Tech entrepreneurs seek guidance from experienced generation

An event taking place on 20 November will look to match experienced professionals who have left corporate life with tech entrepreneurs who would benefit from their skills and experience is to be held.

The Next-Up conference, taking place Northern Ballet’s conference venue in Leeds, will bring together a number of tech entrepreneurs, charities and headhunters, who are looking for experienced professionals as advisers, consultants, trustees, non-executives and investors. Space is limited to 200 delegates.

Next-Up, an ‘unretirement’ platform launched in May 2018, is based on market research showing significant numbers of senior business leaders plan to carry on working in ‘unretirement’.

Victoria Tomlinson, chief executive of Next-Up, said: “We want to show how different generations can add value to each other and open up very different opportunities for ‘unretired’ people.

“Delegates will meet and hear from exciting businesses and charities, all looking for their advice, skills and experience, whilst also providing an easy way to get up to speed with the latest innovations in business.”

The conference is interactive, with charities and entrepreneurs putting a challenge to conference delegates.

Issues to be explored will range from adapting products to international markets, contingency planning for Brexit and the best way for a charity to develop its property.

Confirmed speakers include Simon Barratt – virtual reality; Michael Henderson – cyber security; Danny Ingham – influencer marketing; Emily McNicholas – high tech start-up issues; Zandra Moore – data analytics; Lucy Rimmington – edtech; Jonny Ross – voice search; Rich Wood – conversational marketing. Steve Kuncewicz, intellectual property lawyer and media commentator on digital, will facilitate panel sessions.

Next-Up membership will help turn a dream into a reality, starting by creating a personal ‘unretirement plan’ then followed up with practical support, advice, ideas and skills on how to make it happen.

Members enjoy access to personalised online programmes, coaching, events, guides, videos, community groups, and practical support.

This includes finding organisations that need their expertise, whether a charity project, start-up business or business school; or perhaps starting a business or becoming a consultant; or finding speaking opportunities; or much more.

Tickets can be purchased online or by calling 01423 562400.