NWS Spring Business Expo 2026 – Meet Our Keynote Speakers
The countdown is officially on for the North Wales Social Spring Business Expo, taking place on Thursday 23rd April 2026 at the Village Hotel, Ewloe, Flintshire.
This year’s Expo is shaping up to be our strongest yet, and we’re delighted to announce three outstanding keynote speakers who sit right at the heart of business, skills, entrepreneurship and international trade across North Wales.
Each brings deep, real-world experience — not theory, not buzzwords — and each plays a hands-on role in shaping the region’s business landscape.
David Roberts – Chair, North Wales Regional Skills Partnership
David Roberts is one of the most influential voices in the North Wales skills and employment ecosystem. As Chair of the North Wales Regional Skills Partnership (NWRSP) & IOD North Wales Chair, David leads the coordination of skills development across education, industry and government, ensuring that regional training and employment priorities genuinely reflect the needs of employers.
David’s perspective uniquely bridges policy, education and frontline business reality — making his insight especially valuable for business owners navigating recruitment, skills shortages and long-term growth planning.
Sasha Kenney – Entrepreneurship Co-ordinator, Wrexham University
Based in Wrexham, Sasha Kenney is a driving force behind entrepreneurship in North East Wales.
As Entrepreneurship Co-ordinator at Wrexham University, Sasha leads initiatives that support student start-ups, early-stage founders and graduate businesses, helping turn ideas into viable ventures. Her work plays a key role in strengthening the region’s entrepreneurial pipeline and ensuring local talent stays, grows and thrives in North Wales.
Alongside her professional achievements, Sasha is also known for her determination and discipline beyond business, holding recognised fitness records — a reminder that resilience, focus and consistency matter just as much in entrepreneurship as they do in sport.
Sasha brings a fresh, practical perspective on innovation, start-ups and the future of enterprise in the region.
Keith Stringer FCIEx – International Trade & Commercial Property Specialist
With over 30 years’ experience, Keith Stringer FCIEx is a highly respected authority in international trade consultancy and commercial property across North Wales.
Keith is an International Trade Specialist and business adviser, helping companies expand into overseas markets with confidence. As Director of KPS Businesshelpline, based in Colwyn Bay, he has supported countless businesses with export planning, sales development and brand strategy — turning ambition into structured, achievable growth.
Keith’s depth of experience offers invaluable insight for businesses looking beyond domestic markets and considering international opportunities, risks and rewards.
Learning from Experience That Matters
All three keynote speakers hold senior, responsible roles in regional business development and have generously agreed to share their experience, insights and lessons learned.
They will be joined on the day by North Wales Social founders Robert Lewis and Dave Ledward, bringing together policy, education, entrepreneurship and commercial reality under one roof.
This is not about sales pitches or surface-level inspiration — it’s about practical knowledge, honest conversation and real opportunity for businesses across North Wales.
Get Involved
Whether you’re looking to exhibit, network, or simply attend and learn, the NWS Spring Business Expo offers a valuable platform to connect with decision-makers, business owners and regional leaders.
👉 For full event details and information on exhibiting or attending, visit:
North Wales Social Business Expo
https://northwalessocial.co.uk/events/
If you do business in North Wales, this is one date you’ll want firmly in the diary.
