Skills Workshop
Thursday November 12th – 9am to 12noon, Quay Arts, Newport
Click here to download your resources
Programme of key events:
The Workshop will give you a great foundation for learning key parts of starting business and how to get off on the best foot. You will learn key things about Production, Finance, Marketing, Teamwork, Fundraising and Sales, You will also meet some past students and hear about their business journey.
We have created a Toolkit with some prompt questions for you about all the topics you will learn on the day.
Click here to download the Toolkit.
Meet our Skills Workshop presenters
Marketing
Becky Daley - Director, Digital Eaze
I founded Digital Eaze in 2016 and have spent the last 11 years helping businesses build their brands, grow their audiences and make more of their marketing. My experience covers everything from social media strategy and website design to content creation and digital campaigns.
I believe great marketing starts with really understanding your audience, knowing what makes your business different and finding the best ways to communicate that. My biggest piece of advice? Don’t just post for the sake of it or try to be everywhere. Have a clear strategy, tell your story and create content that genuinely connects with the people you want to reach.
Sales
Dale Howarth
Dale is a well-known figure on the Island, working as a business advisor to many leading local businesses and serving as director of Ryde-based PC Consultants. He is also an Ambassador for the CPD Standards Office, championing high-quality, consistent Continuing Professional Development across industries.
For almost three decades, Dale’s popular business seminars have brought together entrepreneurs, community groups and charities, offering fresh perspectives and practical lessons to support their success. In 2022, he brought TEDx to the Island, hosting ‘If Not Now, When’ at The Anthony Minghella Theatre, a celebration of bold ideas and community action.
Finance
Nicola Johnston
Nicola is a well-respected figure within the Island’s business community. As Chief Operating Officer of PC Consultants, she holds full membership of the Association of Accounting Technicians (MAAT), a professional status confirming her financial expertise and commitment to the highest standards.
As COO, Nicola directs and controls all aspects of company operations, maintaining the standards of excellence on which PC Consultants has built its reputation. A commitment recognised in 2025, when it received the King’s Award for Enterprise, the most coveted honour in British business. Through her leadership, Nicola has become an inspiration to colleagues and businesses across the Island, showing what can be achieved through professionalism, integrity and determination.
Fundraising
Katie David
To follow
Teamwork
Tracy Osborn
Tracy began her career as a Saturday assistant at Mothercare, progressing over 17 years to Area Manager for Kent, Sussex and London. Tracy led 23 branches and 350 staff, overseeing a turnover of 22 million and specialising in business turnaround. At English Heritage, Tracy held a national role covering 120 sites, grew the retail business from 2 million to 10 million, completed over 80 shop refits and served on project boards, including the Stonehenge visitor project.
Tracy is now Director of Fundraising and Operations at Quarr Abbey and a board member of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce, following six years on the Hampshire Cultural Trust board. For the past three years, Tracy has supported island schools through the business programme, helping young people recognise and fulfil their potential.
Production
TBC
To follow