London business owners join national taskforce to boost SME growth

Four London-based entrepreneurs have joined a brand new taskforce to help UK SMEs tackle the challenges and barriers they face in 2022 and beyond.

The Great British Entrepreneur Awards (GBEA) and Vodafone have teamed up to launch the fully-funded initiative, Disruptive Minds, bringing together leading entrepreneurs and business leaders to provide invaluable insight into their experiences.

Through interactive online sessions and Q&As, the taskforce will support small businesses with discussions and advice on how to grow and thrive in challenging times.

The taskforce combines Vodafone’s digital and technical expertise with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards’ community of business leaders to guide SMEs through a range of advice and idea-driven content across social media, Vodafone’s V-Hub SME support website and Fresh Business Thinking.

Nineteen entrepreneurs from a range of sectors have joined the taskforce to lead conversations around learning in business, including London representatives Shan Hanif of Genflow, Jo Dalton of JD & Co, Sheryl Miller of Reboot Global, and Nohman Ahmed, the co-founder of footwear care brand Crep Protect.

Nohman said: “The ethos of combining the functionality of digital tools with an open mindset of learning has been vital for Crep Protect. This ‘always forward’ attitude has allowed us to not only create products but to recreate and dominate a whole category through versatility and being able to drive innovation with the least effort.

“We have always been proud of being a British business and flying our flag in global markets and, being a judge with the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, it’s great to be involved in Disruptive Minds to provide value to other British businesses.”

Launching Disruptive Minds, Andrew Stevens, head of UK small and medium business at Vodafone, added: “We are delighted to be launching such an exciting new initiative with the GBEA, bringing together some of the most dynamic and forward-thinking entrepreneurs and business leaders in the UK today.

“In order to maximise business opportunities and foster growth, it’s vital that SMEs have access to the right tools and guidance. With Disruptive Minds, thought leaders will be providing insights, expertise and guidance to inspire and encourage the next wave of budding entrepreneurs.”