Gain insight into new policies and how they might affect your business.

Policy changes set by the government are likely to significantly alter the way your business will operate in the future. While the market conditions and the amount of assistance offered to SMEs by the government are the driving force behind business growth, political trends might significantly impact your overall strategy.

This event will deliver key policy insights into changes to regulation and procurement, the impact of Covid-19 on school guidance and an increase in funding to EdTech.

New policies can be seen as both an opportunity and a challenge. This session will look at ways you can spot these potential benefits and how to negate any risks. We will explore methods of engagement and give you a practical guide on how BESA ensures that your voice is always heard.

During this session we'll explore:

• The importance of the political environment for your business: where to start
• Covid-19 and Brexit: responding and adapting to political challenges
• Key education policies that might affect your business
• How BESA can help you: international and domestic opportunities
• Planning for the future: finding certainty in uncertain times

The Speakers

Monica Thompson - Policy Analyst, BESA

Monica joined BESA as a policy analyst in January 2021. Her role includes conducting research, analysing current policies, evaluating the effects of proposed legislation and reporting on findings. She is also responsible for BESA’s engagement with the APPG on EdTech.

Monica previously worked as an Education Policy Lead for Dods, the publisher of ‘The House Magazine’ and ‘Politics Home’. Monica is an experienced political expert, who is motivated by making a positive difference in people’s lives. She found her natural habitat in the public sector where she a keen advocate for the vital role that education plays.

Nina Iles - Head of EdTech, BESA

Nina is a consultant operating in the EdTech sector. Nina works with BESA’s Director General Caroline Wright and Deputy Director-General Julia Garvey on the development and delivery of the trade association’s EdTech strategy, ensuring that the EdTech companies in full membership, as well as those who subscribe to its Launchpad service, benefit in full from all that BESA has to offer them.

Nina has devoted the past 13 years of her life to the education sector and has a passion for people, meaningful communication and, of course, educational technology. Prior to working in the EdTech sector, Nina spent over eight years at TES Global, publishers of the TES and Times Higher Education and host to the largest network of teachers in the world. 

Flexible Ticket Options

We have a range of ticket options so you can join the conference in the way to suit your time and budget. Tickets are available per session (£20), 4 sessions for the price of 3 (£60) and all sessions (£75). All sessions will be recorded so if you can't make it don't worry, you can watch them at a time that suits you.

Agenda

For more information about the SME Conference Series, please visit our webpage here. 

Thursday 4 March - 9.30am-11.00am: The Impact of Covid-19 on Industry

Friday 5 March - 11.00am-12.30pm: Re-entering the Market - What Schools Need Now and Upcoming Opportunities

Wednesday 10 March - 10.00am-11.30am: Marketing and Social Media Tips 

Tuesday 16 March - 2.00pm-3.30pm: Sector Support for Start-ups 

Wednesday 17 March - 11.00am-12.30pm: Winning Investment and Scaling Up 

Friday 19 March - 2.00pm-3.00pm:  Policy for Educational Suppliers: Key Factors Affecting Your Business  

Tuesday 23 March - 2.00pm-3.30pm: The Future of Exporting Post-Brexit

Wednesday 24 March - 11.30am-1.00pm: Knowing How and When to Pivot in Order to Grow

Friday 26 March - 2.00pm-3.30pm: Safeguarding and GDPR Compliance

Tuesday 30 March - 10.00am-11.00am: How Can BESA Support You?

We expect this session to be popular, so please reserve your place below.