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Leicester

East Midlands Growth Conference 2026

This isn't another networking breakfast. The East Midlands Growth Conference brings together 100+ business leaders for a full day of commercially focused, expert-led sessions at the University of Leicester Business School.

No padding. No theory for its own sake. Practical insight you can act on, from people who have been there and are experts in their field.

The East Midlands business community is navigating a genuinely complex environment: rising costs, funding pressures, AI disruption, leadership pipelines under strain, and a generation of business owners without a real exit plan. We've curated a programme that addresses every one of those challenges — in a single day, in one room.

Book in Today

17th September 2026

9:00 AM - 4:30 PM

University of Leicester

Are you ready for growth?

If you're building, scaling, or positioning for exit - balancing rising costs, funding decisions, AI adoption and succession all at once - this day was designed for you. It's built for MDs, CEOs, CFOs, FDs and senior leaders of growing East Midlands businesses, and for owners considering a full exit or partial sale.

What you can expect from the event

Funding, Exit & Finance

  • Funding for Growth & Exit — Corporate finance, private equity, and the London Stock Exchange: how to access capital and structure for an exit.
  • Banking for SMEs — Alternative models and financial solutions for growing businesses.
  • ESG & Exit Valuation — Why "Planet vs Profit" is the wrong framing, and how ESG drives your exit multiple.
  • Procurement for Profit — Improving margins without growing revenue.

Leadership & Board

  • Building a High-Performing Board — When to bring in NEDs and fractional leaders, and how to leverage them.
  • Leadership & Resilience — Wellbeing and mental toughness for high-pressure environments.

AI, Tech & Growth

  • AI & Technology for Growth — Practical ways to increase output and efficiency without increasing headcount.
  • Marketing for Real Revenue Growth — Demand generation and sustainable sales, not vanity metrics.

People & Culture

  • Culture vs Strategy — Does culture still drive performance? A debate worth having.
  • Motivating Gen Z — Succession, mentorship, and keeping your next generation engaged.
  • Neurodiversity in the Workplace — The performance advantage you're probably underutilising.

The Economic Picture

  • Economic Outlook — A University of Leicester economist sets the context for 2026 and beyond.
  • Closing Session: The Growth Playbook for 2026 and Beyond — Actionable priorities to take back to your business, from someone who's been there and continues to invest in scale-ups.
Real-Life Success Stories

Matthew Farrow
Chief Financial Officer, Kwalee
Discover Matthew's remarkable journey with PurpleBricks, evolving from a software idea in a shed in Solihull to a £1 billion unicorn.

Sue Farrow
Business Expert
Learn why an EMI Share Scheme remains the best long-term incentive to retain your top team and keep them motivated for optimal business performance.

Funding & Exit Strategies

Tim Davis
Regional Head, UK Primary Markets - The London Stock Exchange
Explore why an IPO could be a viable exit strategy for your business and the importance of having expert advisors and/or NEDs.

Building a Winning Team

Darius Matusiak
Talent Expert
Understand how to build an employer brand that acts as a talent magnet, making your business more attractive than your competitors.

Andy Gallimore
Middle Management Specialist
Unlock the potential within the middle management cohort of your organisation to drive growth and success.

The Power of AI & Technology

Paul Bratcher
AI Specialist, Unfold.AI
Find out how AI can unlock productivity gains and drive profitability in your business and the likely impact of AI on jobs and skills with top experts in the field.

Expert Advice & Investment Insights

Adam Huckerby
Investor, BGF
Learn what makes BGF a "different kind of investor" and what they look for in potential investments. Understand the importance of having a high-class leadership team to secure investment.

*Session titles and topics subject to change

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Why the East Midlands has been waiting for this

Hosted by Macildowie Group in partnership with the University of Leicester Business School, the conference takes place in the Peter Jackson Lecture Theatre — a world-class setting for a conversation the region has been waiting to have. 100+ senior leaders, one room, a full day of practical sessions from people who are actually dealing with the challenges you're facing.

"The ability to network with different people who I wouldn't normally come across in my working life has been spot on!"

"The event was very insightful. I learned a lot about growth share options which is something that we're considering as a business."
"This event has been phenomenal...we have talked about utilising new technology which the next generation is more invested in."
"Today was a really good day. It was all about learning new things around AI, sales techniques, leadership & building culture within organisations."
"These events are great for networking moments to really connect with people & help grow our businesses for the future."

    Book in Today

    Seats are limited. MDs, CEOs, CFOs, FDs and senior leaders — if you're building, scaling, or positioning for exit, register now.