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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Business

Disruptors event, London: the business of risk-taking

Questions, questions: does it pay in business to defy conventional thinking?
Questions, questions: does it pay in business to defy conventional thinking? Photograph: Alamy

In a competitive and often crowded market, a good idea can set a business apart. But for cash-strapped and time-poor small businesses, developing these ideas can be risky. So how can an entrepreneur be sure the investment will pay off?

Guests to the evening event on Thursday, 1 February 2018, 5.30pm-8.30pm, will hear from a number of entrepreneurs on how their business broke the mould, and the challenges they’ve faced. There will also be an opportunity for the audience to ask questions and share their stories with other attendees.

The keynote speaker, Holly Tucker MBE, is co-founder of notonthehighstreet.com, an award-winning online retailer for creative small businesses. Tim Robinson, chief executive of Doddle, a parcel collection and delivery service, will also be telling his story, in conversation with the event’s host, Rita Clifton CBE. Clifton is an advertising professional and former UK chair of Interbrand.

The event is aimed at small business owners, and while it is free, please be aware that space is limited. Those who have been successful will receive an email to confirm their place.

Location

The Bike Shed, 384 Old St, London EC1V 9LT

Programme

5.00-5.30pm - Registration and drinks

5.30-5.40pm Welcome from the chair, Rita Clifton

5.40-6.00pm Keynote address: Holly Tucker, co-founder, notonthehighstreet.com

6.00-7.00pm Panel discussion: why do disruptors succeed?

Business can be risky, but sometimes those risks can pay off. In this panel discussion, entrepreneurs will discuss the opportunities that can arise from changing how you think about and approach your business. They will share their stories of defying conventional wisdom and what they’ve learned along the way. The audience will also be invited to offer their own stories of a time when they beat the odds in an established market.

Panellists:

Charlotte Pearce, founder, Inkpact, a personalised handwritten communications business

Sarah Wood, co-founder, Unruly, a video ad-tech company

William Butler-Adams, managing director, Brompton Bikes, a folding bicycle brand

7.00-7.20pm Audience Q&A and prize-giving

7.20- 7.50pm Fireside chat with Rita Clifton and Tim Robinson, chief executive, Doddle

7.55-8.30pm Networking and refreshments

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