Mercedes Yearley has over 15 years’ experience teaching young people drama. She has been an actress, writer, director and improviser since she was old enough to walk on stage. Mercedes created Quest Soul Theatre to help people with their wellbeing. At Quest, we believe in improving stagecraft, building community and supporting good mental health.

Mercedes will be our Master of Ceremonies for the day, introducing speakers and keeping everything to time.

Jane Rogers, AKA The Word Wizard, is a content writer, trainer, speaker and marketing specialist with over 25 years’ experience helping small businesses write compelling content to attract the right clients. She has been Chair of Beckenham Business Association since 2021.

Welcome

Jane will welcome us to Beckenham Business Day and talk about how we can collectively help each other to go Beyond Business as we head into 2025.

Dubbed the ‘Unexpected Olympian’ by the media, Sam Reardon rose to fame this summer when he brought home 2 bronze medals from the Paris Olympics, for the 4x400m mixed and 4x400m men’s relays. A local athlete who went to Langley Boys’ School, Sam runs for Blackheath and Bromley Harriers, is coached by Nigel Stickings, supported by Hoss Sports Therapy, and runs 400m and 800m distances.

Sam will share his story of how he made it to Paris, with the support of his local team.

Tim Cook is the founder of AIConfident, a social enterprise seeking to ensure that the rapid AI transformation is equitable. They help leaders across businesses, charities and schools to responsibly embrace the transformative opportunity presented by AI, while managing the risks.

At AIConfident, Tim combines this extensive AI background with leadership coaching, workshop facilitation and change management, in order to help organisations to approach AI responsibly.

‘Artificial Intelligence: cutting through the hype’

Tim’s talk will bring you up to speed on the latest AI developments, giving a balanced and independent view to help you understand the opportunities and limitations and how your business can progress.

Nurturing Wild Ltd is led by founder Julia Packwood. Julia has over 14 years’ teaching experience in inner London primary schools. She is a fully qualified Forest School Leader and currently teaches sessions in Beckenham and Sydenham.

Hoss Solim is a sports injury rehabilitation and sports massage therapist, based in Beckenham. He helps people recover and rehabilitate from sports and non-sports related injuries, so that they can get back to being active and performing their best.

‘Let’s Get Moving’

Hoss Solim is a sports injury rehabilitation and sports massage therapist, based in Beckenham. He helps people recover and rehabilitate from sports and non-sports related injuries, so that they can get back to being active and performing their best.

Hoss will ensure we don’t fall asleep for the afternoon session, by getting us all moving after lunch!

Established 50 years ago to help members succeed in business, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) is a non-profit making and non-party political organisation that’s led by its members, for its members.

Rachel will talk about the benefits of FSB membership, and Sarah, FSB London’s development manager, will enlighten us about developments in the small business landscape.

Judge and Priestley are a well-established firm of solicitors with offices in Beckenham, Bromley, Sidcup and Blackheath. Their solicitors can assist with a wide range of services for businesses including buying and selling a business, commercial property, employment, commercial contracts, terms and conditions and franchising.

‘Legal aspects you might not have considered for your business’

In their join talk, Peter will cover Lasting Power of Attorney for business owners and Angela will speak about taking business assets into account when going through a divorce.