Alumni Connect and Thrive at Help to Grow: Management Event

The 2025 Alumni National Conference saw over 350 Help to Grow: Management alumni gather in London. The day was filled with new connections, expert insights, and first-hand stories about building resilience as well as finding growth opportunities.

Byron Dixon OBE, Founder and CEO of Micro-Fresh and Chair of the Small Business Charter, kicked off the day with insights into his experience of growing Micro-Fresh into an international business. This introduction to the event was followed by a host of fantastic entrepreneurs and business experts.

Speakers included Alex Wright, CEO and Co-Founder of Dash Water, who detailed his journey from storing beverages in his home to managing a global business. Renée Elliott, Founder of Planet Organic, who discussed the ups and downs of business while imparting her advice and her outlook, ‘this is not a dress rehearsal you can change how you perceive and respond to the world’.

On top of the brilliant speakers, there were breakout sessions that discussed everything from flexible working to AI, and fireside chats about how SMEs can get funding and investment. Combined with plenty of tea and coffee this led to a day filled with knowledge sharing.

Niazy Kioufi CEO of EYYA LTD, and Help to Grow: Management alumni, said “I thoroughly enjoyed the Help to Grow: Management Alumni Network Annual Event, it was a truly inspiring experience that brought together a brilliant mix of business leaders, all eager to share, connect, and grow. The energy throughout the day was motivating, and the lineup of speakers was exceptional.

“The breakout sessions were also incredibly valuable, I attended the pricing workshop, which offered practical insights on strategies like anchoring, decoy pricing, and value-based positioning. It was a day full of ideas, inspiration, and actionable takeaways, a must for any business leader.”

SME leaders completing the 12-week Help to Grow: Management Course are eligible to join the Alumni Network. It provides an extensive programme of events, webinars, and content designed to help our alumni build on the knowledge and confidence developed during the small business leadership course.

Look out for the next Alumni Network webinars and events here.