Growth Central: Nurturing Innovation Across Central Bedfordshire
On behalf of Central Bedfordshire Council and our partners, we are pleased to invite you to Growth Central: Nurturing Innovation Across Central Bedfordshire, an exclusive event taking place on Wednesday, 12th November 2025 at Cranfield University.
This event will celebrate the significant impact of UK Shared Prosperity Funding (UKSPF) funding on Central Bedfordshire’s business community and provide a platform for leaders to engage in meaningful dialogue about future economic growth.
The day will bring together senior figures from across Central Bedfordshire’s entrepreneurial ecosystem to:
- Share success stories demonstrating the outcomes of UKSPF investment
- Explore new ideas and opportunities for innovation and collaboration
- Connect with fellow business leaders, stakeholders, and policymakers shaping the region’s future prosperity
Who should attend
Business leaders and senior representatives of companies that have benefited from UKSPF funded support in the past three years are invited to attend. Each eligible business may nominate up to two representatives, free of charge.
Event details
Date: Wednesday, 12th November 2025
Time: 9.30 am - 5.30 pm
Venue: The Vincent Building, Cranfield University
We would be delighted for you to join us at this important gathering as we celebrate achievement, exchange insights, and look ahead to building a stronger, more innovative economy for Central Bedfordshire.
Register here
About the event:
|
09.30 – 10.00 |
Registration and Networking |
|
10.00 – 10.30 |
Welcome Address: Adam Zerny (Leader of the Council) and Professor Lynette Ryals OBE, PFHEA, FSIP, FCILT (Deputy-Vice-Chancellor, Faculty of Business and Management and Dean of Cranfield School of Management) |
|
10.30 – 11.15 |
Opening Panel: "The Power of Place: Unlocking Central Bedfordshire’s Entrepreneurial Ecosystem" |
|
11.15 – 11.30 |
Coffee and Tea |
|
11.30 – 12.15 |
Session 1 - "Practical AI for Non-technical People" Speakers: Michael Martin, Head of Net Zero & Business Advice Team, Wenta and Bade Adesemowo, CTO & Co-Founder, Dev Circle (social enterprise) |
|
12.15 – 13.00 |
Keynote – “Crossing the Valley: From Strain to Market Leadership” Speaker: Andrew Munro - Smith Myers Communications Ltd (King’s Award Winner for Enterprise Innovation 2024) |
|
13.00 – 13.45 |
Lunch and networking |
|
13.45 – 14.30 |
Session 2 - “Unlocking Growth: Capital Grant Opportunities for Bedfordshire Businesses” Speaker: Ruth Roan- Manager South Midlands Growth Hub |
|
14.30 – 15.15 |
Session 3 – “Scaling Strong: Lessons in Growth and Resilience from UKSPF Alumni” Panel: TBC |
|
15.15 – 15.45 |
Tea and Coffee |
|
15.45 – 16.30 |
Session 4 – “From Sustainability to Strategy: Value Mapping for SME Growth” Speaker: Professor Miying Yang and Claire Banwell Spencer, Cranfield School of Management |
|
16.30 – 17.15 |
Session 5 – “Harnessing AI for a Competitive Edge: Better Customers, Smarter Insights, and Endless Innovation” Speaker: Edward Braund, Head of School of Computer Science & Technology, University of Bedfordshire |
|
17.15 – 17.30 |
Formal Close: Leader of the Council and Professor Stephanie Hussels, Cranfield School of Management |
Who are the speakers:
Bade Adesemowo - CTO & Co-founder, DevCircle
Dr Edward Braund - Head of School of Computer Science & Technology, University of Bedfordshire
Professor Stephanie Hussels - Director of the Bettany Centre for Entrepreneurship
Michael Martin - Head of Net Zero & Business Advice Team, Wenta
Ruth Roan – Manager, South Midlands Growth Hub
Claire Banwell Spencer - Head of Entrepreneurship Growth for the Bettany Centre For Entrepreneurship
Miying Yang - Professor of Sustainability at Cranfield School of Management
