New Business Thinking.

Bristol. June 18-19 2025.

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We connect, champion and inspire entrepreneurial thinkers from any discipline. The unexpected and remarkable occurs when new business thinkers share time and space.We connect, champion and inspire entrepreneurial thinkers from any discipline. The unexpected and remarkable occurs when new business thinkers share time and space.

Jun 18. 09:00 - 17:00

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09:00 - 09:30

EntreConversations...

Join us for the start of EntreConf. Registrations will be open from this point. Join us for networking and get ready for the day ahead!

10:00 - 10:30

Billion dollar man

Christian Owens • Paddle

The untold story of a teenage coder who created a billion dollar company: Paddle. And what's next for Christian Owens? This session is in Partnership with Isio.

11:00 - 11:30

The Next Big Thing

Giovanna Laudisio • Naturbeads

Giovanna Laudisio of cleantech startup Naturebeads, which has raised £7.8m and is seeking to raise a further £60m in all.

11:30 - 12:00

EntreConversations...

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12:00 - 12:30

Exits, bumps in the road

Alex Lloyd • Burges Salmon, Tim Edwards • Network N

Ultimate emotional crescendo: what's it really like selling all or part of your business? With Network N's Tim Edwards

12:30 - 13:00

Steven Bartlett, team-building and entrepreneurs

Amy Golding • Steven Bartlett’s Private Office

Amy Golding runs Steven Bartlett's commercial activities and was the UK's youngest female £100m-sales CEO. Insights abound…

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

Join us for lunch provided by Eat a Pitta, plus more EntreConversations...

14:00 - 14:30

Finding Your Perfect Funding Path

Richard Spilsbury • Link Stone Advisory, Olly Cox • Foresight Group

Discover the smartest funding strategies for your business with expert insights from our advisory panel.

14:30 - 15:00

The AI Triptych

Bruno Oliveira • University of Bath

Exclusive research: AI and the three stages of entrepreneurialism. How AI redefines what is possible for founders plus the three actions you need to take.

15:00 - 15:30

EntreConversations...

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15:30 - 16:55

The EntreConf PitchCase

Agatha Yerbury • revflo, Christian Owens • Paddle, James Courtney • LUX Rewards, Ursula Morgan • SewShare, Gillian Ridley Whittle • Peachaus, Lauren Couch • GS Verde Corporate Finance

Real Companies, Real Insights: Watch five companies pitch for investment and gain actionable advice from our expert panel.

Jun 19. 09:00 - 17:00

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09:00 - 09:30

EntreConversations...

Get ready for the start of EntreConf Day 2!

09:30 - 10:00

The Next Big Thing

Furqan • Sora Aviation

Furqan of Sora Aviation: electric vertical take-off planes, on operating in a hot sector and seeking to raise a cool $1 billion.

10:00 - 10:30

We Go Again

Zara Nanu • WorkVue & Gapsquare

Second time around: what's different, better for Zara Nanu? What's the impulse, what are the learnings?

10:30 - 11:00

Prepping For Exit

Matt Chandler • Albert Goodman

It's never too early to start. Albert Goodman walks through the theory and practice of readying for the single biggest event.

11:00 - 11:30

AI: Prompts To Thinking

Nathan Baranowski • Digital Wonderlab, Rosie Bennett • University of Bristol’s portfolio of incubators, innovation hubs

How are entrepreneurs using AI inside their own companies? What are they advising clients? A panel discussion.

11:30 - 12:00

EntreConversations...

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12:00 - 12:30

The Cider Maker's Tale

Eleanor Thatcher • Thatchers Cider

Keeping it fresh: Eleanor Thatcher's fifth generational entrepreneurialism and the blend of ancient and modern.

12:30 - 13:00

The Leverage Effect 1.0

Bob Mytton • Mytton Williams

How (and when) can bold brand identity best add value? Bob Mytton explains how to add value at the most vital times.

13:00 - 14:00

Lunch

Join us for lunch provided by Eat a Pitta, plus more EntreConversations...

14:00 - 14:30

The Rights Stuff

Madelaine Thomas • Image Angel

Championing digital rights (and boostrapped by sex work): from one idea to the UN, Madelaine Thomas' remarkable oddysey.

14:30 - 15:15

Gymshark: Riding the Unicorn… Building a Billion Dollar Brand

Steve Hewitt • Gymshark

Just how do you scale from £5m to £500m sales? Inside story of one of the UK's biggest sucesses with Gymshark CEO Steve Hewitt

15:30 - 16:00

EntreConversations...

