Our 2025 Speakers

Jamie Laing is a British media personality, entrepreneur, and presenter, who rose to fame for his role on hit TV show, Made in Chelsea, and more recently his successful business ventures. As a charismatic figure on British television and radio, Jamie has built a successful career in entertainment and entrepreneurship. Jamie is the founder of podcast production company, Jampot Productions, and Candy Kittens, the fastest growing confectionery company in Europe. Under Jampot, he hosts two chart-topping podcasts – NewlyWeds, alongside wife Sophie Habboo, which had a sold out tour in 2024. And Great Company, where has interviewed the likes of Madeline Argy, Elizabeth Day and YungBlud. Jamie is the host of a prime BBC Radio 1 Show, has appeared on Strictly Come Dancing (BBC) and has partnered with the likes of Burberry, Spotify and CeraVe. Jamie has built a personal brand rooted in authenticity, humour, and connection. His ability to engage audiences, whether on screen, behind the mic, or in business, makes him a must-watch speaker for anyone wanting to inject more personality into their professional journey. At BizzFest, Jamie will be sharing the behind-the-scenes lessons of building a brand people love, the power of storytelling in business, and why embracing who you are is your biggest competitive advantage.

Jane Moore is an award-winning journalist, broadcaster, and columnist with over 40 years in national media. Best known for her long-running column in The Sun, her documentary work for Channel 4, and as a regular panellist on ITV’s Loose Women, Jane has built a career on sharp insight, straight talking, and stories that resonate. Beyond the newsroom and screen, Jane is deeply committed to charitable work. She is a patron of Help for Heroes, Beyond Autism, and Buttle UK, and serves as a trustee on the board of the Jamal Edwards Self-Belief Trust (JESB), supporting initiatives that empower and uplift communities. At BizzFest, Jane will be hosting our main stage, where she'll be bringing her wealth of experience in media, storytelling, and public conversation to inspire us all.

After forging a successful career as an entertainer and forming his own agency, James built a leisure and day nursery business. Today, he operates a business which generates £40 million per year. It includes leisure, childcare, outdoor attractions, commercial property, and arts and crafts manufacturing. James also owns a 500-year-old hotel and Party Pieces, along with one of the UK’s oldest ice cream companies, Rossi. James also has a loyal and growing following on his popular behind the scenes YouTube channel. He also hosts a refreshing no-holds-barred podcast, the Business Broadcast, where he helps fellow business owners and entrepreneurs overcome their toughest challenges. It regularly trends as one of the most popular podcasts in the “Entrepreneurship” category.

Andy Coulson previously served as Director of Communications at No.10 Downing Street, advising Prime Minister David Cameron, and was editor of the News of the World, the UK’s biggest-selling Sunday newspaper. Since founding Coulson Partners in 2016, Andy has become a trusted adviser to CEOs, entrepreneurs, and philanthropists around the world. His podcast, Crisis What Crisis?, features inspiring and practical conversations with people who’ve overcome major challenges, offering insight into resilience and leadership.

Dr Alison Edgar MBE has worked with some of the world’s biggest brands helping them to innovate, grow, and thrive. Known for her no-nonsense approach and infectious energy, Alison bridges the gap between psychology and business to help people think like entrepreneurs, no matter where they work. Having been awarded an MBE for services to entrepreneurship and business, she’s also the author of two Amazon bestsellers: ‘Secrets of Successful Sales’ and ‘SMASH IT!’. Her practical tools and unique methodologies have transformed the way teams approach leadership, change, and communication. Whether you're a founder, a freelancer, or scaling a growing team, Alison's insights are designed to be applied immediately - helping you to unlock growth, build resilience, and drive real results.

Mike Adams OBE is a passionate advocate for accessibility and a leading voice in making work and life inclusive for the 24 percent of the UK population who have a disability. Throughout his career, Mike has focused on changing the conversation around Accessibility. His work highlights the importance of inclusion as both a social responsibility and a commercial opportunity. With the Purple Pound valued at 274 billion pounds in the UK, Mike helps organisations understand how improving accessibility can transform the customer experience and expand their reach. He is the founder of Purple Tuesday, a global movement focused on improving the disabled customer experience, and EnableAll, an accessible digital App for websites, created for everyone. Mike was awarded an OBE in 2012 for his services to disability. Outside of work, he is a proud father to five children aged between three and seventeen. They keep him busy and bring joy to his everyday life.

