Networking with The Federation of Small Businesses

The Business School, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB), is pleased to host an informal and welcoming networking event for business owners from across the North East. This relaxed session will focus on building new connections, rekindling existing relationships, and sharing insights in a friendly and engaging setting.

The event will also feature a bite-sized seminar delivered by an expert guest speaker, offering a timely exploration of key topics currently shaping the business landscape.

Speaker session - GenAI: the good, the bad and the ugly

Businesses of all sizes - from local micro businesses to multinationals - and across all sectors are questioning what impact GenAI is going to have in the workplace.

How will GenAI impact employability and career preparedness, as well as being mindful of sustainability, ethics, and governance? How can small business embrace the rapid advancements in GenAI? Is it an opportunity or a significant threat?

In this session, Dr Dawn Whitton, will offer insights into the good, bad and ugly associations of GenAI and raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges we all face. Attendees will gain an informed understanding of both the opportunities and challenges associated with this evolving technology,  and consider it practical relevance in their own organisations.

About our speaker

Dr Dawn Whitton is Associate Professor and Director of Education for the Department of Management and Marketing at the Business School. A former Chartered Building Surveyor, Dawn spent a decade in professional practice before transitioning to academia in 2006.

Passionate about widening participation and lifelong learning, Dawn advocates for inclusive education and empowering learners to reach their potential. Her teaching focuses on Corporate Responsibility, Ethics, and Sustainability, with a particular interest in reducing inequalities and enhancing opportunities for life-long learning. She is committed to supporting all learners, demonstrating that it’s never too late to learn, adapt, and grow. Dawn’s work reflects her dedication to inclusive practice and the transformative power of education. Her Doctorate focused on employability and part-time student.

Since the emergence of Generative AI, Dawn has developed a keen interest in identifying opportunities to empower students to utilise it as a framework but in an ethical and sustainable way.

Agenda

9.30am Arrivals, registration and informal networking over refreshments

10.00am Welcome by FSB

10.05am Welcome from Professor Kieran Fernandes, Executive Dean 

10.15am Guest speaker: Dr Dawn Whitton - GenAI: the good, the bad and the ugly

10.45am Informal networking

11.30am Event close

Refreshments

Tea and coffee will be provided.