On Monday 14 November, almost a hundred entrepreneurs gathered at the Ambition 2016 Conference in Hoddesdon to learn how the right branding and marketing will help their business grow. Organised by a collaboration of local companies, media and organisations, Ambition 2016 provided world leading expertise for local SMEs to give them the marketing tools they need in order to do better business.
Speakers included media trainer Janey Lee Grace who used her experience as a BBC presenter to explain how even the smallest business can gain the media’s attention; branding expert Lesley Everett who discussed the importance for small businesses and sole traders to link their company brand with their personal brand; presentation coach David McQueen about the importance of telling a good story; networking strategist Andy Lopata about the importance of ensuring people know what to say about you when you’re not in the room; and Specsavers’ Retail Operations Director Jack Ismail who inspired delegates with the story of the well-known brand. The presentations were entertainingly held together by the moderator, Jeremy Nicholas, an award-winning TV and radio presenter, and also one of only 15 people to have ever been awarded the Professional Speaking Association Award of Excellence.
Delegates were given a lot of information to process throughout the day, but were delighted with the quality of advice. Anita Grey from the Athena Network said: “The best inspiration seminar / workshop day ever. I’m taking away so much energy. The inspiration and energy I can convey to my members as well is going to be fantastic.” And Enzo Giardina from Via Properties said: “It’s been a very good day. There have been some excellent tips to take away and I look forward to coming back again next year.”
Clare Watson is Head of Economic Development and Projects for Ambition Broxbourne, one of the sponsors of the event. She said: “Ambition Broxbourne has been developed by Broxbourne Borough Council as a brand and strategy to galvanise local and strategic partners and create a common vision for a more thriving, vibrant and prosperous economy in the area. We therefore celebrate enterprise and entrepreneurship and want to encourage businesses to grow and develop, which is why we were delighted to sponsor this fantastic Ambition 2016 event, which helps promote all of those ambitions – and all in a good cause.”
All the profits from the event went to two local charities, Teens Unite and Isabel Hospice.
Ambition 2017 will take place on Thursday 30th November 2017 – save the date!
