Tunbridge Wells Business Show - Speaker List

Jess Gibson, founder of award-winning reward scheme the TN card, brings her sell-out business workshop series Small Business Talks to the Tunbridge Wells Business Show for a special lunchtime edition.

In this uplifting and action-packed session, Jess will be joined by three standout voices from previous events – respected experts from the TN card’s Professional Services directory – who will return to share their insights and practical tips with local business owners.

Across three dynamic 15-minute talks, we’ll explore the power of storytelling, smart marketing strategies, and practical sales techniques – all tailored to help independent businesses thrive. The session wraps up with a live Q&A, giving guests the chance to ask questions and connect with our speakers directly.

Whether you’re seeking fresh inspiration, expert advice, or simply the encouragement of a like-minded community, Small Business Talks is your opportunity to learn from the best of this brilliant local network – all in just one energising hour.

And don’t forget: TN card members benefit from exclusive savings with each speaker after the event – simply show your TN card afterwards.

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Talk 1: Flip the Script: A Journalist’s Guide to Rewrite the Stories That Hold Us Back

Speaker:  Laura Hearn, Flip It

Member reward: https://www.thetncard.com/flip-it 

Summary:  Storytelling is at the heart of everything we do, in business and in life. In this talk, former BBC journalist and host of the Flip It Podcast, Laura Hearn explores how the stories we tell about ourselves can unlock clarity, connection and confidence. Whether you’re leading a team, navigating change or finding your voice, Laura reveals how story shapes what we believe is possible and how we can use it as a tool for meaning, momentum and real human connection.

Speaker bio: Laura Hearn is a storytelling consultant, narrative strategist, and former BBC journalist with over two decades of experience helping people discover, shape, and communicate their story. She works with founders, creatives, family businesses, and purpose-led brands to uncover the deeper truth behind what they do, and why it matters. Her work is about turning the complex into the compelling.

Laura is the creator of The Flip It Framework, a method for shifting perspective through story, and the host of The Flip It Podcast, where she gives a platform to voices that often go unheard, from underrepresented individuals to leaders and changemakers reflecting on the moments that shaped their path.

At the heart of everything she does is a simple belief: the right story, told well, can move people to feel, to trust, and to act.

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Talk 2: Marketing That Makes Sense: How to Stop Wasting Time on the Wrong Things

Speaker: Nat Sharp, Sharp Thinking

Member reward: www.thetncard.com/sharp-thinking

Summary: Are you stuck churning out social posts, dashing from one networking event to the next, and spending hours writing blogs—yet still not seeing real results? In this punchy, no-fluff 15-minute talk, marketing strategist Nat Sharp shows you how to stop reacting and start making smarter, data-led decisions that actually grow your business. Discover what to spot what’s really working, ditch what’s not, and focus your time and energy where it counts. If you feel overwhelmed by marketing or unsure what to prioritise—don’t miss this. Start marketing with clarity, confidence and purpose. It’s time to market smarter, not harder.

Speaker bio: Nat Sharp is the founder of Sharp Thinking Marketing, a boutique consultancy specialising in strategic marketing and sales planning. With 25 years of experience and a track record that includes Vodafone and The Financial Times, Nat brings clarity and focus to small businesses looking to grow.

Nat is known for her honest advice and delivering marketing strategies that work. Her consultancy bridges the gap between in-house teams and agencies, with a focus on driving results and improving the entire customer journey beyond marketing campaigns.

Nat has worked with over 50 businesses since launching Sharp Thinking and has been a finalist in prestigious events such as The British Business Awards and The Small Awards. A mentor for The Kent Foundation and Small Business Britain, Nat is valued for her practical insights. She is also a passionate advocate for local business, having set up Small Business Sessions.

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Talk 3:  Stop Reacting, Start Trading: The Power of Planning with Purpose

Speaker: Anna Youngson, Majury Merchandising

Member reward: https://www.thetncard.com/majury-merchandising 

Summary: Too many businesses are stuck in reactive mode, constantly firefighting cash flow, stock, or capacity without really knowing what’s driving results. Whether you sell products or services, you need to know your numbers. Why? Because data tells the real story behind your business and gives you the tools to grow without guessing.  In this session, Merchandising Expert & Retail Consultant Anna Youngson will share how smarter planning, profit-led decision making, and a few simple frameworks can help you unlock growth, protect your time, and start running your business on purpose. Expect clarity, honesty, and practical takeaways you can act on straight away. 

Speaker bio: Anna Youngson is a Merchandising Expert and Retail Consultant, and founder of Majury Merchandising. Anna helps independent fashion brands take control of their sales, stock, and strategy so they can stop winging it and start growing profitably.

With over two decades in big retail and now consulting across fashion, lifestyle and consumer brands, Anna brings the commercial know-how that’s often missing from creative businesses. But this isn’t just for product brands – Anna believes every founder should feel confident in their numbers. Through clear planning, simple systems and data-driven support, Anna helps businesses stop reacting to sales and start making decisions that drive sustainable success… without the burnout.

Talk Title: How to succeed in business AND life. 

We are in a stress pandemic and its killing people and businesses all over the world.

People are suffering due to stress caused from external pressure.  Families are being ruined by disassociated parents who are never present.  Businesses are going bankrupt because of burnout leaders.

In this key-note talk I’ll share with you the reasons and give you the answer of how to fix it.  I’ll share my unique methodology, which will give you the tools to success in both business AND life without burning out.

Expect energy, honesty and a wake-up call!

About Debbie Waite – Leadership & Life Coach, and Speaker.

I develop ambitious people, so they can kick 4ss in both business AND life, without burning out.

People CAN succeed without sacrificing their health, relationships or happiness.  It’s one of the reasons my ‘Success Triangle’ methodology works so brilliantly for leaders and business owners, as a proven method to create sustainable success.

My clients succeed because they learn to build 3 powerful foundations BEFORE focusing too much on work.

Everything I do is based on my 25 years experiences as a coach and mentor, over a decade running a successful training business, and many decades as a human who has lived a fruitful life!

My programmes, events and coaching, all create a ripple effect from the inside out.  Allowing people to become stronger and more successful on the inside first, that then ripples throughout their entire life, to their family, team, clients and business.