ABOUT OUR SPEAKERS
We are delighted to present a stellar lineup of speakers who will share their invaluable expertise to help business owners and managers drive their companies to new heights.
You'll hear from industry leaders who have navigated challenges and achieved remarkable success, offering lessons learned and inspiring success stories. Our speakers will also provide market insights, equipping you with the knowledge and strategies necessary to thrive in a competitive landscape.
Get ready to be inspired, informed, and empowered.
Dr Blessing Enakimio
Blé Global
A chartered change and culture consultant, speaker and author, helping leaders turn ambition into structure. Her frameworks, including the 5Ws for organisational culture, drive clarity and sustainable growth. She also serves as an IoD Kent Ambassador and Business Champion for Creative Medway.
Lucy Hall
Social Day
Behind Social Media Fest, the Social Media Marketing Awards and Digital Women. She creates events and platforms that build connection and community. With over a decade in digital marketing, Lucy has partnered with global brands and speaks on creativity, digital leadership and mindful entrepreneurship.
​Jemma
Fairclough-Haynes
Orchard Employment Law
Advises businesses across the UK and speaks on employment law, workplace culture and leadership. Jemma also advocates for SMEs, contributes to national policy and has been featured on BBC, Sky News, and Times Radio.
Joanne Bell
Bells Accountants
Serving over 2,000 clients across Kent, Surrey, and London. Joanne helps business owners grow profitably, offering personalised advice, mentoring and consultancy. Joanne is also an author and award-winning leader recognised for her impact in finance, entrepreneurship and business growth.
Peter Searle
Profitable Contractor
Since 2015, Peter has mentored SME construction business owners. With experience at a Tier 1 contractor he also works as a Non-Executive Director and takes on Client Project Manager roles.
Stephanie Harris
Apex Contractors
Stephanie leads Apex Contractors bringing hands-on experience in managing complex projects and helping businesses deliver efficiently while growing sustainably.
Natasha Gould
Modus
Natasha helps organisations improve project delivery and operational efficiency, drawing on extensive experience in construction management and strategic planning.
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Jackie Groundsell
1230 The Women’s Company (TWC)
The Connector, owner of 1230 The Women’s Company (TWC) is also known as the queen of women's business networking meetings and events. As a businesswoman herself for the past 25 + years, she’s been there, done that, and got the T-shirt! She’s an approachable, recognised business Expert, Mentor, Consultant, IT Trainer, and has supported thousands of small business owners through her events and lunch-time meetings.
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Jackie is also a weekly Radio presenter, reaching and supporting even further into the business world. ... always open to a conversation.
Jeanne Mpondo
Jeanne runs her own business in financial planning and wealth management and knows what it’s like to face challenges and keep going. She’ll be sharing her story, giving honest guidance and talking about what she’s learned along the way. It’s a great chance to hear from someone who’s been there and done it.
Sarah Marsh-Collings
Sarah Marsh-Collings is a 17-year veteran of marketing, specialising in content creation, brand storytelling, and helping clients with social media, particularly LinkedIn. A two-time international judge for the American Marketing Association Awards (Houston Chapter), her approach combines creativity with a clear-eyed focus on strategy. This makes her a trusted voice for businesses that want their marketing to truly work. When she’s not shaping campaigns, Sarah enjoys country walks with her Brittany Spaniel, Barney, and camping in the great outdoors.
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Carrie Eddins
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Is a PR and personal branding specialist who helps business leaders raise their profile and share their stories with confidence. With a wealth of experience in communications, she is passionate about building authentic connections and showing how powerful storytelling can drive business growth.
Alastair
Jessel
Alastair is a seasoned entrepreneur with a track record of building and scaling multiple successful businesses. He brings practical experience in innovation, growth strategy and navigating the challenges of starting and running ventures.
Susie Warren Smith OBE DL
Susie is a respected business leader and mentor, known for helping businesses grow and succeed. She shares practical advice on leadership, building strong and lasting businesses, and turning great ideas into real results.
Paul Andrews
A serial entrepreneur, businessman & mentor who is passionate about SME businesses and the business community.
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Ellie Fiore
New Groove Creative
Ellie is the founder of New Groove Creative, a business which offers vibrant, non-competitive dance classes for all ages. She has been mentored by The Kent Foundation for the past 3 years.
Linda Garcia
Alluxi
Linda is a mentor and trustee at the Kent Foundation. She has advised 100+ businesses across 30+ industries, delivering over £50M in productivity gains. Through Alluxi Consulting she helps Kent SMEs optimise systems, people and processes to increase profit.
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Caroline Hallett
The Kent Foundation
Caroline is the Director of The Kent Foundation, supporting young entrepreneurs to turn ideas into businesses. With over 30 years in care, education and community work, she provides helpful advice and practical solutions that make a real difference.
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Lydia McKeown
We Do Marketing
Helping UK businesses grow through strategic, results-driven marketing. IoD Kent ambassador, mentor, speaker, and Kent Business Awards judge, sharing expertise on marketing, LinkedIn and AI.
Lucy Hall
Social Day
Founder & CEO of SocialDay and Digital Women, empowering thousands of women through digital skills, AI, and community recognition. Collaborates with Canva to inspire and educate creators and marketers worldwide.
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Jon Lovell
Hillbreak
Expert in customer experience, sales, business growth, and team development, focused on clear goals and practical results.
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Dr Blessing Enakimio
Blé Global
Change and culture consultant, speaker and author. Creator of the 5W's framework, helping leaders turn ambition into clear, sustainable growth. IoD Kent Ambassador and Business Champion for Creative Medway.
Nigel Temple
AI Trainer
AI trainer, speaker, and writer with a business and marketing background. He has taught creative thinking at CIM, presented for Business Link and helps small and medium businesses grow and succeed.
Tarnia Gonzo
T & S Consulting Ltd
helps small businesses and public organisations use technology and AI in practical ways. With over 10 years’ experience, she makes sure these solutions are easy to understand and work well for teams.
Isaac Ford-Wilson
ADM Computing
AI Lead at ADM Computing, helps businesses across the South East use AI to save time, cut costs, and work smarter.
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Arran Ostridge
Kent Police
Arran works for Kent Police, helping individuals and businesses affected by cybercrime. He offers practical, low-cost advice and support through talks, events, and interactive sessions to improve cyber security.
Andy Ransley
MPR Group
​Andy has 25+ years in IT, combining technical expertise with business strategy. Through MPR Group, he helps businesses with IT, cybersecurity, network infrastructure, and security systems, focusing on trusted, long-term partnerships.
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