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SUMMARY:Enterprise Week: Day Four Morning
DESCRIPTION:Enterprise Week is an exciting showcase of workshops\, webinars\, events & talks all designed to help Luton’s aspiring & established entrepreneurs achieve their goals. \nThe morning of day four will inspire through the insightful Women in STEM panel. Please note that this event page is dedicated to the morning session at the Post Graduate Centre\, the afternoon sessions taking place at Morton House have their own dedicated page. \nDay four morning scheduleInspiring Women In STEM Women in STEM Panel: 10am – 12pmWomen in STEM PanelLocation: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor)\, University of Bedfordshire \nThis is a panel discussion focused on local women in STEM offering inspiration\, advice\, and insights into navigating careers in science\, technology\, engineering\, and mathematics. This event will feature accomplished women sharing their experiences\, discussing challenges\, and offering insight on career paths and education. \nLocal students will have the opportunity to attend and send questions for the panel before the event. \nAbout the panellists \nAngelina Aziz\, Auralyze.ai\nAngelina Aziz is a Senior Software Engineer\, CTO and founder of Auralyze.ai\, a Techstars-funded startup helping people accelerate their careers through AI. She began her career at 18 through an apprenticeship\, bypassing university\, and has since worked across DevOps\, infrastructure\, and product engineering at leading companies. Passionate about widening access to tech\, Angelina regularly speaks at universities and events to inspire the next generation of innovators. \nSanne Gibson\, Wizz Air\nAs a Captain at Wizz Air UK\, Sanne operate flights across Europe\, ensuring the highest standards of safety\, efficiency\, and customer satisfaction. She has accumulated over 4000 hours on the A320 family\, of which 1000+ hrs PIC and she is passionate about aviation and continuous learning. \nSanne also leads the Fatigue Risk Management team for Wizz Air UK\, where she contributes to the development and implementation of policies and procedures to enhance flight safety and roster stability. In this role\, Sanne collaborates with various stakeholders\, such as pilots\, managers\, regulators\, and researchers\, to identify and mitigate fatigue-related risks and issues. \nAdditionally\, she holds an Executive MSc in Air Transport Operations and Management with a distinction from the University of West London\, where she managed to expand my knowledge and skills in the areas of air transport economics\, strategy\, law\, and safety. Sanne also holds a Foundation degree in Air Transport Management from Buckinghamshire New University. \nDr Susan Izadkhasti\, Engineered Life by Design\nDr Susan Izadkhasti is a Leadership and Wellbeing Coach\, Scientist\, and Community Leader with a strong background in STEM and a passion for empowering people to thrive. \nShe holds an MSc in Molecular Biology and a PhD in Molecular Virology\, with doctoral research focused on developing a coronavirus vaccine. Susan began her career as a Research Scientist before moving into senior roles as an R&D Manager\, then EMEA Product Manager and Women’s Health and Cancer Specialist within biotech and medical device corporations\, where she combined scientific expertise with business innovation. \nAlongside her corporate and scientific career\, Susan has dedicated herself to leadership development. As the founder of Engineered Life by Design\, she has spent the past five years coaching leaders across the NHS\, biotech\, and beyond—helping individuals and organisations build high-performing\, sustainable cultures rooted in science\, purpose\, and personal growth. \nElisa Dubois\, easyJetElisa is an aviation engineering and aircraft enthusiast who has acquired experience in different links of the airline industry. \nAs a student during summer seasons\, she has worked with the dense structure of an international hub and experienced life as a long-haul flight attendant. Then\, after studying the intricacies of aircraft engineering and air transport management\, her career lifted off in aircraft engineering & maintenance. \nStarting as a Graduate Engineer at easyJet in 2016\, Elisa is currently responsible for easyJet’s outsourced aircraft maintenance network across 70 locations with an annual budget of £65m+.
