Enterprise Week is an exciting showcase of workshops, webinars, events & talks all designed to help Luton’s aspiring & established entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
Day three of Enterprise Week will highlight opportunities for upskilling, how to move into self-employment, as well as how to win more work for your business.
Day three schedule
Learn Skills
Opportunities for Upskilling Panel: 9:30am – 11am
Employ Yourself
Support to Self-Employment Talk: 11:30am – 1pm
Win Tenders
Winning Contracts Workshop: 1:30pm – 3pm
Pitch Perfect
Sales Pitch Workshop: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Opportunities for Upskilling
Location: Factory Floor, Hat Factory
Learning new skills is a great way to springboard your career. With constant advancements in technology, working practices and the need to develop skills for the future, doing an apprenticeship is a great way to develop yourself. With courses ranging from Level 2 to Level 7 (Masters) we can support you to find the right course where you won’t have to pay any tuition fees, you will earn while you learn, the knowledge you acquire will be practical and applied and ultimately be well-placed in a competitive job market.
About the speakers
Dr Rhidian Lewis has worked at the University of Bedfordshire since 2013. Initially Rhidian worked within the Business School as Associate Dean for Enterprise and Employability working with large corporates as well as small and medium sized businesses from across our region. Much of this centered on supporting businesses gain access to relevant support, guidance and training opportunities. Since 2017 Rhidian has championed the opportunities that exist for employers and employees through the modern apprenticeships programme. Currently Rhidian is the University of Bedfordshire’s Lead for Enterprise Engagement and Apprenticeships working across all Faculties and disciplines to raise awareness amongst external stakeholder of the services that are available through engagement with the University including Consultancy, Research, Training as well as a developing portfolio of apprenticeships.
Catherine is the Programme Manager for Apprenticeships at Luton Council. She is passionate about supporting social mobility through apprenticeships, actively promoting apprenticeships with employers across Luton. Luton Council will support non-levy paying organisations through Apprenticeship Levy Transfer to fund the training costs of an apprenticeship.
Support to Self-Employment
Location: Factory Floor, Hat Factory
If you have a business idea that you would like to develop but do not know how to make that transition into self-employment, this session is perfect for you. We will help you to discover what tailored support, resources, and expert guidance is available to help you confidently step into self-employment and for you to become your own boss. This session will include help with creating a business plan, understanding how Access to Work and Connect to Work could help to provide you will ongoing support.
About the speakers
Sadia is the work coach team leader and site lead for self-employment working in the Department of Work and Pension.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is a UK government department responsible for supporting people through various stages of life, particularly in relation to work, income, and wellbeing. It plays a key role in helping individuals move towards employment or sustain self-employment, offering guidance and access to resources that promote financial independence. The DWP works with partners across sectors to reduce barriers to work and encourage personal development, aiming to create opportunities for people to thrive in the labour market.
Mansoor is the enhanced self-employment work coach working in the Department of Work and Pension.
The Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) is a UK government department responsible for supporting people through various stages of life, particularly in relation to work, income, and wellbeing. It plays a key role in helping individuals move towards employment or sustain self-employment, offering guidance and access to resources that promote financial independence. The DWP works with partners across sectors to reduce barriers to work and encourage personal development, aiming to create opportunities for people to thrive in the labour market.
Sophie Inman is the Employment Specialist Team Leader at Luton Borough Council, where she leads the team delivering the Department for Work and Pension funded Connect to Work Programme. This locally led team provides a range of tailored employment support for individuals facing a range of complex barriers, to assist them to secure and sustain employment or self-employment.
Matt is a dedicated business advisor with over 20 years of experience working with a variety of companies, including Eurostar, Lastminute.com, Teletext Holidays, and Voyage Privé. His expertise in business growth, marketing, business planning, and sales makes him a trusted guide for entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into reality.
Having successfully run his own business, Matt understands first-hand the excitement and challenges of starting and growing a business. He is highly experienced in working closely with Job Centres and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, he has a particular passion for helping them navigate the transition into self-employment with practical guidance, encouragement, and strategic insight.
Friendly, approachable, and genuinely invested in the success of those he supports, Matt takes a hands-on, tailored approach to advising entrepreneurs. Whether it’s building a strong foundation, developing an effective marketing strategy, or boosting sales, he is committed to equipping aspiring business owners with the skills, confidence, and support network they need to succeed.
Winning Contracts Workshop
Location: Factory Floor, Hat Factory
Top tips for tendering, aimed at all suppliers who are keen to understand what the Council wants to see in tender responses (new bidders) and those who have contracts with the Council and are ager to be successful again in the future. Simple signposting and lessons learnt from a Head of Service with over 20 years’ experience in procurement and supporting businesses.
About the speaker
Catharine is the Head of Procurement Manager at Luton Borough Council, she leads strategic procurement initiatives across the organisation. With extensive experience in public sector procurement and a commitment to best value and compliance, Catharine plays a pivotal role in ensuring that contracts and purchasing decisions align with both local and national regulations.
Sales Pitch Workshop
Location: Factory Floor, Hat Factory
Your pitch can make or break a business opportunity. This hands-on workshop will help entrepreneurs craft compelling sales pitches that capture attention and drive results. Learn practical techniques to communicate your value with confidence and clarity.
About the speaker
Matt is a dedicated business advisor with over 20 years of experience working with a variety of companies, including Eurostar, Lastminute.com, Teletext Holidays, and Voyage Privé. His expertise in business growth, marketing, business planning, and sales makes him a trusted guide for entrepreneurs looking to turn their ideas into reality.
Having successfully run his own business, Matt understands first-hand the excitement and challenges of starting and growing a business. He is highly experienced in working closely with Job Centres and supporting individuals from diverse backgrounds, he has a particular passion for helping them navigate the transition into self-employment with practical guidance, encouragement, and strategic insight.
Friendly, approachable, and genuinely invested in the success of those he supports, Matt takes a hands-on, tailored approach to advising entrepreneurs. Whether it’s building a strong foundation, developing an effective marketing strategy, or boosting sales, he is committed to equipping aspiring business owners with the skills, confidence, and support network they need to succeed.
