AI UNLEASHED: Skills every business owner needs to succeed
Reserve a spot nowJoin us on National AI Day for this free event to learn more about using AI for your business and a great opportunity for networking!
Business & Technology Centre, Bessemer Drive, Stevenage, SG1 2DX
➤ AI UNLEASHED, is an action-packed National AI Day event designed to help business owners, entrepreneurs and ambitious professionals discover how artificial intelligence can save time, boost productivity and drive growth.
➤ Whether you're completely new to AI or already experimenting with tools like ChatGPT, this fun, practical and interactive event will give you the confidence, skills and inspiration to start using AI more effectively in your business.
➤ This isn’t your usual AI event for business owners. As part of Wenta's hugely successful AI roadshow series, It’s focused on putting all that theory you’ve heard about at other events into ACTUAL action. Starting with the simple question to ask yourself, ‘How can AI help me fix my business problems’?
➤ Join us on Thursday 16th July 2026 from 9am to 3pm at the Business & Technology Centre in Stevenage to hear from the likes of global digital experts, Waterstons, bringing practical solutions to your business needs.
➤ Expect live AI demonstrations from expert speakers, workshop on how to perfect your prompts, a live edition of our brand new podcast (Air Your Business), a craft market and so much more.
➤ Food and drinks will be available to keep you refreshed throughout the event!
Who should come
No tech experience needed — just bring your curiosity and a few real business challenges.
Small business owners, freelancers and founders (up to 5 years trading)
Anyone curious about AI but unsure where to start
Business owners who want to save time, streamline tasks and improve marketing
Spaces are free but limited
So secure your spot today and see how AI can make your business life easier.
Please note:
There is limited free parking available on site, allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.
If the car park is full, paid parking is available at Railway North Multi-Storey Car Park, Stevenage, SG1 1XT, just a 10 minute walk from the Business & Technology Centre.
Meet the Speakers
Abigail Rabbett, Head of Online and Content at Wenta
Abigail Rabbett is Wenta's Head of Online and Content, with a background that moves seamlessly from journalism to digital leadership. She began her career in journalism, becoming Reach PLC's youngest ever editor at just 23, and has since built deep expertise in content strategy, SEO and audience engagement.
At Wenta, Abi leads the strategic development of the organisation's digital presence, with a sharp focus on creating content that genuinely connects with people. She is the kind of speaker who understands both the craft of storytelling and the science of making it work online.
Dr Stan Neal, Sector Principal – Education at Waterstons
Stan Neal joined Waterstons in 2022. He has wide ranging experience of the Higher Education Sector in various roles at different institutions. Most recently, Stan worked in the Strategic Planning and Insight team at Durham University, responsible for high-level strategic planning, data analysis, change management, risk management, system design, training and development. At Waterstons, Stan is responsible for all Education projects and service delivery, particular highlights include strategic advisory work pertaining to digital transformation and Artificial Intelligence.
Giles Robertson, Course Leader, Digital Marketing University of Bedfordshire Board of Governors
Giles Robertson is a highly experienced senior marketing professional, having worked across both agency and client side, including some of the world's most respected organisations. He founded his own consultancy and currently serves as a Board Director of the Marine Conservation Society. Beyond his commercial work, Giles is deeply invested in people and the future of the industry, from championing student marketing talent at the University of Bedfordshire to qualifying as a Mental Health First Aider. He brings genuine expertise, real world perspective and a refreshingly grounded approach to everything he does.
Dr Ioana Stoica, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing, University of Bedfordshire
Dr Ioana Stoica is a Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing with a background that spans academia, consultancy and hands-on industry experience. She brings a rare combination of rigorous research and real world practice, having worked with numerous SMEs as well as in advertising and marketing communications earlier in her career. As a researcher and consultant, Ioana specialises in branding, brand co-creation and participatory approaches, and holds an Executive Education qualification from Said Business School at the University of Oxford. She is the kind of speaker who makes complex ideas feel accessible, grounded in both evidence and genuine experience.
Rob Finlay, Producer | Director
Rob Finlay is an award-winning musical artist and filmmaker with more than 20 years' experience working across film, animation, music, and digital communications. Having led productions for organisations including KPMG, the National Trust, NHS, Thales, and the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, he specialises in creating compelling stories that engage audiences and communicate complex ideas. Alongside his work in film and video production, Rob is an active singer-songwriter and music producer. He is a strong advocate for AI-enhanced creativity, exploring how artificial intelligence can support creative workflows without replacing human creativity, judgement, or insight. Through workshops, industry events, and panel discussions, he helps organisations and creatives understand how to harness AI responsibly to unlock innovation, improve efficiency, and expand creative possibilities.
Michael Martin, Head of Net Zero and Coach Team Manager at Wenta
Michael Martin is a highly experienced business advisor with over 25 years of working with start-ups, small businesses and social enterprises. Having conducted more than 8,000 one-to-one advisory sessions, he brings an extraordinary depth of real world knowledge alongside a genuine passion for helping people find direction and purpose in their work.
His background is as varied as it is impressive, from founding and selling his own businesses to raising over two million pounds in funding for clients, originating enterprise learning programmes and founding a registered mental health charity. Michael is also Carbon Literate certified, making him well placed to speak to the practical and human side of building a sustainable, purposeful business.
Matt Cheevers, Net Zero and Business Coach at Wenta
Matt Cheevers brings 20 years of commercial experience, having worked with some well-known and fast-moving businesses including Eurostar, Lastminute.com, Teletext Holidays and Voyage Prive. His expertise spans business growth, marketing, business planning and sales.
As a Net Zero and Growth Advisor at Wenta, Matt combines that sharp commercial background with a practical focus on helping businesses grow in a way that is responsible and forward thinking.
Leandro Eusebio, Content Creator at Wenta
Leandro Eusebio is a Content Creator at Wenta with a background in small business management and customer services. Having joined the team in 2020, he brings a grounded, people-first approach to everything he does, with a genuine understanding of what local businesses need and how to connect them with the right support.
Watch highlights from our first AI Roadshow in Stevenage
Get a feel for what these sessions are really like. This short video captures moments from our November Roadshow at the Business and Technology Centre in Stevenage, including real feedback from business owners who joined us on the day.
If you are curious about the upcoming events, this is a good sneak peek. Consider it the trailer.
Please note:
This event will be filmed and photographed. Video clips and photos may be used by Wenta and Waterstons for promotional and educational purposes, including social media, websites, and future event materials.
Data Collecting:
Information collected here will be processed by Wenta and shared with our programme partners such as Hertfordshire LEP, Watford Borough Council, Stevenage Borough Council and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government for programme data reporting purposes only. Data that is collected here will be used to provide further business advice and support information to you. Please visit Wenta’s Privacy Policy for more information.
Data Sharing:
We have data sharing arrangements in place with programme and contract partners such as Hertfordshire LEP, Watford Borough Council, Stevenage Borough Council and Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, who we work with to provide certain services to you. Under data sharing arrangements, certain personal information is shared for a specific purpose. The local authority or organisation receiving the information must only use that information to carry out that specific purpose, and keep your data safe and secure. Please visit Wenta’s Privacy Policy for more information.
To find out more about this event, please email us on info@wenta.co.uk or call 01438 310020.