URL:https://invest.stepforwardluton.co.uk/event/enterprise-week-day-four-morning/
LOCATION:Postgraduate Centre\, University of Bedfordshire\, 1 Vicarage Street\, Luton\, Bedfordshire\, LU1 3HZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Event
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20251006T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20251006T160000
DTSTAMP:20251002T083746Z
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SUMMARY:Launch of Enterprise Week
DESCRIPTION:Enterprise Week is an exciting showcase of workshops\, webinars\, events & talks all designed to help Luton’s aspiring & established entrepreneurs achieve their goals. \nThe 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. \nDay one scheduleLaunch & Panel Q&A Launch of Enterprise Week: 10am-12pmNetwork Lunch Networking Lunch: 12pm – 1pmSpeed Network Speed Networking: 1pm-2pmEmpower Young People Empowering Young Entrepreneurs: 2:30pm – 3:30pmLaunch of Enterprise WeekLocation: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor)\, University of Bedfordshire \nThis 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. \nThe 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. \nAbout the panellists \nSally Alington\, Ethos Farm\n \nAn experienced business leader and entrepreneur\, Sally is the founder and CEO of the Ethos Farm Group of Companies including Ethos Farm Limited (UK) and Ethos Farm Americas Incorporated (USA)\, businesses that are widely recognised leaders in the field of global customer and employee experience (CX & EX) consultancy\, learning\, innovations and data. \nSally’s passion for this sector comes from over two decades of working with airports\, airlines\, retailers\, travel-retailers\, hospitality\, and leisure organisations and it is this frontline and hands-on experience that drives the belief at the heart of Ethos Farm – your employees are your biggest asset\, they are the ambassadors of your brand and should be at the front and centre of organisational culture and CX strategies. \nWith customer experience now being the main platform upon which organisations compete\, Ethos Farm’s services have never been in more demand. The company was listed in The Sunday Times 100 in 2025 for a third consecutive year\, ranking as the 12th Fastest Growing Private Company in the UK. \nEthos Farm is a Great Place to Work Top 100 organisation\, Top 100 for Women\, Top 100 for Wellbeing and was also recently listed as a Top 100 in the Hospitality\, Retail and Leisure sector. \nSally was recently crowned the UK Customer Experience Leader of the Year at the UK CXAs and won the Sunday Times 100 Leadership Award 2023. Last year Sally was a finality in the EY Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2023 Sally won the UK everywoman 2023 Next Level Entrepreneur of the Year and since become an everywoman ambassador. \nWayne Cartmel\, MyNewTerm\nWayne 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. \nKieran Todd\, Volume Studios\n \nKieran Todd is Co-Founder and Creative Director of Volume Studios\, a Luton-based creative agency started with the goal of keeping world-class creativity rooted locally. He works with start-ups and global brands to craft stories that feel culturally alive\, while exploring how design and new technologies can open fresh opportunities for growth. \nDaniel Coyle\, Ryebridge Construction\nDaniel 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. \nRyebridge Construction is an award-winning civil engineering company focused on achieving the highest level of quality using sustainable working practices\, ensuring clients receive the highest level of quality in their projects. \nFounded in 2009\, initially to service London Luton Airport\, the company has expanded to enjoy significant success elsewhere in the UK and abroad – including the new Tottenham stadium\, Gibraltar Airport\, Bristol Airport and Southampton Port. \nDaniel has a strong sense of family and community. He\, his young family and his business are rooted in the area and he is committed to the wellbeing and prosperity of the region. \nJustine Maroudias\, Talk UK TelecomJustine 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. \nAlongside running Talk UK\, she serves as a Board Director for the Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce and is a proud support of the Good Business Charter\, championing responsible business practices\, employee wellbeing\, and community growth. She is also a regular sponsor and exhibitor at local business events including the ‘Your Business Expo’ and ‘Herts Big Buzz’\, and hosts her own event annually. \nPassionate about entrepreneurship and growth\, Justine has navigated the highs and lows of scaling a business\, from adapting from changing markets to building and motivating high-performing teams. She brings a wealth of experience in leadership\, resilience\, and creating long-term opportunities\, and is driven by a mission to help other business owners thrive.Steve Pittom\, Jaltek Systems\nSteve 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. \nUnder Steve’s leadership\, Jaltek has evolved from a traditional electronics manufacturer into a full-service\, vertically integrated provider\, offering everything from PCB layout and prototyping to full system assembly and lifecycle support. He has championed strategic investment in digital transformation\, most notably with the implementation of FactoryLogix MES\, enhancing traceability\, efficiency\, and real-time operational visibility across production. \nA key proponent of UK-based innovation and manufacturing resilience\, Steve has overseen major expansions in Jaltek’s capabilities and facilities\, including a significant increase in manufacturing footprint and workforce recruitment to meet rising customer demand. He has also guided the company through crucial partnerships and certifications including AS9100 and  ISO 13485\, aligning Jaltek with the evolving needs of highly regulated sectors. \nSteve is known for his forward-thinking leadership\, collaborative customer engagement\, and a strong emphasis on quality\, transparency\, and continuous improvement. He remains a vocal advocate for the future of UK electronics manufacturing and for developing the next generation of engineering talent. \nNetworking LunchLocation: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor)\, University of Bedfordshire \nFollowing 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. \nSpeed NetworkingLocation: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor)\, University of Bedfordshire \nAn 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. \nAbout the speaker \nScott Devine\, Bedfordshire Chamber of Commerce\nScott 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. \nEmpowering Young Entrepreneurs (18-30)Location: Post Graduate Lounge Area (Ground Floor)\, University of Bedfordshire \nWith 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. \nYou’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. \nAbout the speaker \nDawn Bainbridge\, Bedfordshire & Luton Community Foundation\nAs 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.
