Professional Workshops

26th February 2026

These are two standalone workshops delivered by James Goodman, each designed to support a different part of the funding and bid writing journey. They can be attended independently or combined to build a fuller understanding of the process.

Session 1: Funding Foundations and Strategic Planning – 10:00am – 12:30pm

The morning session focuses on understanding the funding landscape and building a strong foundation for successful bids. Participants will explore different funding routes, types of funders and applications, and the key concepts and terminology that underpin effective applications.

The session also looks at how to research opportunities effectively, weigh up the strengths and limitations of different funding approaches, and build relationships with stakeholders to strengthen bids. Interactive discussions, case studies and group exercises will help participants map funding strategies and identify opportunities.

Session 2: Crafting Winning Bids and Ensuring Long-Term Impact – 1:30pm – 4:00pm

This session takes a practical approach to bid writing, covering application processes, what happens after submission, and how to respond whether a bid is successful or not. Participants will explore different application methods, including online systems, and learn how to structure strong bids using tools such as Theory of Change and logic models.

The session also addresses legal considerations, reporting, monitoring and evaluation, alongside planning for legacy and follow-on funding to support sustainability. Practical exercises, real-world examples and shared resources — including support networks and AI tools — will help participants apply the learning straight away.

Book now - please select which sessions you wish to attend.

Date: Friday 27th February 2026, 9:00 – 16:30

Are you ready to take the next step in your career? This one-day workshop is designed for new and aspiring leaders who want to develop the skills, insight, and confidence to thrive in today’s dynamic workplace.
Through interactive discussions and practical activities, you’ll explore what leadership means today—and what it will look like in the future. Together, we’ll examine different leadership styles, proven theories, and strategies to motivate and influence others effectively.

What You’ll Gain:
• A clear understanding of modern leadership and its evolving demands
• Insight into your own leadership style and how to adapt it
• Practical tools for goal setting, performance management, and leading through change
• Techniques for resilient leadership and effective communication
The afternoon focuses on action: applying what you’ve learned to real-world scenarios, ensuring you leave with strategies you can implement immediately.
Whether you’re stepping into your first leadership role or preparing for the next stage of your career, this workshop offers a supportive, energising environment to sharpen your skills and extend your impact.

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Tuesday 3rd March 2026 10:00 - 15:00

This practical, hands-on workshop introduces the fundamentals of 2D and 3D computer aided design (CAD) and shows how digital designs can be brought to life through 3D printing and additive manufacturing.

Participants will learn how to create, modify and assemble components using industry-standard CAD techniques, before preparing designs for manufacture. By the end of the session, you’ll have a solid understanding of how CAD supports product development, prototyping and real-world production.

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Wednesday 4th March 2026, 10:00-12:00

This workshop provides a practical introduction to using Instagram for business purposes, primarily aimed at small businesses without a dedicated marketing function who may be struggling to find time to promote themselves online.

The session focuses on using Instagram in a structured and manageable way. It will cover how Instagram can support wider business goals, how to optimise a business profile, and what content is most useful to customers.

The workshop will also introduce simple planning techniques to support consistency and reduce the time spent creating content.

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Thursday 12th March 2026 17:00 - 21:00

These are two standalone sessions, led by Dr Chelsea Batty, each focusing on a different aspect of VO₂ max testing and its use in coaching practice. Coaches or health and fitness professionals can attend either session individually or attend both together for a more complete understanding of the theory and practical application. 

Session 1: Understanding VO₂ Max and Performance Data 17:00-18:30

This session introduces VO₂ max as a measure of how effectively the body uses oxygen and why it matters for athletic performance. Designed for coaches who may not typically have access to this type of testing or equipment, the session focuses on understanding the data generated through VO₂ max testing and how to interpret it confidently.

Participants will explore how VO₂ max relates to fitness, speed and resilience across different sports, and what realistic improvements look like without complex science or extreme training methods.

Session 2: Applying VO₂ Max Data in Coaching Practice 18:45 – 21:00

The second session takes a practical, coaching-focused approach, exploring how VO₂ max data can be used to inform training and athlete development. Coaches will learn how to apply insights from testing to real-world coaching scenarios, adapt programmes safely and effectively, and use data to train smarter.

Using practical examples and discussion, this session highlights the value of VO₂ max testing as a coaching tool, particularly for coaches returning to training who may not regularly have access to this level of performance data.

Book Now - please ensure you select which sessions you wish to attend.

Find your voice. Share your message. Inspire your audience.

Podcasting is one of the fastest-growing platforms for thought leadership, brand storytelling, and audience engagement. Combined with strong presentation skills, it offers professionals a powerful way to connect, influence, and lead.

This hands-on workshop is designed for industry professionals who want to explore the world of podcasting while sharpening their communication and presentation skills. Whether you're looking to launch a podcast, contribute to one, or simply improve how you present yourself and your ideas, this session will give you the tools and confidence to do it well.

