Beyond the Business

A day to step back, think bigger and build the future you want.

Running a business is about so much more than winning clients and getting through the next to-do list.

It's about having the confidence to make decisions, the courage to be visible, the resilience to overcome challenges, and the support to keep moving forward.

Whether you're just starting out or have been in business for years, it's easy to become so busy working in your business that you never make time to work on it.

Beyond the Business is a one-day conference designed for women who want more than another networking event.

It's a day to pause, reflect, learn and leave with fresh ideas, renewed confidence and practical actions you can take back into your business.

During the day you'll:

• Hear inspiring stories from successful women who have built businesses in different ways.
• Take time to reflect on where your business is today and where you want it to go.
• Learn practical strategies you can apply immediately.
• Connect with like-minded women who understand the highs and lows of running a business.
• Leave with greater clarity, confidence and an action plan for your next steps.

This isn't about having all the answers.

It's about giving yourself the time, space and support to think differently.

Because sometimes the biggest step forward comes from taking one step back.

Join us for a day of inspiration, practical learning and meaningful conversations.

Because your business deserves more than your spare attention.

What to expect from the day

Real business stories. Practical ideas. Fresh thinking. And time to focus on you and your business.

Caroline Roberts-Cherry is the founder of Manchester-based Saffron Cherry Productions and an RTS and BAFTA award-winning producer, and Grierson award-winning director.

During a television career spanning more than 25 years, Caroline has produced over 800 hours of programming. Her previous roles include Diversity and Indies Executive for BBC Television, Commissioner for BBC Learning and Executive Producer for BBC Children’s and Entertainment.

Caroline is also a committed champion of women and greater representation, both on and off screen. She is Chair of The Pankhurst Trust, incorporating Manchester Women’s Aid, and was previously an Ambassador for Smart Works Greater Manchester.

At Beyond the Business, Caroline will lead a relaxed and revealing conversation with Jennifer Unsworth and Jackie Hyde, exploring their business journeys, pivotal decisions, challenges and the lessons they have learned along the way.

Business stories – the challenges and the triumphs

Jennifer Unsworth, founder of TidyTot and Launch & Scale Consulting, and Jackie Hyde, Owner and Managing Director of Stanmore Insurance Brokers and founder of dot2dot nursery insurance, will share the real stories behind their businesses.

They'll talk openly about the challenges they've faced, the decisions they've made and the successes they've achieved – sharing experiences and ideas that you can take away and apply to your own business.

Practical tools to move your business forward

Sue Weighell and Jenny Matthews from Handbags & Briefcases will bring the focus back to your business with practical advice and exercises designed to help you step away from the day-to-day and think about where you're going next.

You'll leave with useful takeaways and actions you can put into practice – not another notebook full of ideas that never make it off the page.

You don't have to burn yourself out to succeed

Vanessa Harding, founder of Ayla Life Performance Coaching, spent two decades as an engineer, materials scientist and technical leader before turning her attention to the science of performance, resilience and stress.

Vanessa will show us that your brain and body are wired to adapt, strengthen and thrive. You'll discover how to redirect your energy, break old patterns and unlock the kind of success that actually lasts.

Using neuroscience-backed insights, she'll explore how we can perform at our best without allowing overwork, pressure and stress to become the price we pay for success.

Capturing the day – and you!

Kate Swerdlow, event, branding and corporate photographer, will be with us throughout the conference, capturing natural and authentic photographs of the day.

Kate will also be offering delegates the opportunity to update their professional headshot with a relaxed PROfile Pop-up from £15.

And there's an added benefit – part of every headshot fee will be donated to Smart Works Greater Manchester, supporting their work helping women build the confidence they need to succeed at interview and move into employment.

And throughout the day...

There'll be plenty of opportunity to talk, share experiences and make meaningful connections with other women in business.

This isn't a day of sitting and listening to presentation after presentation.

It's a day to step back, think bigger and build the future you want.

You'll leave with:

• Fresh ideas and different perspectives
• Practical actions for your business
• Greater clarity about what comes next
• Strategies for building success without burning yourself out
• New connections with women who understand the realities of running a business

Friday 25 September 2026 | 10am–4pm
The Alan Hotel, Manchester
This is just 5 minutes walk from St Peter's Square metro station

All refreshments for the day are included.