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BESA Open Day
When
Wednesday, 10 September 10:30am - 1:00pmWhere
OnlinePrice
Free
Members and prospective members – join us for the BESA Open Day. You will meet the BESA team, learn more about the benefits of membership and get an update on the UK education system.
BESA works with UK education suppliers to help maximise their export potential, regardless of their stage in their export journey. We provide practical advice, business leads, notification of tenders, market reports, a monthly newsletter, governmental links, international exhibitions, seminars, and trade missions.
Want to learn more about your membership or becoming a member? Join our Open Day!
This event is also educational for new members of your team who do not know who BESA is!
We look forward to meeting you.
Team BESA
Agenda
10:30am
Introduction to the Benefits of BESA
11:00am
Breakout Room Panel Sessions
You will have the choice to attend one of these topics on the day.
Export Panel
– Chair: Julia Garvey, Deputy Director General, BESA
BESA Special Interest & Working Groups Panel
– Chair: Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA
11:30am
Break
11:45am
Doing Business with the World’s International Schools
Join ISC Research at this briefing session to receive an international schools market update, take a look at the demand for international schools, how international schools make purchasing decisions, as well as some information around school group growth. There will also be time for questions.
12:30pm
An overview of UK Education
Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA
BESA’s Policy Advisor, Peter Doyle, will give a primer on the key structures of the English school system, the national curriculum, assessment, and accountability within schools – alongside emerging trends, such as the rise of the Multi-Academy Trusts. The workshop also aims to give participants a good working knowledge of the key government departments and agencies. This session is for those new to the education sector.
1:00pm
Close of meeting
Sam Butter, Membership Manager, BESA
Sam is dedicated to driving growth and engagement across BESA’s diverse membership community. With 10 years of experience in membership services, Sam specialises in developing strategies to enhance member services, attract new members, and deliver value using data and feedback. As the primary contact for BESA’s close to 400 membership base, Sam and the team can be reached at members@besa.org.uk for assistance with membership benefits or joining the association.
Caroline Wright, Director General, BESA
Caroline had a distinguished career in the UK Civil Service prior to joining BESA in 2012, leading communications teams at the Department for Education, Ofsted, Partnerships for Schools, Cabinet Office, and the Department of Trade and Industry. Caroline is actively involved in various government and sector advisory boards and has received numerous accolades, including Education Investor’s ‘Outstanding Contribution to Education’ award. Caroline is a frequent contributor to charitable educational activities, reflecting her commitment to the education sector.
Peter Doyle, Policy Manager, BESA
Peter represents the interests of BESA members to parliamentarians and officials across Government departments, working on various policy issues across the association. His passion for the education sector developed while working for a BESA member, where he contributed to the development and implementation of EdTech products and curricula for the Primary Sector. In addition to his professional work, Peter volunteers as a Governor at a federation of local primary schools in East London.
Samantha Marsh, Events Manager, BESA
Samantha manages and delivers impactful events that support the education sector and BESA’s almost 400 members. With a background in community engagement and museum curation, Samantha is passionate about listening and adapting programming to the needs of members.
Matthew Koster-Marcon, CEO, Learning Ladders Education
Matt is the Founding CEO of Learning Ladders Education, an award-winning EdTech platform that improves school assessment data management and parental involvement in learning for International Schools across Early Years, Primary and Lower Secondary. He is a former teacher, education author, speaker, Trustee at the charity School Home Support, and is also Chair of Governors at his local school. Matt has been a member of the Executive Council since 2017, and served as Chair of the EdTech Special Interest Group for 5 years. He was voted by BESA members to be Vice Chair in 2024.
Carrie-Ann Gibson, International Education Manager, Everway
Educator, international speaker, assistive technology specialist, language enthusiast and International Education Manager at Everway (formerly Texthelp), the world’s largest digital accessibility company. Carrie-Ann is passionate about edtech and supporting students with different learning needs to thrive throughout their education. Carrie-Ann has a degree in Applied Languages and a Masters in Professional Language Studies and has a deep knowledge of international education.
Ian Hunter, Founder and CEO, Lime Education Consulting
Ian has worked in the EdTech market for over 25 years and has worked for some of the largest education companies in the world including Tes Global, Discovery Education and RM Education. As Global Director, Sales Director or Commercial Director he has been responsible for driving growth across a range of EdTech products and services to schools, colleges, Universities and Ministries of Education globally. Ian has extensive experience of working in global education markets with a network stretching across Asia and the Middle East, as well as the UK and Europe.
Rebecca Durose-Croft, Managing Director, Education and UK Operations, Westchester Publishing Services UK
Rebecca Durose-Croft, Managing Director, Education, oversees the development of our UK and international education projects. Rebecca brings a wealth of experience in Educational Publishing, having previously worked in Editorial and Project Management roles for Oxford University Press, Pearson Education, Cambridge University Press, and Marshall Cavendish. Rebecca has worked across print, digital, and online platforms and has extensive knowledge of UK and international curricula.
Jamie Ganley, Head of Sales, The National College
Jamie holds the position of Head of Sales at The National College (TNC), where he leads the operations of International & Independent School members. Jamie has a range of experiences across the education industry, partnering with schools across the world to support their staff recruitment, retention, and upskilling. He has a proven track record of building strong partnerships, generating sales growth and building high performing teams. Jamie is also a certified management professional through the Open University with a keen interest in education, history, politics, leadership and innovation.
Katie Sergeant, Secondary & Revision Publisher, HarperCollins Publishers
Katie has over 20 years’ experience in educational publishing and is passionate about collaborating with experts to create and deliver high-quality, accessible and representative educational resources. Katie has published award-winning and innovative products across all stages and ages. As Secondary & Revision Publisher at Collins she is committed to improving life chances for learners and advocating that education equips young people with the skills necessary for success in work and life.
Rachel Rogers, Head of Sales, ISC Research
I have over 25 years’ experience in the education sector having spent most of my career working in Edtech, supporting schools to realise the benefits of technology to support teaching and learning. Before Joining ISC Research I led an International Sales team at GL Education selling to schools across the globe. ISC Outreach was a key tool for my teams’ sales planning activities! I studied psychology at University and have always been interested in how psychology is applied to organisations and businesses. I completed my Masters research looking at Leadership across Multi Academy Trusts. Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with family and friends and long walks with my sprocker, Lewis.
The BESA Team is excited to welcome you to the Open Day! Discover the incredible benefits of BESA membership and explore how we can support your growth and success. Join us to learn more about the resources, connections, and opportunities that make BESA membership so valuable.
To ask any questions, please email eventsteam@besa.org.uk.
We look forward to having you join us for an enlightening and enriching experience!