Today we can reveal our full line-up of experts for the growth masterclasses at FUEL Manchester 2024 next month.
The innovative event was created to fuel business growth for promising startups and scaleups.
It’s two events in one, beginning with a whistle-stop discussion of some of the big questions facing businesses and finishing with a series of exclusive, invite-only masterclasses for a cohort of exciting startups.
Supported by GM Business Growth Hub, Bruntwood SciTech and the University of Salford Business School, FUEL Manchester 2024 takes place at No.1 Circle Square, Oxford Road, Manchester.
More than 100 people have already registered for the initial breakfast panel and networking event after we revealed our full line-up of speakers. There are still 50 places available.
Register for breakfast panel & networking
Now we can reveal the experts who, following the breakfast event, will pass on face-to-face advice to our cohort of 25+ startups and scaleups in masterclass pods across funding, growth planning, people & performance and technology.
These are ask-me-anything sessions – off the record – but areas that will be covered can be found below, along with the speakers. If you feel you would benefit from these masterclasses and have growth potential, drop the editor [email protected] an email this week explaining why.
Raising funding
This masterclass will cover topics including how to become investment-ready; the different types of funding available; and the key to identifying – & working with – the right investors.
The three experts passing on their knowledge and experience will be Guy Remond, founder, EHE Ventures; David Levine, MD, Glenluna Ltd / Principal, Manchester Angels; and Frazer Durris, founder, Trigpoint Ventures.
People & performance
This pod will offer tips for recruitment, retention & performance in your growing company; offer advice for boosting diversity & inclusion; and consider the benefits of building a board.
The four experts here are Mehdi Kordi, head of sprint performance for the Netherlands cycling team at the recent Paris 2024 Olympic Games; Janine Smith, director, GM Business Growth Hub; Beckie Taylor, co-founder, Tech Returners; and Isobelle Panton, director of student recruitment and international at UA92.
Growth planning
How do you go about building an exit plan? This masterclass, which covers the transition phase from startup to scaleup, will also look at how you can safeguard your intellectual property.
The four experts are Liz Ashall-Payne, founder & CEO, ORCHA; Dez Derry, investor and founder of Blume; Andy Duckworth, an ex-THG divisional CEO and co-founder at eComplete; and Adam Ward, founder/CEO, Airtime Rewards.
Technology
Growing companies face challenges around scaling their technology – and tech talent – alongside the business. The technology pod will offer advice around this as well as how to build platforms which are accessible and ethical, and how to go about protecting your technical IP.
The three experts for this pod are Dr Richard Whittle, AI and dark patterns expert, University of Salford Business School; Anna Dick, CTO, Capsule; and George Goudie, CTO, Dote.
Created under the TechBlast brand, FUEL Manchester 2024 will be chaired by award-winning executive editor Chris Maguire and featured on BusinessCloud.
Interested potential sponsors can contact editor Jonathan Symcox here.