Dr Yvette Ankrah MBE is a Life Alignment, Transformation and Lifestyle Immersion Coach primarily working with dynamic women in senior leadership roles, and is passionate about ensuring people have the optimum environment, tools and skills to thrive. She believes that this starts from the inside and working in a way which builds sustainable and profitable businesses/careers without overwhelm, stress and burnout. With over 25 years’ experience in business and a PhD in sociology, she blends deep academic knowledge with real-world insight. She is an accredited NLP Master Coach and founder of Leading with C.L.A.R.I.T.Y., a consultancy specialising in coaching and leadership development. Yvette has been recognised with a Microsoft/O2 award for her business achievements, was shortlisted for Best Coach at the Best Business Women Awards 2015, and was awarded an MBE in 2017 for her work with women in business. She is a member of the ANLP, The Coaching Society and EFT International. She is also a Coach of Excellence, accredited by the Professional Development Consortium.

Based on Michael’s international best selling book, How to Be Brilliant is the perfect presentation for clients who believe good isn’t good enough and for those who need a bit of oomph! It's the ultimate high energy, entertaining, thought provoking, action inducing keynote. Through his events and coaching, Michael Heppell has worked with everyone from Category B Prisoners to Business Leaders; from Premiership Footballers to TV Personalities. He works with those who have the desire to set brilliance as their benchmark, who want to take massive action and are ready to make a change. Michael does this through keynote presentations, training, books, audio programmes and coaching.

Charlie Lawson is a professional relationships speaker and trainer, especially for those that don’t like to network. Proudly describing himself as an “Unnatural Networker,” Charlie teaches from the perspective of someone who once avoided networking entirely, helping people gain confidence and build real, lasting connections. He is the author of The Unnatural Networker (2014) and The Unnatural Promoter (2021), two practical guides for professionals who want to connect and self-promote without feeling inauthentic. Charlie is a renowned and highly regarded keynote speaker, and gained his expertise from 13 years as national director for BNI in the UK & Ireland. Now, he trains other unnatural networkers on how to make networking feel natural. In his spare time, Charlie’s either competing in triathlons or hoping Spurs finally finish above Arsenal in the league.

Jeff Dewing is on a mission to disrupt the facilities management industry for good. As Group CEO of Cloudfm, Jeff blends cutting-edge technology with a deeply human approach, where culture and behaviour are just as crucial as systems and software. His approach centres on doing the right thing, and proves that compliance and efficiency thrive when people and purpose come first. Also known for his dynamic keynotes and masterclasses, Jeff brings contagious energy to every room, helping leaders at all levels rethink how they approach business, leadership, and operational excellence. With a background in building world-class cultures and driving new business development, he’s proven that performance skyrockets when people are empowered to lead with purpose.

Wendy Smith is a TEDx speaker, former Paralympian, professional forex trader and trainer, author, and elite wheelchair basketball tutor. After a life-changing motorbike accident, she rebuilt her life through sport, high-performance coaching, and mindset mastery. Drawing on her journey from rehabilitation to representing her country, Wendy blends lived experience with practical strategies to help leaders, teams, and individuals navigate change, overcome challenges, and perform at their best. Her straight-talking style and grounded presence make her a compelling voice on authentic leadership, personal sovereignty, and the power of mental agility. A sought-after keynote speaker and mentor, Wendy inspires audiences across business, sport, and education, showing that with the right mindset, there are no limits to what you can achieve.

Hugo Sunnucks studied Business Finance at Durham University before launching his entrepreneurial journey. He founded and successfully exited a tech startup that provided low-carbon e-bike fleets to clients including Deliveroo and Pizza Hut. The company was acquired in 2017. Following the acquisition, Hugo transitioned into venture capital, where he’s focused on high-growth digital companies, and advised numerous private equity funds investing in technology businesses. With several years of investment experience, Hugo has led and supported investments in over 100 companies, overseen multiple exits, and played a pivotal role on the boards of several rapidly growing companies.

