Better Director Series Creating a culture for growth
Despite the UK government's central mission to grow the economy, business leaders are encountering unprecedented challenges, including economic uncertainty and rising costs, supply chain disruptions, a persistent skills shortage and rapid advancements in technology.
We’re excited to open the evening with an informal “In conversation with” session featuring John Browett, IoD Chair and a Leicester local who has built an extraordinary career. Born and raised in the East Midlands, John has led some of the world's most recognisable brands, including Tesco, Dixons, and Apple. He’ll share reflections on his impressive journey, the insights he’s gained along the way, and his thoughts on creating growth in uncertain times. This is your chance to hear from a global business leader with strong local roots.
After John’s session, the evening will continue with an engaging panel discussion featuring:
Craig Bentley, Co-Founder and Director of Ignite AI Partners / IoD Chair for Leicestershire and S. East Midlands
Topic: “Unlocking the Power of AI for SMEs” Craig will explore how small and medium-sized enterprises can harness artificial intelligence to streamline operations, optimise decision-making, and identify new revenue streams.
Lewis Stringer, Senior Manager, British Business Bank
Topic: “Funding the Future: SME Finance in Uncertain Times” Lewis will discuss the current landscape for SME finance and highlight government-backed funding schemes to help businesses access the capital they need. He’ll also share strategies for navigating financial challenges during economic uncertainty.
Linda Sleath, Chief People Officer, Benson for Beds
Topic: “Unlocking the Power of Our People” Linda will share how Benson for Beds has enhanced the colleague experience. Key initiatives include: Reviewing and improving total rewards by strengthening pay and benefits to better support colleagues. Investing in skills development, ensuring comprehensive training in customer service and sales for all retail colleagues. and encouraging employee engagement through creating opportunities.
Join us to gain valuable insights, connect with fellow leaders, and equip yourself with the tools to cultivate a culture that propels growth.
Directions: A map of the campus can be found at: https://www.le.ac.uk/maps/#brookfield.
Car parking: Is available at the rear of Brookfield and accessed via Holmfield Road. Upon entry drive up to the barrier, press the button and security will raise the barrier for you. If you are arriving by foot, there are entrances directly off London Road and via the car park as above
Speakers
Craig Bentley - Co-Founder and Director of Ignite AI Partners
Craig is an experienced leader with a passion for artificial intelligence, business strategy, and digital transformation. As Co-Founder and Director of Ignite AI Partners, he leads a team focused on creating tailored AI solutions that streamline operations, elevate customer experiences, and drive meaningful business growth. With a background in consulting, operational leadership, and governance, Craig is committed to helping organisations harness the power of AI to achieve real-world results.
Alongside his work at Ignite, Craig serves as IoD Chair for Leicestershire and South East Midlands, connecting members, fostering collaboration, and supporting the voice of business across the region.
Dr Debra Charles - CEO and Founder of Novacroft
Debra Charles is an award-winning CEO pioneering future-ready leadership and technological innovation to drive transformation across organisations and communities.
As the Founder of Novacroft, she has led groundbreaking initiatives in customer experience transformation across government, charities, and mobility sectors. Her leadership has shaped iconic projects, including Transport for London’s Oyster card system and the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games volunteer management platform, supporting 7.5 million visitors.
Honoured with a Cranfield University doctorate for contributions to UK business, Charles is a strategic futurist specialising in organisational effectiveness, workforce readiness and digital transformation. A champion for neurodiversity in leadership, she advises organisations on building inclusive, adaptable teams.
Through #CharityForum, she has provided £275k+ in pro bono support, helping nonprofits navigate technological disruption. Recognised as Cranfield’s Entrepreneur Alumnus of the Year, she has served as Audit Chair of the Northampton Community Foundation, combining operational expertise with thought leadership in ethical innovation and future-proof strategies.
John Browett - Chair of Institute of Directors (IoD) & Chair of Octopus Group
John was appointed as Chair of the Institute of Directors in July 2024. During his extensive executive career, working with both large and smaller companies, he was chief executive of Dunelm, Dixons and Monsoon Accessorize, and Senior Vice President of Retail at Apple and Group Operations Development Director at Tesco.
In addition to his role as Chair of the Institute, John is the Chair of Octopus Group and fraud prevention organisation Cifas, as well as Euroffice, Northern Business Plastics, Just Move In, Yoti and Wehkamp BV. He is also a Senior Advisor to the Boston Consulting Group.
John has a degree in Natural Sciences from Cambridge University and an MBA degree from Wharton Business School (Palmer Scholar).
Lewis Stringer - Senior Manager, East & South-East Midlands British Business Bank
The British Business Bank is the UK’s economic development bank. Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK, and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. The Bank delivers a series of debt and equity programmes across the UK supported by almost 250 Delivery Partners. Lewis Stringer joined the British Business Bank in October 2016 and currently works in the UK Network Team for the Bank as a Senior Manager, covering the East & South-East Midlands and supporting demand-side initiatives, as well as the recently launched Midlands Engine Investment Fund II.
Linda Sleath, Chief People Officer, Benson for Beds
Prior to joining Bensons for Beds Linda served as Group HR Director at Topps Tiles Plc, overseeing the people agenda across the business. Before that, she was HR Director for Brakes UK, part of the Sysco organization. Throughout her career, she has held senior HR and operational roles at leading organizations, including Boots International, Molson Coors, and United Biscuits.
Linda is a qualified Level 7 Executive Coach and holds a postgraduate qualification in psychology and neuroscience from Henley Business School. She is also a Fellow of both the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), underscoring her commitment to excellence in leadership and people management.
Mohamed Shaban - Associate Dean for Enterprise & Professor of Finance and Fintech (ULSB)
As the founder and Vice President of the International Finance and Banking Society (IFABS) and co-founder of the UK Efficiency, Productivity, and Innovation Network (UKEPIAN), he strives to foster collaboration and innovation in finance and banking.
Mohamed is currently leading two significant projects: one aims to use technology to enhance access to finance and promote financial literacy, while the other explores the impact of regulations on lending to innovative firms. In this work, he collaborates with esteemed researchers from organizations like the International Monetary Fund (IMF), Banco Central de Brasil, CAIXA, UNIDO, and the University of Nottingham. His role as an Independent Non-Executive Director at Dagong Europe Credit Rating highlights his commitment to ethical practices in finance.
Before his academic journey, he held executive positions in Egypt, contributing to impactful projects, including feasibility studies for prestigious hotels like the Four Seasons and Kempinski in various Egyptian cities.
Sponsors
University of Leicester
The University of Leicester School of Business is a global academy for leaders, innovators and change makers. Building on over 90 years on delivering business education, we are internationally renowned for your courses in accounting and finance, business and management, economics and marketing. We conduct pioneering work in partnership with leaders, managers, SMEs and large organisations to develop the knowledge and skills our partners need and to promote responsible business practice. We are ranked 27th in the UK for research power.
Join us
Connect with other directors, develop yourself and influence the people that matter.
Free registration with IoD
Stay up-to-date on issues that affect directors and get access to free resources.