Entrepreneurs in Conversation

Last night, entrepreneurs from across the school community came together for an inspiring evening celebrating innovation and enterprise.

The networking event was hosted by Old Waynflete William Reeve (1990) who spoke in conversation with fellow entrepreneurs Catherine Hurley Arbibe and Nick Baker (1992). They spoke to an audience of Old Waynfletes ranging from the Class of 1985 through to 2025, along with parents and other Friends of the school.

The evening brought together entrepreneurs at every stage of their journey – from early stage innovators to seasoned business builders – for an energising discussion about growth, challenges, and the evolving landscape of entrepreneurship.

More about the speakers:

• William Reeve (OW 1990) is CEO of Goodlord, the UK’s leading software platform for the letting industry, and the host venue for this event. He is also non-Exec Chair at Augmentum Fintech PLC and has co-founded Fletcher Research (now NASDAQ:FORR), Secret Escapes and LOVEFiLM.com.
• Catherine Hurley Arbibe is Co-founder and Director of NEWROAD, a wellness brand committed to create products with a positive impact on health. The brand’s first product, NEWROAD 30, contains a unique blend with 30 different organic fruits, vegetables and pulses for gut health.
• Nick Baker (OW 1992) is Co-founder and CEO of UK PADEL, bringing one of the world’s fastest growing sports to the UK with a mission to make padel accessible to all. Nick is also non-Exec Chairman of Amplify Trading and MAIA Technology and co-founder of Alpha Financial Markets Consulting.

William chaired the session, interviewing Nick and Catherine about their experiences of starting a business. The discussion ranged from business inception and funding routes to sustainable practice, angel investment, building trust, and future aspirations. Following this, the floor opened for an engaging Q&A session, with audience members asking questions about handling risk, integrating customer feedback, the role of education, staying true to founding principles, personal sacrifices and much more.

Throughout the evening, attendees expanded their networks in a relaxed, welcoming setting with many leaving with new contacts, new perspectives, and renewed motivation to push their ideas forward.

The Waynflete Office looks forward to organising similar events in the future and are grateful to speakers William, Catherine and Nick for sharing their time and expertise.