Julie Holmes is a dynamic AI strategist, tech founder, and Hall of Fame speaker who helps organizations transform AI from buzzword to business advantage. Her UPGRADE Framework gives leaders and teams a proven roadmap to leverage AI that delivers real results – helping them lead smarter, sell more, serve better, and save time. Through her high-energy keynotes and strategic programs, Julie has guided over 100,000 professionals across 20+ countries – from Fortune 500 executives to ambitious entrepreneurs – cutting through complexity to make AI practical and profitable. What sets Julie apart is her ability to translate cutting-edge technology into actionable strategies that work. Julie's hands-on approach makes complex AI concepts accessible and immediately applicable so organizations can work smarter, not harder. In short, she's on a mission to help everyone be AI-mazing!

Ben Wintour is a social entrepreneur, experienced creative leader and a judge on the Social Entrepreneur Index. Ben has been listed by Forbes as a 30 Under 30 social entrepreneur alongside Greta Thunberg, by the BBC Worldwide as a person ‘changing the world’, by Red Bull as a key change maker, and by Men’s Health as an ‘affable bloke’. He is the co-founder of Contrast Club, a pioneering sauna and cold plunge business that is bringing class-based sauna to the UK. Ben previously co-founded Integrate, a commercial real estate business and Steel Warriors, the award-winning charity that turns knives taken off London’s streets into free outdoor gyms - a project that earned him a personal award from the UK Prime Minister and acclaim for its powerful fusion of design and social impact.

Alex Atherton is an experienced educator and leadership coach with a 25-year career in education, most of it spent as a headteacher in large inner-London secondary schools. He is the ex-head who heard the word "snowflake" once too often to describe his students, and decided to do something about it. Having spent over a decade immersed in the mindset of this often misunderstood generation, Alex got to the heart of what really makes Gen Z tick. Drawing on his frontline experience, in-depth research, and a hefty dose of reality, he challenges the myths that surround today’s young people. Through coaching, keynotes, and his forthcoming book The Snowflake Myth (September 2025), Alex helps bridge the generational divide and empowers leaders to recruit, develop, and retain Gen Z talent more effectively.

Sophie Lee is a brand strategist, voice and visibility mentor, and founder of Electric Peach - a decentralised brand and marketing agency for purpose-driven, bold businesses. Known for helping brands “stop blanding in” and start magnetising their audience, she blends strategy, storytelling, and no-nonsense real talk to cut through the noise and make an impact. An award-winning journalist turned brand strategist, Sophie has worked with visionary organisations across the globe, from grassroots movements to major players like the UN. Through Electric Peach, she and her team turn big ideas into real-world influence, income, and impact. Whether she’s speaking on stage or helping founders craft attention-grabbing content, Sophie’s focus is on activating voices, amplifying messages, and building brands people can’t ignore. At BizzFest, Sophie will share how to find your authentic voice, tell electric stories, and show up with the confidence and clarity needed to stand out in any market. Expect energy, honesty, and zero jargon.

Toby Freeman is a passionate cancer advocate, podcast host, and Founder and CEO of The Robin Cancer Trust. The charity was set up in memory of his brother Robin, who died from late-stage testicular cancer at just 24. Since then, Toby has made it his mission to save lives by raising awareness, starting conversations, and breaking down the stigma around men’s health. This year, he is taking on a headline-grabbing challenge. Running 350 miles in a giant testicle costume to raise £240,000 for the trust. The journey includes the Brighton and London Marathons, a cross-country route along Hadrian’s Wall, and a 100 kilometre ultramarathon completed in under 24 hours. His goal is simple. To stop other families from facing what his did. As host of the Thrive Against Cancer podcast, Toby shares honest and powerful stories from patients, caregivers, and clinicians. He gives a voice to the cancer community and brings real emotion and insight to every conversation. As BizzFest’s host, he brings heart, humour, and energy to the stage. Whether he is running in costume or leading the show, everything he does is driven by purpose and powered by people.

Jill Willis is a B2B marketing strategist with over 25 years’ experience helping firms connect with the customers they really want. She’s the co-founder of Attract & Engage, a trusted growth partner to ambitious SMEs across Essex and the South East. Having worked in-house, agency-side, and as a strategic consultant, Jill understands the real-world pressures of growing a business - especially in sectors like construction, logistics, engineering, manufacturing, and professional services. She helps leadership teams turn marketing into a practical tool for standing out, selling more, and scaling with confidence. Her no-nonsense, strategy-first approach has earned her long-term partnerships with clients who value results over jargon. As a board member, author, and host of the Made in Essex podcast, Jill is a champion of local enterprise and the power of brand in B2B. Her keynotes and workshops are packed with practical insight and straight-talking takeaways that business leaders can apply straight away.

