Key leaders from successful fast growth SMEs share their journeys: how they overcame challenges like sales order growth and recruiting personnel; and the wider resources they used to help their success.
A networking event for key decision makers in fast growth SMEs and personnel at all levels looking to work in or with fast growth SMEs. Network with other fast growth SMEs and find out about resources readily available to help.
Thursday 9th July 2015, 5.45pm - 9.00pm, at WBS Teaching Centre, Warwick Business School
Warwick University Professional Alumni Networks are pleased to present this Fast Growth SME event for Warwick alumni and members of the business community. We will hear from SME business leaders as well as representatives from relevant business forums, Warwick Alumni Professional Networks, and representatives from Warwick University, who will all share their perspectives on challenges and opportunities for rapidly growing SMEs in the region.
Objectives
● Bring together SME community to share their experiences
● Discuss how Warwick University and its professional networks support business growth
● Offer opportunities for SMEs and business leaders to become involved in Warwick projects and networks
● Provide an excellent networking opportunity for SMEs, Warwick University, and Alumni
Agenda
5.45pm - 6.10pm Arrive for coffee & registration
6.10pm - 6.15pm Introduction
6.15pm - 7.15pm Keynote Speakers
- Andrew Butt, Founder & Managing Director of Enable
- Janet Martin, CEO of YourVets
- Brian Thomas, Group Finance Director of Key Forensic Services
- James Villarreal, Co-Founder of Glide
7.15pm - 7.45pm Fast Growth SME Support Resources
Presentations from:
- Quentin Compton Bishop - Warwick Ventures,Managing Director
- Prof. Stephen Roper - Professor of Enterprise at Warwick Business School
- Phil Somers - Business Growth Service
- Debbie Stocker - Warwick Alumni Professional Networks
7.45pm - 8.00pm Keynote Speakers Q&A
8.00pm - 8.15pm Networking Acceleration - optional one-minute stand-up intros for attendees
8.15pm - 9.00pm Networking Opportunity
This event is open to Warwick University Alumni, their guests (must be named) and Warwick Students, along with members of the business community. Register now!
The event is free to attend, however, all participants must register with their full details prior to attending.
FAQs
What are my transport/parking options getting to the event?
Please visit: http://www2.warwick.ac.uk/about/visiting/
Where can I contact the organiser with any questions?
Please email: events@wbs.ac.uk
Keynote Speaker Bios
Andrew Butt, CEO, Enable
Co-Founder and Managing Director of Enable (www.enable.com). Enable builds software solutions for businesses across many industries, providing business analysis, hosting and support services. Enable has increased growth year on year and been ranked in the Sunday Times as the 50th fastest growing private technology company in Britain. Andrew is also co-Founder and Director of DealTrack, a spin-off from Enable (www.deal-track.com).
Janet Martin, CEO, YourVets
A fast-growing veterinary practice with 220 employees, YourVets helps around 160,000 clients provide the best possible care for their pets across 7 large state of the art clinics in Coventry, Dagenham, Nuneaton, Rayleigh, Solihull, Stechford and Wythall. Janet Martin joined the firm in 2011 and has overseen its continuing expansion, including the opening of the Dagenham and Solihull clinics, the attainment of more than £1 million additional finance, and the recent acquisition of YourVets by CVS UK Ltd. Janet also completed an MBA at Warwick Business School in 2014.
James Villareal, CEO, Glide
James is CEO and co-founder of Glide. Glide makes bills simple for tenants and property businesses. It delivers one simple monthly bill for all utilities and services, both for tenants in shared accommodation and wanting to pay only their share, and for businesses with a portfolio of rental properties who want to cut their admin. Glide has raised over £1m development capital and now has over 40,000 customers across the UK. In 2010 James won the coveted Birmingham Young Professional of the Year award, becoming the youngest entrepreneur to win. He is a founder member of and chair of the West Midlands Young Institute of Directors.
Brian Thomas, Group Finance Director of Key Forensic Services Brian Thomas has been Group Finance Director of Key Forensic Services since 2008. Key Forensic Services is a forensic science firm offering services for legal defence, prosecution, industry and private individuals. The company is an approved supplier to the Home Office National Forensic Framework Next Generation Agreement and is contracted to the majority of UK Police forces. The firm also provides contracted forensic support to British Transport Police and HM Revenue and Customs. He has a FTSI 100 background, followed by FD roles in private, owner managed, VC and AIM-listed companies, including Key Forensic Services. In additional to scientific service companies, his sector experience includes FMCG specialist manufacturing, engineering groups and IT. He is an experienced fund raiser and change manager; a generalist with a track record of developing SMEs and adding shareholder value ahead of trade sales, flotation or other exit.