reported by UKFT, and in the UK alone the fashion and textile sector boasts a staggering 34,045 businesses. Now in 2023, the industry of fashion retail is witnessing the emergence of several exciting trends that are revolutionizing the shopping experience.

TikTok's live shopping experience, the growth of omni-channel retail, the increasing importance of second-hand fashion, supply chain innovations, and the rise of diversity and inclusivity are reshaping the fashion retail landscape. With these emerging trends, traditional brick-and-mortar shops have been reimagined, giving way to a new era of shopping experiences that seamlessly blend the physical and digital realms.

Our panel of five inspiring fashion experts and entrepreneurs will explore how these changes are influencing the industry and share valuable insights on leveraging these shifts to your advantage – leaving you inspired, informed, and ready to conquer the future of fashion retail.

Quotes: https://www.ukft.org/business-advice/industry-reports-and-stats. and Top Fashion Retail Trends of 2023: Innovations Shaping the Industry — Femestella.

On the day, expect to:

Discover the intersection of high-end fashion and sustainability that is reshaping the market through consumer-to-consumer shared economy modelsExplore the latest business models in fashion retail, from traditional high street to cutting-edge online platformsLearn about the world of pop-up shops, offering not only unique shopping experiences but also sales opportunities for start-upsDive into the thriving market of live shopping, from social media live videos to online shop ecommerce platformsUnderstand how small businesses are establishing successful retail and ecommerce identities to grow their brandLearn how the power of innovative concepts, combined with community support, can revolutionise shopping in key locations.

For those joining us in person, the event will be followed by a networking reception with drinks, canapés, meeting with other attendees, as well as the speakers. For those joining us online, the panel and talk will run from 18.30 – 20.30

This event is tailored to those who are just thinking about starting a business, are already a business owner who wants to learn more, or perhaps simply wish to establish a stronger network. Attendees will leave this event feeling inspired and engaged.

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 todayThe ways in which women are rising in recovery within a post-pandemic worldThe 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.

How to get your head around the numbers


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.

Understanding your numbers is crucial in building a financially fit business and knowing the fundamentals will allow you to make the most informed start-up financial decisions.

In this session we will try to demystify and simplify the notions of cost, cash flow and profit, and help you understand how they affect your business and why they are important in your decision-making process.

Community as a service: a model for enhancing sustainability in business


This talk looks at the need to connect with community and other business owners during difficult times. When things became challenging, the panel had to quickly learn to lean on their communities. This helped them build a network to sustain their businesses, but also share knowledge, skills and experience with their peers.

Each of the three speakers on this panel has a compelling story about how their community helped them pivot and build resilience through a network. Find out how communities generate value and how to build your own community-as-a-service network, whether you’re just starting or looking to grow your business's activity.

BIPC Northamptonshire: Doing good and making money


Business & IP Centre Northamptonshire is hosting an open conversation exploring social enterprise, mental health and wellbeing, and environmental sustainability. Is it really possible to make money and do good at the same time?

Join Barry Crisp from BIPC Northamptonshire to find out, as he discusses the topic with Agi Brodzinski (Jolibi), Ali Mitchell (Wildflowers), Ben Francoise (Saints Coffee) and Salma Shah (Granola by Salma Shah).

Michael Cashman

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