On 4 March 2025, we had the incredible opportunity to host a masterclass as part of the West Yorkshire Innovation Festival. Our event, "10 Things You Need to Know When Commercialising Innovation," brought together some of the most experienced minds in business innovation and entrepreneurship.
The Lineup of Experts
Our morning was powered by a stellar lineup of professionals:
Richard Hall (Pd-m) - With credentials including MSc, BA(Hons), CMgr MCMI, FRSA, Richard brought decades of strategic insights
Jane Slimming (Zeal) - A seasoned professional with deep expertise in innovation commercialisation
Charlotte Walsh and Michael Crinnion - Entrepreneurs who shared their raw, unfiltered journeys
What Made the Morning Special
The masterclass wasn't just another talking heads session. It was a deep dive into the real-world challenges of turning innovative ideas into successful businesses. Participants were treated to:
Practical strategies for balancing divergent thinking with business practicality
Insights into creating a truly effective Minimum Viable Product (MVP)
Candid conversations about the entrepreneurial journey
The Fireside Chat: Real Stories, Real Lessons
Perhaps the most compelling part of our event was the fireside chat. Charlotte Walsh and Michael Crinnion didn't just share success stories – they opened up about the challenges, the pivots, and the learning curves that come with entrepreneurship.
“What struck me most? The sheer number of entrepreneurs and inventors in the audience, all eager to learn, share, and (let’s be honest) commiserate about the realities of startup life.”
“Getting the right people around you is critical to surviving and thriving in entrepreneurship. Especially as a solo founder.”
Our Incredible Host
A special thank you to Katherine Megson from Bruntwood SciTech, who not only hosted the event but ensured everyone was comfortable and well-fed with breakfast and refreshments.
“It brought the right level of knowledge, advice plus humour. my personal favourite slide was ‘kill your idea’ or through graphics alone ”
By the Numbers
Attendees: 20+ passionate innovators and entrepreneurs
Duration: Morning session
Key Takeaway: Innovation is a journey, not a destination
What's Next?
We're already buzzing from the energy and insights of this event. Stay tuned for more opportunities to learn, grow, and connect with the innovation community.
Partnered with Zeal | Part of West Yorkshire Innovation Festival