Speakers
Meet the inspiring Speakers, Panellists & Workshop Hosts confirmed to join us and take the stage at the Progressive Leadership Fest 2026.
John Steele OBE
Chair
Unforgiving Minute and Team England
John is leader who has been an international sportsman, European cup winning coach, CEO and Chair in the private, public, and not for profit sectors. His experience in elite sport spans 18 Olympic, Paralympic and Commonwealth Games. A husband of 35 years with twin daughters.
Jane Moorby MBE
Head of Marketing
Oxley Group
Jayne Moorby, Head of Marketing at Oxley Group is a professional marketer with 25 years’ experience. Recognised with an MBE for services to industry and a University of Cumbria Honorary Fellowship for skills development, she is committed to championing regional economic growth, improving organisational culture and ensuring industry has a positive community impact.
Michelle Quadrelli
CEO
Scott Fyfe
Michelle Quadrelli grew up in a region central to Scotland's textile legacy and spent 20 years working her way up to CEO of Scott & Fyfe Ltd, an employee-owned technical textile manufacturer. Her leadership journey, shaped by honest feedback, coaching and hard-won self-awareness transformed both a struggling business and herself.
Donald Moore
Chair
One+All
Donald purchased One+All from family shareholders in 2015, transitioning it to employee ownership and in 2020 it became a high-scoring B Corp. He campaigns for the Real Living Wage and Living Hours, and sees everything through the lens of lower-paid and less fortunate workers.
Fergus Morris
Head of Education, Skills and Work
HMP Thorn Cross
Fergus is Head of Education, Skills and Work at Thorn Cross Open Prison in Warrington. He coordinates learning, training and employment opportunities to support prisoners’ rehabilitation and future prospects. With over twenty years’ experience across schools, training providers, universities and prisons, he focuses on helping people realise their potential and thrive.
Rachel Hennigan OBE
Principal and Chief Executive
Hugh Baird College
Rachael has led Hugh Baird College since 2020, bringing over 15 years of experience in further education. Under her leadership the College achieved an Outstanding Ofsted rating in 2024, placing it in the top 10% of colleges nationally. In 2026, she was awarded an OBE for services to education.
Fiona Ras-Jones
Founder
Mission Works
Fiona Ras-Jones is Founder of Mission Works and creator of the Mission Roadmap®. She supports founders who want their businesses to deliver both profit and purpose. Drawing on experience in social enterprise and B Corp, she helps leaders embed mission, strengthen strategy and turn intent into measurable impact and sustainable growth.
Kate Hutchinson
Founder
The Sustainability Community
Kate Hutchinson is a 33-year-old female entrepreneur based in Leeds, leading one of the UK’s most dynamic communities for sustainability, regeneration, and inclusive economic growth. With over 10 years of experience in building and supporting business communities, Kate saw an opportunity to support the growing green economy back in 2022 and promptly started to build The Sustainability Community.
Adel Houton
Director
Health Perks
Adel Houten is a UK-based trauma recovery expert and corporate mental health strategist with over 20 years’ experience working with organisations across the UK. She specialises in evidence informed nervous system regulation and resilience frameworks that reduce stress-related risk, strengthen leadership capability, and improve decision quality in high-pressure environments.
Louise Ball
Senior Commercial Director
BPP Technology
Louise has spent over 30 years championing apprenticeships and creating life-changing opportunities. Starting as an apprentice herself, she understands the power of a single opportunity. She works nationally with employers to tackle skills shortages, connect education with industry, and open pathways into meaningful employment, aiming to help 1,000 young people start their careers this year.
Kate Hulley
Owner & Managing Director
Belmont Packaging
Kate Hulley is Managing Director of Belmont Packaging, a UK manufacturer manufacture printed and plain corrugated cardboard boxes for a range of sectors, including Health & Beauty, Fashion & Footwear and Food & Drink. She became the owner of the family business in 2013, she has led its growth through a focus on quality, sustainability and customer service. A passionate manufacturing leader, she champions people-first culture and innovation in the packaging industry
Jason Bassett
Operations Director
Dragonheart Homes
Jason Bassett is Operations Director at Dragonheart Homes, overseeing the delivery of high-quality residential developments across the North West. With extensive experience in construction and site management, he leads teams from planning through completion, focusing on efficiency, craftsmanship and customer satisfaction while driving sustainable growth and operational excellence company wide.
Nick Cooper
Managing Director
Adept Corporate Services
Nick Cooper is the Managing Director at Adept Corporate Services, providing strategic financial and business advisory support to growing companies. With extensive experience in corporate finance, restructuring and business planning, he works closely with business owners to improve performance, manage risk and support sustainable growth through practical, commercially focused advice.
Lee Wakeham
Founder & Managing Director
HM Pasties
Lee Wakeham is Founder and Managing Director of HM Pasties, a growing UK food manufacturer known for its handcrafted savoury products. He has led the company’s expansion while championing social impact, including providing employment opportunities for prison leavers, helping people rebuild their lives through meaningful work and skills development.
Paul Higginson
FCC Criminal Justice Lead for Prison Leavers & Veterans
HM Pasties Foundation
With 35 years in management roles within the Army, Logistics and Supply Chain Industry. Skilled in Distribution Logistics, Communication, Customer Care, and dedicated to meeting and exceeding targets. His experience has been gained in both large and small businesses who have recognised my versatility, creativity, drive and strong work ethic. Paul's success in all roles has been from hard work, motivation, innovation, with a can do attitude.
Simon Forsyth
Founder & Director
Coach 2 Improve
Simon brings over 20 years multinational manufacturing leadership experience, primarily in pharmaceuticals. He combines this with MSc level expertise in organisational psychology and a diploma in team coaching to help organisations perform at their best. He supports purpose led leaders to build environments where people feel supported and inspired for sustainable performance across operations, lean and quality.
Polly Lerner
Founder & Director
Coach 2 Improve
Founder and Director of Coach 2 Improve Ltd, Polly Lerner is a coach, facilitator and Insights Discovery Practitioner with over 25 years HR experience, including serving as Global Supply Chain Capability Director. A practical, human centred partner, she strengthens performance by enabling behaviour change and helping leaders build teams where people and results thrive.
Dr Megan Ronayne
Director
Catapult Network
Megan Ronayne is Director of the Catapult Network Office and a yoga teacher. She works within high-performance environments and is passionate about supporting wellbeing through simple, practical tools such as breathwork and mindful movement to improve focus, resilience and overall wellbeing.