SME Leaders' Event

Our inaugural SME Leaders' Event is taking place on 17 September at the Alan Baxter Gallery, London, featuring speakers from professional service organisations, key clients and procurement experts. 

Professional services showcase

Our first session will be focusing on professional service providers; each speaker will deliver a five-minute pitch, detailing the key services their organisations offer before ample networking time.

Speakers for this portion include:

     - Alison Murtagh, UK Market Lead at Projectworks

Alison works closely with SME leaders across the sector on profitability, resourcing and technology adoption, helping firms turn day-to-day delivery data into sharper business decisions.

     - Claire Meade, Client Services Provider at Griffiths & Armour

Claire has built more than two decades of expertise in professional indemnity insurance, risk management and complex global insurance placements.

     - Ian Wasserman, Partner at Broadfield Law

Ian is a member of Broadfield's employment team and advises on a range of employment matters, supporting clients on corporate transactions, business restructures and TUPE transfers, and extensive experience defending complex Employment tribunal claims.

     - Jason Windle, Director and Co-Founder of the Dux

The Dux helps organisations in construction, engineering and the built environment generate high-value opportunities through strategic marketing and business development

This session will provide a snapshot of solutions available to SME consultancies which can be tailored to enhance day-to-day operations.

Finding routes to market

This session will highlight the opportunities available to SME consultancies on major projects. Key clients will be delivering 10 minute presentations, highlighting opportunities for SME consultancies in their respective organisations.

Speakers include:

     - Ben Steane, Senior Supply Chain Manager at HS2

Ben is responsible for leading supply chain strategy, market engagement, supplier development, and collaboration with major contractors to support the delivery of the UK's high-speed rail programme.

     - Caroline Compton-James, Deputy Chief Executive, SCAPE

Caroline brings more than 25 years experience across the built environment and public sector, where she leads strategic growth initiatives and helps public sector clients deliver greater value through efficient and collaborative procurement.

     - Georgia Rudin, Adviser-Productivity at Local Government Association

Georgia supports council transformation and productivity improvement initiatives, helping local authorities drive organisational change and deliver more effective public services.

     - Lisa Bliss, Head of the London Construction Programme and Dynamic Markets, London Borough of Haringey Council

Lisa leads innovative public sector procurement and construction frameworks that help public organisations deliver efficient, compliant, and socially responsible projects across London and the Home Counties.

     - Hitesh Patel, Export Finance Manager, UK Export Finance (UKEF)

Hitesh supports UK exporters by helping them understand and access finance and insurance solutions, ensuring that viable export opportunities are not lost due to lack of funding and risk protection.

Presentations will be followed by networking over light refreshments, allowing attendees to discuss opportunities and forge connections.

Agenda