More than 150 businesses are now booked to attend Dorset Growth Hub’s inaugural Online Business Summit this Friday, May 1.

The free all-day event – the most ambitious mounted by the business support agency and first reported on Dorset Biz News – has 18 speakers over five sessions.

It runs from 9.30am until 4pm on Zoom and includes regular breaks and even networking sections.

The five speaker slots have a choice of two or three speakers in breakout rooms.

All sessions will be recorded so delegates can access any sessions they haven’t seen after the event.

The speakers are all experts in their field, covering marketing, PR, wellness, cyber security and business growth together with other topics.

To register for a place visit the Eventbrite page here.

Booking is open until Thursday, April 30, at 4pm.

The first seven speakers to be confirmed were featured on Dorset Biz News here.

The remaining 11 speakers and their sessions are:

Shaun Guppy, Associate, Steele Raymond LLP Solicitors

Staying focussed – Legal considerations for SMEs

In this session, putting the current Covid-19 situation to one side, Shaun will focus on general legal considerations for SMEs, including, among others, business/company structure, contractual relationships, debt recovery and data protection.

Christopher Grubb, Founder, Inform Perform

#BackStronger. Unleash the Value in your Business

Christopher will reveal a number of simple and actionable methods to increase revenue, margins, cash, liquidity and ultimately the valuation of your business. He will focus on key areas within your operations where small tweaks, policies or evolved reporting will make you richer and more attractive to both investors and lenders.

Kelly Butler, Marketing Director, Podcast Labs

Podcasting: The Marketing Opportunity Of The Century 

Podcasting is one of the most powerful tools available to brands. Yet business owners and marketers are not understanding the value or making the most of the opportunities this audio platform provides. This session will showcase why every business should be implementing podcasting in their marketing strategy, why trust should be your number 1 sales tactic and the rapid growth of podcasting and the opportunities it creates.

Beverley Poole

Planning and Motivation post CV19 and how to structure an eLearning course to get you online

Beverley has more than 20 years’ experience working with companies and individuals aiming to get the best outcomes for everyone. Mentoring you through change, providing structure and motivation to your business, or personally. Beverley is a qualified and experienced educator and trainer, with experience in marketing, personal development, career coaching, relocation, outplacement through redundancy, bespoke and soft skills training.

Izzie Sully, Goose Bay – Marketing & Business Development Agency

Marketing during a crisis: Brand checklist workshop (No marketing experience required!)

Izzie has had a number of roles working across operations, account management and marketing departments. She is extremely well connected and brings clients her expertise in marketing, social media and account management.

David Taylor, Founder, DNAsix®

Staying visible; staying viable; staying profitable after Covid19

David is a business communications specialist with over 27 years’ experience of the media, gained from a career in journalism, in-house media relations, PR, marketing, social media training and digital consultancy. Today David works with a range of organisations, helping them to survive, compete and ultimately thrive in today’s digital marketplace using his trademarked business communications e-learning and distance learning platform DNAsix®.

Toni Taylor, Managing Director, Tru Talent

3 Simple Strategies for Start Up SMEs during Covid-19

Toni recently founded a new recruitment agency in Bournemouth, Tru Talent. Toni will be discussing the three main strategies she has used during the current Covid-19 pandemic to help support her staff and business to ensure it can continue to thrive post Covid-19.

Charlotte Bowater, Dorset Business Mentors

Introducing Mark Hudson and Liz McCormick

Dorset Business Mentors offers the opportunity to be matched 1:1 with a volunteer mentor, whose experience is matched to your aims and requirement. The service serves to support the resilience and growth of Dorset businesses and is acknowledged as a centre of excellence in the UK. Mark Hudson will discuss why developing a plan is key to a successful business and navigating challenges at any time, and how it is done by sharing a simple tool explored live with client mentee Liz McCormick.

Sarah Mulcare, Chatbot Specialist, Sarah Mulcare Chat Consulting

How businesses are using chat marketing to pivot and generate revenue fast during the crisis – and what you can learn from them

Facebook and Messenger usage are up more than 100 per cent since the start of the crisis. Businesses around the world are using these platforms to help them stay in touch with customers, attract new business and stay afloat. This session will look at specific examples of businesses using chatbots and live chat to help them pivot to different business models and bring in revenue fast. With examples from bricks and mortar businesses (including restaurants, beauty salons, shops and gyms); online course creators  and event organisers. Sarah will also cover how to get started with chat marketing in your business and what support is available.