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15:00 - 15:30

The Leverage Effect 2.0

Evie Andrews • Square Works

How networks, contacts and workplaces can add unexpected value to your business; an eclectic panel discussion.

17:00 - 17:30

EntreConversations...

Join us for more EntreConversations and to reflect on a fantastic two days of inspirational insights!

2025 Speakers

Amy Golding

CEO • Steven Bartlett’s Private Office

Amy Golding, widely regarded as one of the UK’s most dynamic business leaders, made history as she reportedly became “the youngest female CEO of a $100 million turnover company”, when she took the helm at Opus Talent Solutions in 2017. Under her transformative leadership, the company soared to global prominence in technology and renewable energy recruitment, culminating in a high-value private equity sale in 2021. This milestone confirmed Amy’s exceptional talent for scaling and exiting market-leading businesses. As CEO of Steven Bartlett’s Private Office, she is responsible for overseeing the investment strategy across the portfolio, leveraging her expertise in tech, talent, and investment to drive sustainable growth. Amy is also on the Board of Flight Story, Bartlett’s media and investment company, where she acts as a link between Steven’s private office team and FlightStory leadership.

Christian Owens

Founder • Paddle

Christian Owens founded Paddle in 2012 when he was 18. He led Paddle as CEO for 11 years, scaling the business to 4,000 customers, completing a $200M acquisition of US-based ProfitWell, and a $1.4 billion valuation In addition to Paddle, Christian invests in 5-10 seed-stage startups per year. He's been named in the Forbes 30 Under 30, and is a Thiel Fellow. Since stepping down from Paddle in 2024, Christian has been working on a new company which is currently in stealth. This session is in Partnership with Isio.

Steve Hewitt

CEO • Gymshark

Steve will be talking about the inside story of one of the UK’s most successful-ever start-ups: Gymshark. In nine years as its CEO and Executive Chairman, he oversaw sales growth from £5m to £500m. Powerful entrepreneurial thinking – and learnings – throughout. Steve is the ex-EMEA Commercial Director of Reebok/Adidas; a Changemaker with BCH / Partner with St. Basils charity; and the Founder of Whanau – an advisory / investment organisation that supports the fast-growing SMEs. He's also a (very) proud Geordie. This session is in Partnership with AMBITIOUS.

Eleanor Thatcher

Fifth Generation Cider Maker • Thatchers Cider

Born and brought up at Myrtle Farm, where cider has been made since 1904, she has farming truly in her blood. Early memories of walking through the apple orchards with her grandfather are held very dear to her. Eleanor’s initiation into the cider making business started in 2018. Since then she has worked throughout the company, gaining valuable experience from the ground up and an in-depth knowledge of every part of the business. Eleanor’s passion is protecting the environment and ensuring sustainability of the business for future generations, reducing Thatchers’ carbon footprint and protecting biodiversity.

James Courtney

Co-founder • LUX Rewards

Lux Rewards, a UK-based loyalty tech startup founded by University of Bath alumnus and current Executive MBA student James Courtney, has been acquired by global rewards giant Enigmatic Smile in an eight-figure deal. It’s a remarkable turnaround story—just a few years ago, the company was weeks away from shutting down. Now, it reaches over 105 million cardholders worldwide and is a leader in card-linked rewards This story may be particularly relevant, as James’ journey from growing up in Bristol to becoming a leading entrepreneur is truly inspiring. After excelling academically, he went on to win the University of Bath Business Plan Competition twice and was also recognised by winning the EntreConf Award— for his entrepreneurial achievements. He now leads one of the UK’s fastest-growing loyalty tech startups.

Alex Lloyd

Partner • Burges Salmon

Alex is a partner in the firm’s Corporate and M&A team, working in all areas of corporate finance, and is also a member of the firm’s Technology sector group. Alex has a particular focus on technology sector M&A, venture capital and private equity and leads the firm’s Emerging Companies practice at the firm, supporting high-growth businesses and their investors.

Agatha Yerbury

Founder & CEO • revflo

Currently Founder & CEO of revflo, Agatha is a strategic commercial leader and qualified lawyer with deep experience from senior management roles in leading global organisations in media and gaming. With a strong track record in scaling businesses globally and broad experience across the creative industries, she has a passion for supporting creators.

