11:15 - 11:45
Room: The Academy 1
Meet the Funders
An interactive panel featuring 5–6 diverse funders, each offering firsthand insights into their funding criteria, decision-making processes, and areas of focus. This session will help attendees understand which funders align best with specific funding needs and strategic goals.
Who's it for?
SME business owners, financial directors, operational directors. Those interested in receiving exclusive funding insights from a national and local perspective.
Speaker Bio - Dave Jones
With a background in banking, consultancy, and entrepreneurship, Dave brings a practical, people-focused approach to his role as a Business Funding Adviser. Specialising in debt finance, he’s passionate about helping businesses access the right capital in a complex and fast-moving market.
Dave’s career began with hands-on roles that shaped his strong communication skills, before moving into financial services with NatWest and Barclays. After running his own business, he joined UMi as a Business Growth Consultant and Project Manager, later stepping into his current role.
Today, Dave works with businesses ranging from pre-revenue startups to £100m turnover firms; helping them find funding solutions that support real, sustainable growth. He’s driven by the belief that great businesses deserve great finance, and works closely with clients to make that happen.