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Autumn Industry Day 2026
When
Wednesday, 14 October 10:30am - 12:00pmWhere
OnlinePrice
Non-Members Only, Free to attendDiscover how trade association membership can help your business grow with confidence
Autumn Industry Day is a free online event created for education suppliers, service providers, and exporters who are not yet BESA members and want to understand how being part of a trade association can support growth. Through real examples and peer insight, the session explores how membership helps businesses stay informed, influence policy, make better decisions, and navigate change with confidence.
What you’ll leave with:
We want every attendee to leave with a clearer understanding of the value of membership and confidence about whether joining a trade association is the right next step.
Membership value: A clear understanding of how trade association membership can support business growth and decision‑making.
Peer insight: Real examples of how other education businesses are using membership to move faster and smarter.
Leadership perspective: Insight from a BESA Executive Council member on the long‑term impact of membership.
Clarity on next steps: The opportunity to ask questions and assess whether BESA membership aligns with your business goals.
Who is the webinar for:
This session is designed for organisations that work in the education sector and are curious about how trade association membership could support their next stage of growth.
- Education suppliers, service providers, and exporters who are not currently BESA members
- Business leaders exploring whether trade association membership is right for them
- Organisations looking to strengthen their voice, visibility, and influence
- Teams seeking better access to insight, policy updates, and peer learning
If you want more clarity before taking your next step into joining a trade association and scaling with confidence, this webinar is for you.
Agenda
10:30am
Welcome & Opening Remarks – An introduction to the Industry Day and how BESA supports the UK education sector.
Caroline Wright, Director General, BESA
An introduction to Industry Day and how BESA supports the UK education sector.
10:35am
Our Purpose: Champion the UK’s trusted, quality suppliers
Josh Ngondo, Membership Manager, BESA
Explore how being part of a trade association like BESA strengthens your organisation’s voice, credibility, and influence within the education sector. This session will unpack how BESA’s Code of Practice builds trust with schools, how our close relationship with government ensures your interests are represented at the highest levels, and how we tailor support to suit companies of every size and stage
10:55am
Your Nework, Your Support, Your Voice
Samantha Marsh, Head of Events, BESA
Discover how to raise your organisation’s profile and strengthen your position within the education sector. This session explores how BESA’s events, marketing opportunities, and community networks can help you build visibility with schools, influence key stakeholders, and connect with future partners. Learn practical ways to amplify your presence and make your voice heard across the education landscape.
11:15am
Leveraging BESA intelligence for smarter decision-making
Peter Doyle, Head of Policy & Research, BESA
Gain practical insight into how to turn data into strategy. In this session, you’ll learn how to make the most of BESA’s research reports, benchmarking data, and market insights. Whether you’re exploring new markets, refining your product strategy, or understanding school spending trends, this session will show you how to use BESA intelligence to guide growth, spot opportunities, and stay ahead in a rapidly evolving education landscape.
11:35am
Coffee break and time to submit questions for the panel
11:40am
Executive Council Testimonial: How BESA membership has shaped our business
Speakers
Caroline Wright, Director General, BESA
Caroline had a distinguished career in the UK Civil Service prior to joining BESA in 2012, leading communications teams at the Department for Education, Ofsted, Partnerships for Schools, Cabinet Office, and the Department of Trade and Industry. Caroline is actively involved in various government and sector advisory boards and has received numerous accolades, including Education Investor’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Education’ award. Caroline is a frequent contributor to charitable educational activities, reflecting her commitment to the education sector.
Samantha Marsh, Head of Events, BESA
Samantha manages and delivers impactful events that support the education sector and BESA’s almost 400 members. With a background in community engagement and museum curation, Samantha is passionate about listening and adapting programming to the needs of members.
Peter Doyle, Head of Policy & Research, BESA
Peter represents the interests of BESA members to parliamentarians and officials across Government departments, working on various policy issues across the association. His passion for the education sector developed while working for a BESA member, where he contributed to the development and implementation of EdTech products and curricula for the Primary Sector. In addition to his professional work, Peter volunteers as a Governor at a federation of local primary schools in East London.
To ask any questions, please email eventsteam@besa.org.uk.
Will it be recorded?
Yes, the webinar will be recorded. If you register, you’ll receive a link to the recording once it is processed, so you can watch it at your convenience.
Will the slides be shared afterwards?
Yes, the slides will be shared after the webinar. Registered attendees will receive a copy via email following the session.
What software is the webinar hosted on?
The webinar will be hosted on Zoom. Once you register, you’ll receive a confirmation email with the Zoom link and joining instructions.
Can I ask questions during the webinar?
Yes! Attendees can ask questions via the chat or Q&A function. If you prefer, you can also submit questions anonymously through the Q&A feature.
