Location
For the Pioneers and the Innovators
This event will be a fantastic opportunity for all entrepreneurs - those who are established. those at the start of their journey and those just thinking about it - to network through the OU community, share learning and knowledge and offer support. It may also be of interest to OUs with complementary services to offer.
We have a panel of outstanding OUs leading a Q&A session as part of our event, each from a different industry, who will share their individual stories, their challenges and successes and what they wished they’d known in hindsight! There will be ample opportunity for discussion and for guests to ask questions - questions can also be submitted in advance if preferred.
A short profile of each panellist can be found below and we would like to thank them for agreeing to be such an important part of what will be an enjoyable and instructive event. Our thanks also to Mark Glatman (L 69), Chief Executive of Abstract Securities, who has kindly agreed to introduce the session.
Panellists
Dan Black (B 87) co-founded Black+Blum in 1998 and what started as a consultancy quickly turned in to a multi award winning product design company. In a crowded marketplace their designs stood out for being unique, creative and ‘fun-ctional’. In 2018 the company took the conscious decision to focus solely on the reusable category, to make products that encouraged sustainable living.
Today Black+Blum products are sold in over 60 countries and 1000 stores. They supply leading retailers from Harrods to Selfridges, co-brand with companies including Rapha, Finisterre and Prada and supply hotels such as the Fife Arms, Carnegie Club and Soho House. Their mantra? Buy once, buy well.
Ben Branson (B 96) is an inventor, entrepreneur & naturalist. In 2015 he founded Seedlip, the world’s first & world’s no.1 distilled non-alcoholic spirits brand. An invention he successfully took from his kitchen to 35 countries and the world’s best bars, restaurants, hotels and retailers in less than four years spearheading a category now worth $11bn and a global movement revolutionising the way we drink.
“I’m just getting started”
Niki Clarke (Fd 98) founded My Black Dog after struggling with her own mental health. She saw a huge gap in the support needed, from diagnosis to receiving professional help, and as a result set up a free, online peer-to-peer support service.
Through a network of volunteers, My Black Dog provides an empathetic, non-judgemental space to talk to others who understand what it feels like to experience mental health struggles.
Alex Lyles (J 96) founded Claret Showroom in 2006 with fellow OU Claire Spencer Churchill (J 96) to provide the space, tools and professionals to work hand in hand with brands to develop their distribution through wholesale channels in Europe, the Middle East and the USA.
In addition, they launched Splash Paris in 2016, Europe’s premium resort wear tradeshow.
Fiona Watts (J 96) started her company, International Private Finance, in 2008 with a vision to create a brave and dynamic international financial service company. The aim was to become the leading international mortgage broker within five years; the company achieved this in two, during the worst years of the credit crunch.
Fiona is a huge advocate of challenging industry standards, has been instrumental in shaping the non-resident mortgage market and has delivered a personal development strategy benefitting university leavers looking for their first job to women coming back into the workplace.
Event Details
Where: Six Park Place, St James’ Place, London SW1A 1LR
When: From 6.15pm Welcome drinks and canapes
7.15pm Panel presentation, questions and discussion
8.00pm Guests free to mingle and network – cash bar
available
Ticket Pricing:
- Full price ticket: £35.00
- 26 years and under: £29.00
Please note this event is for OUs only.
Dress Code: Smart casual
Should you require any further information prior to booking please contact Antonia Bowdler at [email protected] / 01572 820 741.
Important note - The online payment mechanism is address sensitive to reduce fraud and make online payments secure. Please ensure the billing address entered matches the details held by your bank exactly or the payment may be rejected. It is particularly sensitive for overseas transactions so please don't hesitate to get in touch if you experience any issues.
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