Andy Salmon

Pro-Vice Chancellor External Affairs • Bath Spa University

Professor Andy Salmon, moved to Bath four years ago from Cambridge, currently focusing on regeneration, social cohesion, place making, and the development of human and social value through the ISTART and other projects. Roles include: pro vice chancellor External Bath Spa University, chair of corporation at Bath College, director of the London Film Academy, tutor for the National Centre for Entrepreneurship in Education.

Bob Mytton

Founder • Mytton Williams

Bob co-founded Mytton Williams, a strategic, creative studio, in 1996. Projects have encompassed all aspects of branding, working with global brands to ambitious SMEs. His work has been recognised in national and international design awards and publications. Client experience includes: Clarks, Millfield, National Trust, ReMind UK, Thermae Bath Spa and Waitrose. He is an Associate Lecturer at Bath Spa University and co-founder of: West of England Design Forum; Werkhouse, an industry-led design education programme; and Bath Unlimited, an initiative to promote Bath businesses. He also wrote and designed a book and exhibition called ‘Made in Bath’, celebrating makers and craftsmanship, which led to the ‘Meet the Maker’ podcast.

Bruno Oliveira

Director of the MSc in Entrepreneurship • University of Bath

Bruno, a serial entrepreneur and Director of the MSc in Entrepreneurship at the University of Bath, researches how AI transforms venture creation, growth, and scaling. He empowers entrepreneurs and business professionals with actionable, tech-driven strategies, blending academic insight with cutting-edge AI tools for real-world business success.

Evie Andrews

Community Manager • Square Works

Evie is the Community Manager of Square Works, the only flexible workspace with a private members' club in Bristol. From its founding in 2019, Square Works has rapidly expanded to occupy three Georgian townhouses, offering a multi-award-winning experience for members. Evie has led the space from strength to strength in a multi-faceted role, diversifying the events programme with bespoke women-focused events, overseeing a huge growth in sales, and cultivating a dynamic community where both companies and individuals thrive.

Furqan

CEO • Sora Aviation

Furqan is the CEO of Sora Aviation, a Bristol based startup developing a 30-seat electric aircraft. He holds a Master’s degree in Aerospace Engineering, is a Fellow of the IMechE and served as the Technical Authority for electric aircraft at GKN where he led multiple electric, hybrid and hydrogen aircraft programmes.

Gillian Ridley Whittle

Founder • Peachaus

Gillian Ridley Whittle is a visionary leader, creative force, and unapologetic changemaker in the world of fashion and wellness. After decades at the top of the corporate retail game, with leadership roles at Marks & Spencer, Topshop, Debenhams, Target & Myer Australia, she made the bold move to start again, founding Peachaus, a purpose-led underwear and lifestyle brand grounded in ethics, confidence & community. Gillian leads with heart and fierce conviction. She believes fashion should feel good, on the body, the planet, and the soul. Her work is deeply rooted in empathy, and her initiatives (like bra fitting and wellness experiences) reflect her desire to bring comfort, confidence, and care to everyone she reaches. Known for her creative intuition, disruptive thinking, and tenacity, Gillian is reimagining what modern retail can be, an experience that’s educational, agile, inclusive, and grounded in real human connection. She’s not just building a brand, she’s building a movement.

Giovanna Laudisio

CEO and Co-Founder • Naturbeads

Giovanna Laudisio is the CEO and co-founder of Naturbeads, a UK startup pioneering biodegradable cellulose microspheres to replace microplastics ingredients. She holds a PhD in Materials Engineering and an MBA and has over 25 years in R&D and technology commercialization. Giovanna is passionate about sustainability, innovation and clean technologies.

Lauren Couch

Corporate Finance Director • GS Verde Corporate Finance

Lauren Couch, Corporate Finance Director at GS Verde Group, has 24 years in finance, including banking, private equity and venture debt. She is also NED of BBRC and Trustee of Quartet Community Foundation.

