Enterprise Week is an exciting showcase of workshops, webinars, events & talks all designed to help Luton’s aspiring & established entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
The second day of Enterprise Week will cover four separate workshops – Social Media & Digital Marketing, Digital Transformation through AI, Soft Skills for Entrepreneurial Success, and Helping Your Business Thrive in Luton.
Day two schedule
Digital Session
Social Media & Digital Marketing Workshop: 10am – 11am
AI Session
Digital Transformation through AI: 11:30am – 12:30pm
Success Journey
Your Journey to Entrepreneurial Success Workshop: 1:30pm – 3pm
Business Thriving
Helping Your Business Thrive in Luton Workshop: 3:30pm – 4:30pm
Social Media & Digital Marketing
How to use social media to market your business, and how to gain the skills you need. Hear from current and past apprentices’ who have undertaken a marketing apprenticeship, as well as staff and training providers who use social media marketing.
About the speakers
Catherine Kirby is the Programme Manager for Apprenticeships at Luton Council. Catherine is passionate about support 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.
Nazahah is a Senior Performance Analyst at Luton Council, currently completing a Level 4 apprenticeship in Data Analysis. She joined Luton Council as a Business Administration Apprentice and has completed three apprenticeships since, with her current one being the fourth. One of these apprenticeships was in Digital Marketing, which is where her interest in data first developed.
Niall is the Place Activation & Marketing Officer for Luton Council. He graduated with a degree in Business from Nottingham Trent University in 2022 and has worked for Luton Council for 2 years in a couple of roles. His current role as Place Activation & Marketing Officer focuses on town centre events, activation and the Step Forward Luton brand.
Digital Transformation through AI
Explore how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of business. Led by Luton AI at the University of Bedfordshire, this session translates cutting‑edge AI developments into practical solutions – demonstrating how digital transformation can drive operational efficiency, unlock innovation, and strengthen the long‑term resilience and growth of organisations of all sizes.
About the speaker
Dr Ed Braund is an Associate Professor in Computational Intelligence, Head of the School of Computing, Engineering, and Creative Industries, and Director of Luton AI at the University of Bedfordshire. His world-leading research focuses on the information processing abilities of biological, chemical, and physical systems to develop bio-processors, sensors, and new forms of computational intelligences. With colleagues, Ed recently created Luton AI, a civic organisation based at the University, which capitalises on the university’s expertise in AI and automation research to foster an ecosystem that drives business innovation and creates high-skilled job opportunities in the region. Since its launch in Spring 2024, Luton AI has engaged over 300 organisations and conducted specialised projects to support AI transformation. Ed has previously held senior leadership positions at other universities and has extensive consulting experience.
Your Journey to Entrepreneurial Success
Discover the essential soft skills every entrepreneur needs to thrive. This interactive workshop will explore techniques for managing stress, building resilience, and staying motivated through the highs and lows of business. Perfect for anyone looking to strengthen their mindset and personal effectiveness.
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.
Helping Your Business Thrive in Luton
Discover the wealth of support available to help your business grow in Luton. Hear from Wenta, the Growth Hub, and the University of Bedfordshire’s Research & Innovation Service as they share practical insights, services, and success stories. Each provider will present for 20 minutes, including a business case study to bring their support to life.
About the speakers
About Michael
As Wenta’s Head of Net Zero & Business Advice Team, Michael leads six advisory colleagues and oversees Wenta’s decarbonisation and sustainability support for clients.
During the last thirty years, Michael has founded five ventures, including three as employer, two sold as going concerns and was formerly the unsalaried founder of a registered mental health charity. A business advisor, trainer and management consultant, Michael has been instrumental in raising £3m+ in equity funding and grant awards for clients.
Michael’s areas of expertise
- Start-up, investment-readiness, growth, transfer, IP & IPR, licensing, distribution, strategy, operations, marketing, sales, L&D, mentoring, exits, business transfer and acquisition
- Specialisms: Decarbonisation and sustainability, charities and social enterprise, education and training, cycle industry, creative fields, textiles, Wearable Tech.
Who he works with
- Pre-start clients, early-stage and established owner-managers, micro-ventures and small business/social enterprise/charities (senior management teams) – cross-sector in commercial context and in social enterprise
- Stakeholders (e.g. Local Authorities, etc.), partner providers and community groups
Background and experience
Beyond founding five ventures in B2B, B2C and social enterprise, Michael has undertaken freelance, interim, project management and NED roles. Michael originated endorsed enterprise-learning programmes for schools, for 10 years managing a roster of 14 tutors delivering in over 80 learning establishments across the East of England.
In the charity, Michael recruited 27 volunteers and 35 accredited psychotherapists. The combined model – tailored cycling plans, practical help with work choices and confidential counselling – won Public Health England support and sponsorship.
Key achievements
- In 2024, Michael led the preparation for and achievement of ISO 9001:2015 Accredited Certification by BSI for Wenta’s Business Advice & Support (BAST) provision
- Led BAST advisors to achieve record metrics for the last two successive years in business starts, hours of advisory support and GVA for programme provision
- In advisory roles, undertaken over 9000 1:1 client sessions during the last 25 years with 75% survival rate at 3 years trading, averaging over 300 starts per year
- Co-recipient of the Institute of Small Business & Entrepreneurship’s 2024 Award for Sustainability, as co-author of an Enterprise Research Centre (ERC) research paper (findings from study of Wenta Action Zero support for clients)
- In 2025, Michael was recognised by Watford F.C. in winning their charitable trust ‘Sustainable Champion’ award
Manager of the South Midlands Growth Hub, Ruth is a SEFDI-qualified business advisor with over 20 years’ experience helping businesses and social enterprises grow. With expertise in business development, marketing, and networking, she empowers entrepreneurs to build skills, confidence, and lasting success.
Christopher Fox is an experienced project manager and business partnership manager with a proven track record of developing and delivering initiatives that connect universities, businesses, and communities. Currently serving as Business Project Manager at the University of Bedfordshire, Chris leads on the delivery of several UK Shared Prosperity Fund programmes working in partnership with a number of local authorities to support business in their region. His role combines stakeholder engagement, compliance management, and fostering collaborations that support both business growth and graduate outcomes.
With a background in accounting and finance, Chris brings strong analytical and commercial insight. His career spans roles as Business Development Manager, Programme Director, and Business Advisor across organisations such as Bedfordshire Rural Communities Charity, delivering business start up programmes for the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), running both his own business and also for others. He has extensive experience in supporting Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), from securing funding and negotiating commercial leases to launching community enterprises including cafés, farm shops, and bakeries.
Justin was appointed Chief Executive at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce in 2018 to spearhead an exciting period of investment and transformation at the Chamber. Having previously worked as Head of Finance & Strategic Partnerships, Justin has led on a number of local business support programmes and can draw on an extensive network to bring insight into the current local business and economic landscape. Justin is passionate about fostering a collaborative business network and providing a platform for local businesses to connect and build meaningful long-term relationships. His remit, and that of the Chamber, is to provide a voice for business and become an enabler for local companies to grow and succeed.
Stacey Pretty is the Marketing Director at Let’s Do Marketing; part of award-winning Let’s Do Business Group. She leads the design and delivery of impactful business support programmes across the South and South East, including Luton’s Luton Online Digital Marketing Launchpad. With a strong background in digital marketing, Stacey has developed a wide range of workshops and training sessions, as well as providing marketing consultancy on things such as strategy, website development and SEO.
