Demystifying Digital for SMEs: How technology can help your business thrive

Are you a West Yorkshire SME ready to scale your business?

Join us for an insightful panel discussion featuring local businesses who have received grants from Digital Enterprise. Hear firsthand how technology has helped them overcome challenges, boost productivity, and achieve their growth ambitions.

This interactive session will explore:

Growth ambitions for West Yorkshire SMEs - Learn from inspiring local businesses about their goals for scaling their operations and entering new markets.

Tackling tech hurdles - Discover how businesses overcame common challenges and perceived risks associated with technology investment.

Unlocking tangible benefits - Witness real-world examples of how technology empowered companies to increase efficiency, expand reach, and achieve significant growth.

This free event is perfect for you if:

• You're a West Yorkshire SME owner or decision-maker.
• You're considering investing in digital solutions but are unsure how they can benefit your business.
• You're curious about the Digital Enterprise programme and its match-funded grant opportunities.

Don't miss this opportunity to learn, network, and unlock the digital potential of your business. Plus, there will be a free lunch!

Tickets for this event are limited so be sure to book early!

Suzanne Bradbury

Suzanne is the Programme Manager for Digital Enterprise. In 2001, Suzanne completed her MBA which saw her enter the world of business management where she gained 20 years of experience as a Business Management Consultant.

Suzanne joined Digital Enterprise as an Advisor in January 2021 and then took the helm as Programme Manager in September 2021. Suzanne has been successful in bidding to the West Yorkshire Combined Authority to secure new funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) to enable the continuation of Digital Enterprise for another two years. Suzanne has vast experience of advising a wide range of businesses on their digital investment strategies, as well as selecting and implementing the right digital solutions to help increase productivity and for businesses to grow and scale their operations.

Joanne Best

Joanne is a Director at Hytal Kitchens & Bedrooms Ltd, and joined the business in 2006 with a vision to enhance sales, marketing and establish the trade sector supplying to independent tradesmen and developers.

Joanne is responsible for Marketing, new products, IT development, and managing major contracts with apartment and housing developers. Joanne has spearheaded Hytal’s recent investment in technology and design software, enabling the business to grow and scale operations.

John Bishop

John is the founder of Evolve, a multi award winning social enterprise that empowers children and young people in communities by fostering positive attitudes and aspirations.

As a qualified teacher, and fellow of the RSA, RSPH and LPI, John has been instrumental in developing a new educational workforce called Health Mentors that addresses multiple challenges currently facing our next generation including mental health, educational underachievement, and serious youth violence.

Evolve has had tremendous success supporting schools in England and Wales, with their team of Health Mentors and the implementation and development of the Wellbeing Compass, an online evaluation platform.

Ian Emberton

Ian Emberton is the Managing Director of Xerogrid which was established in 2017. Coming from a background in motorcycle racing and engineering, Ian first discovered the potential of off-grid power systems in 2008 when he bought his first property in rural Spain. Without any utility connections, Ian was faced with the choice of relying on bottled gas and a diesel generator or building a more sustainable solution with far cheaper energy costs. He chose the latter and set to work building his own off-grid solar.

This system very quickly became the envy of local residents in the area and Ian started installing systems for them, as well. He discovered there was a similar demand for such systems in rural locations across the UK, as well as further afield, such as in Ghana. It was from this demand that he went on to launch Xerogrid, delivering solar PV & battery storage solutions for unusual, technically challenging jobs around the world.

Poised for rapid growth in the commercial off-grid and battery storage renewable energy sector, Xerogrid has invested in a bespoke renewable energy software platform, to control the systems they have developed that provide full remote control to maximise efficiencies and optimise performance.

More speakers to be announced...

There will likely be photography and/or filming at this event. Photography and footage from the event may be used by Digital Enterprise to share news about the event, and to publicise future events. Images may be used in printed publications, published on the Digital Enterprise website and social media channels. If you have any concerns please contact [email protected]

Host or Publisher Digital Enterprise