Growth isn’t about working harder, taking on more, or throwing money at the next big idea. It’s about building the right foundations. And in his signature no-fluff style, Royston unpacked three of the most common traps that even experienced leaders fall into — from chasing revenue instead of profit, to neglecting cash flow, to focusing only on new clients rather than nurturing the ones you’ve already got.

How’s your workload feeling right now? Relentless? Overflowing? Spilling over into the weekend?
You’re not alone—and that’s exactly what Martine Ellis tackled in her talk. Martine is an educator, coach and productivity-meets-wellbeing champion who knows first-hand what burnout feels like—and more importantly, how to avoid it. 

You might have the best product, service, or idea, but without confident communication, success is unlikely. James Hunt,  a Presentation Coach at Boost, reminds us that how you speak matters as much as what you say. Yet most of us were never taught to present well. We’ve all suffered through dull, overloaded slides. It doesn’t work—and it doesn’t have to be that way.

For many small business owners, keeping the numbers in check can feel overwhelming – after all, you didn’t start your business to become an accountant. Dani and Di from DNA Accountants talk us through how financial resilience is key to long-term success, and it’s something every business owner needs to master.

In a world where competition is fierce and marketing budgets are tight, small businesses often find themselves wondering how to maximise visibility without breaking the bank. The good news? George Bett, Managing Director at Clicksmith, shows us it’s entirely possible to stretch even the smallest budgets and achieve big dreams through smart digital marketing.

Nicole Le Goupillot, Leadership Director at Leaders Consultancy shows us that conflict managed well, can actually help build relationships, develop trust and be a motivator for growth and change. We will all approach conflict resolution in different ways – each having our natural style. Some of us will find it easier to adapt our style than others.

In the realm of leadership, Kareena Hodgson, Leadership Director at Leaders Consultancy, highlights that there’s a common tendency to focus primarily on the development of others. While nurturing talent is crucial, we must not overlook the importance of self-development.

The power of the local media is huge in terms of building a brand and growing your recognition, and it can be a low-cost (or no-cost if you do it right yourself!) way of marketing your business.