SME Conference: Blast from the Past pt3

2012: Expanding Market Frontiers - Restructuring for Growth

The conference was launched by Mr. Peter Bamkole, the Director of the Enterprise Development Centre, like the previous year, opened the floor by commenting on the efforts EDC has made, in years gone by, to help SMEs stay ahead of their competitors, and remain productive in challenging times. He also highlighted on how EDC has been partnering with individuals and institutions towards ensuring the growth and development of Nigerian businesses.

Tokunbo Talabi,
Superflux International Limited

That set the tone for the first session, which was titled "Why Some Businesses Succeed and others Fail". Tokunbo Talabi, the CEO of Superflux International Limited, made an unforgettable point about structures: "It begins with having a good business model, which is one thing people miss. The risk of failure could be reduced significantly by putting the right structures in place, articulating your corporate philosophy, mission, values, and committing the same to all your staff".


As usual, the conference as an easy amiable environment for networking, with the added bonus of gaining several business knowledge bytes, e.g. How to manage your cash flow, position your products and services more attractively and how to seek opportunities in emerging markets.

Tony Elumelu, Heirs Holdings

Another major aspect of the conference was the session titled "Conversation with the CEO" which had Tony Elumelu of Heirs Holdings, and Tunde Titilayo of SWAP Technologies in the hot seat. Their conversation centred around the creation of industrial clusters, which will facilitate rapid development of small, medium, growing Nigerian enterprises. Tony Elumelu also disclosed that for the SMEs to succeed, there were a number of factors they needed available, which included an enabling environment to allow thriving of their businesses, and access to finance.

Other speakers that contributed to making the event a success include Clare Omatseye, Managing Director of JNC International Limited, David Nwachukwu, CEO Leasing Company of Nigeria (LECON), Akintunde Oyebode, Head of SME Banking, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Bunmi Lawson, MD/CEO ACCION Microfinance Bank, Elizabeth Olofin, Head of training at FATE Foundation, amongst others.


The conference had over three hundred delegates in attendance, and was held at the Shell Hall in Muson Centre.

The #SMEConference2013 promises to be bigger and better! We have three explosive sessions scheduled to enhance your business knowledge, with experienced speakers from varied sectors. This year's theme is titled "Models, Market and Money - Positioning your Organization", and with sessions like "What Model is right for your business?" and "Innovative Approaches to Expanding Financial Access", everyone is bound to leave with new knowledge and information. And we are repeating our "Conversation with the CEO" again this year!
You cannot afford to miss it - get your tickets now! Call/Email Nnenna at Nugwu@pau.edu.ng or 08033343092

Hurry! Registration closes September 15th!