Led by Sian Lloyd, a broadcast and communications specialist with over 25 years of experience across national TV, radio, and digital media.

Friday, March 13, 2026.10:00am – 4:00pm.

Fully booked - please email enterprise@wrexham.ac.uk to be placed on the waiting list

Monday 16th March 2026, 10:00-13:00

This engaging and practical half-day workshop focuses on building a high performing, engaged, and innovative team culture. The session is designed to empower business owners, managers, and team members with the tools to elevate their team potential. Participants will have the opportunity to share their challenges and develop actionable solutions for their unique environments.

We will explore five critical areas - trust, conflict, commitment, accountability, and results - and discuss how to transform them into team strengths. Through key concepts, case studies, interactive discussions, and activities, attendees will gain fresh insights and practical steps to implement immediately.

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Tuesday 17th March 2026

Designed for food business owners, managers and staff, the workshop provides clear, actionable approaches to improving customer safety, strengthening day-to-day operations and enhancing business reputation.

The workshop is delivered by Dr Isabella Nyambayo and Professor Graham Bonwick, both IFST Fellows and senior lecturers at Wrexham University, with extensive experience supporting UK food businesses through applied research, specialist teaching and industry engagement.

Session 1: Bringing Food Hygiene to Life, 9:30 – 12:30

The morning session focuses on the practical application of food hygiene within a business setting. Participants will explore core food hygiene principles, common challenges faced by food businesses, and effective approaches that support compliance while building customer trust.

Through interactive discussions and hands-on activities, the session translates food hygiene requirements into practical, day-to-day behaviours that can be applied immediately. Participants will also learn from shared experiences across the Welsh food sector and gain insight into what contributes to higher food safety ratings.

Session 2: Allergen Awareness and Management, 13:00 - 16:00

The afternoon session focuses on allergen awareness and management, a critical responsibility for all food businesses. Participants will explore the “big 14” allergens and learn how to manage allergen risks safely and confidently within their operations.

Using case studies, demonstrations and facilitated discussion, the session covers effective allergen handling, prevention of cross-contamination, and clear communication with customers, helping businesses minimise risk and strengthen allergen safety practices.

Book now - please select which sessions you wish to attend

Wednesday 18th March 2026

Session 1: Mastering the Customer Journey and Lead Generation Essentials - 10:00 – 12:30 

The morning session focuses on understanding how potential customers move through the buying journey and how businesses can generate and nurture leads more effectively. Participants will explore how emotions influence buying decisions and how sales and marketing strategies can be aligned to meet prospects at the right moment.

The session covers practical approaches to targeting from a marketing perspective, delivering the right message at the right time, and using tools such as email marketing, social media and data segmentation to attract and engage prospects. Interactive discussion, real-world examples and short exercises will help participants map their own customer journey and identify opportunities to improve lead generation.

Session 2: Harnessing CRM Power to Convert Leads into Customers 13:30 – 16:00

The afternoon session takes a hands-on approach to using Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems to manage and convert leads more effectively. Participants will explore how CRM tools can help organise contacts, track activity and identify sales opportunities, particularly for small businesses.

The session also looks at how to choose the right CRM system for your business needs and provides practical experience in using CRM features such as importing data, managing pipelines, recording interactions, sending campaigns and spotting buying signals. By the end of the session, participants will leave with clear, actionable steps to streamline their sales process.

Book now - please select which sessions you wish to attend

Friday, 20th March 2026, 09:00–15:00

Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) are shaping everything from healthcare and transport to finance, retail and everyday life. Understanding these technologies is becoming valuable for people across all sectors, not just technical experts.

This one day workshop offers a clear, jargon free introduction to AI and ML for anyone curious about how they work and where they can be useful.

You will:

• Learn the core principles behind AI and ML
• See how data is collected and used
• Explore real examples from different industries
• Discover when AI is helpful—and when it isn’t
• Build confidence in making informed decisions

Led by Sahan Perera and Dr Adam T. Knowles, the day combines accessible teaching with practical demonstrations and guided activities. You will leave with a stronger understanding of AI and ML, and greater confidence in how they can be applied within your organisation.

Open to anyone, professionals, small business owners, public sector staff, or anyone simply interested in AI. No technical background required.

Spaces are limited to keep the session interactive.

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Wednesday 25^th March, 10:00 – 13:00

This practical half-day workshop explores how individuals and teams can contribute to innovation and improvement from within their organisation.

Designed for professionals across sectors, the session introduces the core behaviours associated with intrapreneurial thinking and provides space to reflect on how these apply in different workplace contexts.

Participants will explore five key areas, opportunity recognition, commercial awareness, intelligent risk-taking, influence, and action, and consider how these capabilities can support positive change and organisational effectiveness. Through discussion, practical tools, and guided activities, attendees will examine common barriers to innovation and identify realistic ways to progress ideas within existing structures.

Book now - spaces are limited