The Shropshire Business Conversation 5th March 2026

To celebrate its 10th anniversary, Shropshire Business Magazine is bringing together a power-packed line-up of locally-based speakers to share details of their success.

It's happening at Telford International Centre, immediately after the Shropshire Business Festival.

Some of the county's most successful entrepreneurs will be in conversation with Carl Jones, sharing tips and stories about their success.

The line-up includes: 

• Will Stratton-Morris: former CEO of Caffè Nero and now group chief business development officer, bringing a global perspective on growth from the forefront of the hospitality sector. 
• Walter Gleeson: A co-founder of Music Magpie, the international platform for refurbished electronics and second hand media which became one of eBay’s most successful sellers. 
• Sarah Holmes: managing director of Merrythought, who shows how to balance heritage and innovation while leading one of Britain’s most cherished brands into its next chapter. 
• Deborah Mitchell: founder and driving force behind Heaven Skincare, charting her journey from kitchen experiments to Royal Warrant holder with a globally loved luxury organic skincare brand. 
• Charlie Blakemore: chief operating officer of Intercity Technology, sharing four decades of leadership across defence, aerospace and IT, offering hard-won insight into guiding organisations through industry upheaval.

Venue: The International Centre, Telford