First Festival of Enterprise inspires and delivers for small businesses

Passionate business people from across the region attended Bournemouth University’s very first Festival of Enterprise on Saturday July 18. Positive feedback for the event has confirmed that there is a demand for engagement with SMEs and start-up businesses.

With a range of high calibre speakers including Anthony Story, director of Silicon South, Nick Hixson from Hixsons Ltd on finance, Pete Little, deputy head of intelligence at Dorset Police regarding cyber security, as well as experts in marketing and generic business management, the free ‘Enterprise Café’ event provided valuable advice and shared experiences relevant to all levels of a business owner.   

Keynote speaker, author and entrepreneur, Steve Bolton, inspired an audience by challenging their perceptions and thought processes in business and shared some of the highs and lows of his career, while providing practical hints and tips for success.

Sara Uzzell, director of Whitehall Hospitality who attended the event, said: “There was a huge variety of really good speakers with a wealth of knowledge all prepared to share their experiences and offer advice. To hear case studies about other businesses is hugely beneficial and for it all to be free of charge was fantastic.”

In addition to the series of speakers, ‘speed dating’ sessions were held with business advisors from local organisations for those needing one-to-one support on specific areas.

Supported by Arts University Bournemouth, the Festival was developed by Keith Pretty, a lecturer in Business Development for IT at Bournemouth University. He added: “Despite it being a sunny summer Saturday, we were really pleased with the response and we are committed to seeing this event grow in the future. The feedback has been phenomenal and we’d like to thank all our speakers, supporters and advisors who contributed to the day. We have collectively helped a wide range of businesses and those considering starting up on their own; the demand for support is clearly there.”

Bournemouth University is already shaping its plans for a second Festival of Enterprise in 2016.