Madelaine Thomas

Founder • Image Angel

Madelaine Thomas is the founder of Image Angel, a company dedicated to combating non-consensual intimate image (NCII) abuse online. In response to the prevalence of such abuses, Image Angel developed invisible watermarking technology that embeds unique, unremovable fingerprints into images. This innovation allows platforms to trace unauthorised sharing back to the perpetrator, enhancing user safety and platform accountability. This survivor-led deterrent has been recommended as best practice by the UK Department for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Matt Chandler

Partner • Albert Goodman

Matt is a Partner based in Taunton, specialising in aspects of corporate finance such as company sales, valuations, and financial due diligence as well as the audit of corporate entities. Matt joined the firm after finishing university, initially training within the corporate services team, and becoming the lead manager for many of the firm’s medium and large groups, developing extensive audit, accountancy, and business advisory skills. Pursuing his interest in helping business owners achieve their exit goals Matt joined our corporate finance team and is now one of our corporate finance specialists. Matt is able to draw upon his commercial and technical knowledge gained from each of these specialisms to ensure clients achieve the best outcome. Matt is also part of Taunton Round Table, which raises money for local charities. In his spare time, he is a keen hockey player, and undertakes the occasional long distance endurance event. He also spends plenty of time catering to his reactive dog’s rather specific behavioural needs.

Nathan Baranowski

CEO & Founder • Digital Wonderlab

As Co-CEO of Digital Wonderlab, Nathan is passionate about harnessing technology to fuel creativity, efficiency, and growth. A serial entrepreneur, he thrives on building businesses and helping others leverage tech to do more, faster, and smarter. With over two decades of experience working with startups, enterprises, and not-for-profits, Nathan specialises in making the complex simple—using AI and digital innovation to streamline operations, enhance customer experiences, and drive real impact. Under his leadership, Digital Wonderlab helps businesses harness the power of AI and digital solutions to work smarter, innovate faster, and achieve more.

Olly Cox

Senior Investment Manager • Foresight Group

Olly Cox is Senior Investment Manager as part of Foresight’s new South West team, with 6 years’ experience investing in SMEs. Originally across the UK, and now with a South West focus. Sector agnostic, with a passion for growth investing and working alongside ambitious management teams.

Richard Spilsbury

Founder & CEO • Link Stone Advisory

Richard founded Link Stone Advisory to deliver integrated corporate development to support growth and value creation. The practice now has a multidisciplinary team of experts who collaborate to deliver more impactful solutions for clients. Richard previously worked for Future Plc, PlaySports Group and PwC.

Rosie Bennett

Innovation Lead • University of Bristol’s portfolio of incubators, innovation hubs

Rosie’s current role is to support founding teams as Innovation Lead across the University of Bristol’s portfolio of incubators, innovation hubs and networks including SETsquared Bristol. She is also an AI/Data consultant with new materials innovation company, Kelpi, and a NED for pioneering medtech, EarSwitch Technologies. Previously, she was Chief Operation Officer at Mystic AI – a Y Combinator alumni company that was an early player in the Machine Learning inference (Generative AI) infrastructure space. She has a professional foundation in media and technology having held senior positions at Liberty Global (UPC) and the BBC.

Tim Edwards

CEO & Co-Founder • Network N

Tim is the CEO and co-Founder of Network N - the world's largest independent games media business. He started his career in 2002 as a journalist reviewing and writing about videogames on PC Gamer magazine for Future Publishing, eventually rising to Global Editor in Chief of PC Gamer, on the way launching PCGamer.com, the world's largest PC gaming website. In 2012 he left Future Publishing to co-found Network N with his friend and former boss, James Binns. Network N is a global games media business, that creates and runs its own portfolio of sites, monetises independent games media properties, and creates brand content for some of the world's largest and well known games publishers. Network N employs 140 people worldwide. He still thinks PC games are the best thing on the planet.

Ursula Morgan

Co-Founder and CEO • SewShare

Ursula is a seasoned C-suite executive and one of the elite 2% of women leaders to have secured VC investment. With over 25 years of experience in tech, media, and e-commerce across the US and UK, she excels at building scalable, revenue-generating businesses. She has brokered multimillion-dollar deals and led digital transformation on both sides of the Atlantic. As both a current and former CEO and Non-Executive Director, she’s known for deploying technology to unlock growth.

Zara Nanu

Founder • WorkVue & Gapsquare

Zara Nanu, MBE is an award-winning entrepreneur reimagining the future of work through innovation and inclusion. As founder of Gapsquare, she built pioneering tech that’s helped global companies close pay gaps and design fairer workplaces. Zara now leads WorkVue, shaping future-of-work strategies with a bold, data-driven lens. A member of the Harvard Kennedy School Women’s Leadership Board and advisor to CEOs, she’s a sought-after voice on equity, AI, and value in a changing world.

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New Business Thinking.

Bristol. June 18-19 2025.

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