URL:https://invest.stepforwardluton.co.uk/event/launch-of-enterprise-week/
LOCATION:Postgraduate Centre\, University of Bedfordshire\, 1 Vicarage Street\, Luton\, Bedfordshire\, LU1 3HZ\, United Kingdom
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SUMMARY:Fundraising Masterclass
DESCRIPTION:Funding Options for High Growth Potential SMEs & How to Achieve itThis fundraising masterclass will be hosted by Colin Spiller of Zenis Limited! The interactive workshop will look at the practical issues on growing a high growth potential SME with external funding. With so many key topics being discussed for free\, make sure to grab your ticket fast before they are gone! \nAreas that will be explored: \n\nAngel Money/Venture Capitalists and what they look for in businesses.\nEnterprise Investment Scheme (EIS) and Seed Enterprise Investment Scheme (SEIS) – why they are important for angel investors.\nSources of Angel Money.\nOther sources of potential funding.\nAlternatives to external funding – organic growth from accelerating sales & improved account management.\nWhat you can do to prepare yourself for external funding.\nFundraising best practice and key mistakes to avoid.\nHow much time will the top management team have to invest in fundraising?\nWhere does crowd funding fit into early stage fundraising?\nShould you consider gifting\, or loans and which crowd funding site to use?\nValuation of your business and the terminology behind it.\n\nCollin Spiller’s background: \nColin worked as a Business Development Manager for an early-stage Tech focus Venture Capitalist (VC) for over 6 years. During this time he generated an extra £1.5m for their investee companies. Since then he has launched the London Angel Club for Angels Den\, which typically raised £1m to £2m for 8 – 10 businesses per annum for 7 years! Alongside this he delivered their masterclasses for new Angel Investors. Colin currently co-leads the meetings of the 3Cs Community\, is a Non-Executive Director for the Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce Board (and has launched their successful Entrepreneur Foundation). Colin is also frequently invited to join pitching judge panels as well as deliver workshops on both ‘Raising Angel Finance’ and ‘For Angels; How to Invest in Early Stage Businesses’.
URL:https://invest.stepforwardluton.co.uk/event/fundraising-masterclass-2/
LOCATION:Postgraduate Centre\, University of Bedfordshire\, 1 Vicarage Street\, Luton\, Bedfordshire\, LU1 3HZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Event
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DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20240509
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20240511
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SUMMARY:Radio 1 Big Weekend: Opportunities for your Business
DESCRIPTION:Step Forward Luton is inviting Luton businesses to attend an in-person information event on Thursday 9th May to learn more about how your business can make the most of the Radio 1 Big Weekend in Luton (24 to 26 May 2024). It was also delve into how Step Forward Luton will support wider business promotion outside of the Big Weekend. \nWith over 100\,000 people expected to attend across the 3 days\, the Radio 1 Big Weekend is expected to generate more than a £3.7 million economic boost for our local businesses. \nWe want to ensure local businesses benefit as much as possible by providing information on the number of opportunities and support available outside of the Big Weekend. We will also be addressing how the Radio 1 Big Weekend could impact your business. \nOn 9 May\, there will be two sessions available for businesses to attend with an alternative virtual session being organised for a later date for any businesses who cannot attend the in-person times. \nEach session will cover a number of details for businesses linked to the Big Weekend\, including: \n\nHow to sign up your business and create exclusive deals for visitors on our new Step Forward Luton app \n\nInformation on marketing opportunities for your business that support wider business promotion and support \n\nInformation on other events\, activations and town dressing taking place \n\nTraffic management information and guidance for your business on the impact of the event
URL:https://invest.stepforwardluton.co.uk/event/radio-1-big-weekend-opportunities-for-your-business/
LOCATION:Postgraduate Centre\, University of Bedfordshire\, 1 Vicarage Street\, Luton\, Bedfordshire\, LU1 3HZ\, United Kingdom
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