Sam Malins, CEO of Dunmow Group, Reacton Fire Suppression and Fireward, with a career defined by scaling global businesses in the Fire Safety and Waste Management sectors. Operating out of Dubai, Sam leads from the front – driving growth at Dunmow, one of the UK’s largest waste management companies, while spearheading global expansion for Reacton, amongst other exciting ventures. A true entrepreneur at heart, Sam excels in transforming bold ideas into successful ventures – nurturing them from spark to scale and forging lasting partnerships along the way. His leadership is rooted in action, vision and a relentless passion for innovation. Get ready to hear from a leader who doesn’t just talk about change – he builds it.

Darren Barden is a best-selling author, speaker, and founder of iTalk MH Ltd, a mental health support service backed by the innovative HelpHub app. Known for his raw honesty and relatable style, Darren brings lived experience to the forefront, delivering powerful on-site and in-person training that tackles the real-life challenges faced in finance, relationships, business, and mental health. Passionate about driving change in male-dominated sectors, Darren is leading a cultural shift in the construction industry, and beyond, by equipping people with the tools to strengthen resilience, boost awareness, and build meaningful connections. His best-selling book, Let’s Skip to the Good Bits, has inspired readers to face life’s challenges head-on and embrace the possibility of transformation. At BizzFest, Darren will be hosting the Men’s Mental Health Panel, bringing together powerful voices to challenge stigma, share lived experiences, and spark honest conversations. Whether on stage, in a workshop, or on-site with workers, Darren’s practical, down-to-earth approach makes the conversation around mental health open, impactful, and impossible to ignore.

Sebastian Sanchez is the Founder & CEO of August Marketing, a results-driven agency trusted by businesses worldwide to deliver measurable growth. Since 2019, his team has scaled over 75 brands and generated more than $560M in revenue through strategic advertising, high-impact creative, and conversion optimisation - all with a no-fluff, results-first approach. Beyond running August Marketing, Sebastian founded First Name Basis (FNB), a curated community for founders and industry leaders that blends networking with sports meetups and fine-dining events in London. FNB has quickly become a go-to space for entrepreneurs who value connection, collaboration, and genuine relationships over formalities. As the owner of multiple eCommerce brands under HSE Ventures, Sebastian understands both sides of the growth equation - the marketing strategy and the operational execution. At BizzFest, he’ll share actionable insights on scaling brands in any niche, building marketing engines that convert, and creating communities that turn connections into real opportunities.

Emma Douglass-Beet is Scaleup Director at Innovate UK Business Growth and a serial entrepreneur with over 25 years’ experience co-founding and scaling businesses in marketing, grant support, and investment readiness. Drawing on her deep expertise in sales, marketing, and funding strategy, she helps ambitious founders identify growth opportunities, prepare for investment, and build partnerships that last. Having reviewed thousands of pitch decks and worked closely with angels, funds, VCs, and crowdfunding platforms, Emma knows exactly what makes an opportunity stand out. Her ability to connect the right people has led to countless successful collaborations, while her own entrepreneurial journey gives her a rare empathy for the challenges founders face. Since joining the Innovate UK Scaleup Programme in 2020, she’s helped clients access hidden funding streams and navigate the government’s support landscape to accelerate their growth. At BizzFest, Emma will share how Innovate UK Business Growth supports innovative, scaling businesses across the UK, from sharpening commercial strategies to raising game-changing investment and taking innovations global. With over 450 growth specialists nationwide, Innovate UK Business Growth is transforming how SMEs scale. Find out how IUK Business Growth can help support your business by visiting their website https://www.iukbg.ukri.org/

Helen is COO and co-founder of LegalEdge, a pioneering fractional in-house counsel service designed for scaling companies. Alongside CEO Donna, she set out to create a smarter, more cost-effective legal solution, one that helps ambitious businesses grow faster without the drag of over-lawyering. Passionate about keeping legal simple, pragmatic, and commercial, Helen champions an “inside-out” approach that integrates legal into everyday operations through the right people, processes, and tech, including AI. Her focus is always on what really matters: reducing risk, managing costs, and helping businesses close deals faster. At LegalEdge, Helen leads a growing team of in-house lawyers and specialists - spanning data, privacy, HR, and company secretarial support - all working to provide lean, scalable systems that keep businesses protected and primed for growth.