Champions (UK) plc MD says entrepreneurial community 'stronger than ever' after Ideas Fest

The entrepreneurial community is stronger, more connected and more energised than ever, according to Matthew Hayes, Managing Director of Champions (UK) plc.

Mr Hayes was speaking following his experience of Ideas Fest, which is described as “Glastonbury for entrepreneurs”.

“I’ll admit it: when I first heard Ideas Fest described as ‘Glastonbury for entrepreneurs’, I thought the idea was bonkers. Business and festivals did not seem like a natural fit, but having experienced it for myself, I realise that I was completely wrong,” said Hayes.

“The entrepreneurial community is stronger than ever, and the sheer scale and energy of that community genuinely surprised me. Twenty-five years ago, you would have struggled to bring together a room full of people who described themselves as entrepreneurs. Ideas Fest shows just how dramatically that has changed.

“Nothing replaces meeting face to face, and the appetite for genuine, in-person connection was clear throughout the event. Since COVID, people seem to value the opportunity to exchange ideas, build relationships and spend time with other business leaders in the same room more than ever.

“The quality of thinking at Ideas Fest was exceptional. Whatever your area of interest, there was an opportunity to learn from people with genuine expertise. The breadth of subject matter and the calibre of the speakers made the event a rich source of insight for any business leader.

“Entrepreneurs still win by doing things differently, and innovation was front and centre throughout Ideas Fest. The essence of entrepreneurship is believing there is a better way, having the courage to pursue it and then proving that it works. That matters more than ever as artificial intelligence and other technologies reshape how we do business.

“A good idea means very little without excellent execution. Credit must go to Frankie, Dylan and the entire Ideas Forum team for bringing Ideas Fest to life. Having an ambitious concept is one thing, but delivering it well, earning widespread support and growing it rapidly is something else entirely.

“Ideas Fest challenged my assumptions, which is exactly what a worthwhile business event should do. It made me think differently about what a business event can be, while demonstrating the incredible appetite that exists for connection, ideas and collaboration within the entrepreneurial community.

“The concept works, the quality is excellent and the entrepreneurial community has embraced it. I was wrong about Ideas Fest when I first heard about it, and having experienced it for myself, I can say without hesitation that it is brilliant.

“The concept works and clearly demonstrates the remarkable strength and scale of today’s entrepreneurial community.”