Enterprise Week is an exciting showcase of workshops, webinars, events & talks all designed to help Luton’s aspiring & established entrepreneurs achieve their goals.
The first day of Enterprise Week will cover a panel of successful entrepreneurs discussing their experiences throughout their journeys, a networking lunch, a speed networking experience, and an introduction to self-employment workshop.
Day one schedule
Launch & Panel Q&A
Launch of Enterprise Week: 10am-12pm
Network Lunch
Networking Lunch: 12pm – 1pm
Speed Network
Speed Networking: 1pm-2pm
Empower Young People
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Launch of Enterprise Week
Location: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor), University of Bedfordshire
This is a great opportunity for aspiring entrepreneurs to hear first-hand from successful business owners who will offer valuable insights into their journey, and discuss navigating challenges, making strategic decisions, scaling a business and finding opportunities.
The panel discussion will be followed by a Q&A session where you’ll be given the opportunity to question the panel about their experiences, allowing you to better understand the realities of building a business and overcoming challenges to build on successes.
About the panellists
Networking Lunch
Location: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor), University of Bedfordshire
Following our launch event where you will have heard from our keynote speaker Sally Allington from Ethos farm and panel members discussing their journey in establishing successful businesses, book a place at our networking lunch. This will be your chance to meet and connect with Luton entrepreneurs at a relaxed and friendly lunch.
Speed Networking
Location: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor), University of Bedfordshire
An engaging and dynamic session providing businesses with an opportunity to make meaningful connections in a limited time. You will able to meet a range of business leaders from across Luton to exchange ideas and discover potential partnerships in a fast paced setting. During the event, participants will rotate in groups of 5 to 6 to allow focused exchanges.
About the speaker
Empowering Young Entrepreneurs (18-30)
Location: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor), University of Bedfordshire
With Luton being a young town and ranked as the best UK city/town for starting a new business this event could help you to springboard your business idea. In this session you will learn how to formulate a business plan, how to write and present a pitch and then be at the launch of our new programme for 2026 where you will be able to pitch your idea to a panel of experienced entrepreneurial judges and win the opportunity to be mentored by one of our panel and receive a start-up grant of £2,000.
You’ll also hear from the Bedfordshire and Luton Community Foundation who will be talking about an exciting grant programme to support young entrepreneurs through their SWEF Enterprise Fund which offers grants of up to £2,000 to support young people aged between 18-30 to build their business.
About the speaker



Wayne Cartmel is the Founder & CEO of MyNewTerm, a recruitment platform he launched in Luton. MyNewTerm supports over 5,000 schools and trusts nationwide, helping them digitise their recruitment process and connect directly with candidates.
Daniel is the Founder and Managing Director of civil engineering and building contractor Ryebridge Limited and has worked in the construction industry for 25 years and the aviation sector for 15 years.
Justine Maroudias is the Owner and Director of Talk UK Telecom Ltd, a Bedfordshire-based telecommunications company providing business mobile, broadband, phone systems, and energy solutions. With over 30 years of experience in the telecoms industry, Justine has built a reputation for her straight-talking, people-first approach to business and her commitment to supporting local enterprises.
Steve Pittom is the Managing Director of Jaltek Systems Ltd, a UK-based electronics design and manufacturing solutions provider, Steve has led the company for over 25 years. With a background in electronics and operations management, Steve has played a pivotal role in transforming Jaltek into a highly respected and agile EMS (Electronics Manufacturing Services) partner serving sectors including aerospace, defence, medical, industrial, and automotive.
Scott is Commercial Manager at Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce, where he brings hundreds of businesses together through a number of events each year. Passionate about building connections, promoting local enterprise, and support business growth, he works closely with organisations to help them thrive on a local, regional, and international scale.
As Head of Business Development, Dawn works closely with BLCF’s CEO and senior leadership team to lead the Foundation’s long-term income growth, partnerships, and strategic business initiatives. Dawn is responsible for securing funding for new programmes, expanding BLCF’s philanthropic reach, and enhancing their corporate social responsibility and social value work. Dawn’s role involves identifying and cultivating partnerships across sectors—including businesses, local authorities, other funders and not-for-profits—while overseeing the development and delivery of a portfolio of strategic partnerships. She plays a key role in shaping and delivering BLCF’s Strategic Plan, driving sustainable growth and amplifying the Foundation’s impact across the communities they serve.