Manchester Agenda

Thursday 25th September 2025

The Bridgewater Hall, Lower Mosley St, Manchester M2 3WS

08:00 – 09:00

Registration, Networking, Meetings and Connections

09:00 – 09:20

Welcome and Setting the Scene

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Mark-Rix-Director-UK-Wellbeing-At-Work-600x600
WAW Logo Mark
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
WAW Logo Mark
Obehi - Headshot 2025 new

Co-Chair

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Obehi Alofoje
Director, Aurora, Inc.
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Co-Chair

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Ngozi Weller
Director, Aurora, Inc.
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09:20 – 09:30
Francesca Fagotto

Host Venue Welcome

Francesca Fagotto
Francesca Fagotto
Conference and Events Deputy Manager, The Bridgewater Hall
09:30 – 10:10

The C-Suite Panel: The Role of the boardroom in the Wellbeing Charge

Organisational change can start at the bottom through individual employee behaviour, but it will almost always fall short without support from the top. This session explores how organisations that truly want to improve wellbeing need the C-suite to set an example for the rest of the company.
Sarat Pediredla

Sarat Pediredla
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Sarat Pediredla
Chief Executive Officer, Hedgehog Lab
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sarah dear

sarah dear
born ugly
Sarah Dear
Chief Executive, Born Ugly
born ugly
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Lauren Palfrey small sq
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Moderated by: Lauren Palfrey
Chair of FT Wellbeing ERG, The Financial Times
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10:10 – 10:35

The Power of Early Engagement

What does the research reveal that shows the earlier we engage people, the bigger impact it has on things like health insurance premiums, the cost of GP visits and premiums? Speakers to be announced shortly
10:35 – 11:05

Morning Networking Break

11:05 – 11:40

Panel: The Role of Wellbeing as the Power Behind Organisational Performance

- What is the association between workplace wellbeing and company performance? Beyond ROI, what are the true measures of wellbeing on performance? Where does emotional insight fit when building positive workplace cultures for business impact? What is the value of designing wellbeing programs as integrated experiences that are embedded throughout the employee journey? How can employers truly help people thrive and grow?
Abi-Wall

Abi-Wall
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Abi Wall
Chief People Officer, eEnergy
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Kim-Kerr

Kim-Kerr
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Kim Kerr
Head of People, Hilti (Great Britain) Ltd
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Craig Redihough

Craig Redihough
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Craig Redihough
Group Belonging & Wellbeing Manager, SKY
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Cheryl Grainger
Head of Human Resources, Amaze Hotels
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Kane Joyce
Head of Workforce Strategy, Manchester City Council
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11:40 – 12:05
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Financial Wellbeing Session

Session details to be confirmed
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Speaker to be confirmed
12:05 – 12:30

The Paradox of Mental Health – Solutions and NOT Problems!

The paradox of mental health refers to the contradiction where increased awarenessand treatment options for mental health issues coexist with rising rates of mentalillness and distress. Despite efforts to reduce stigma, improve access to care, andpromote well-being, many businesses continue to see worsening mental healthtrends, particularly among young people. The session will take participants through the complex reasons and outline a simple strategy for overcoming and reversing the trends.
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12.30 - 13.30

Hosted Leadership Workshops

1 - Personify Health

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2 - Smart About Health

smart about health
smart about health

3 - Thrive

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4 - Aurora

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Auroa-Wellness-Logo-1
13.30 - 14.30

Networking Lunch

14:30 – 14:55

Why Not I? How Aspiration & Inspiration Shape Mindset & Mental Wellbeing

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Kofi Josephs
Professional Basketball Player & Founder, Why Not I
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Followed by Q&A with

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Chris Cummings
Chris Cummings, Group CEO, Wellbeing at Work
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14:55 - 15:35

Fireside Chat: Menopause Awareness and the Importance of Educating Leaders

In workplaces everywhere, forward-thinking leaders embrace the importance of inclusivity and wellbeing for their teams. This session will discuss the role of education and a proactive approach to menopause awareness is a decisive step toward a more inclusive, supportive and equitable environment for all.
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Rebekah Brown
Founder & Head of Research MPOWDER
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Emma Neville
Founder, This Is Me
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Sarah Warburton

Sarah Warburton
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Sarah Warburton
Head of Culture, Equilibrium
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Mark-Rix-Director-UK-Wellbeing-At-Work-600x600
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Moderated by: Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, (Wellbeing at Work)
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15:35 - 15:55

Networking Break

15:55 – 16:35

Panel: Beyond the Backlash - Creating Inclusive Workplaces

What means are available to better accommodate those of us who are not neurotypical? How do employers ensure their wellbeing efforts are meeting the needs of differing employee groups and identities? What are some examples that show why wellbeing needs to be addressed from an equity standpoint? What should be done about culture from the perspective of inter-generational workers?
Clare-Stephens

Clare-Stephens
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Clare Stephens
VP Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, UK, NTT
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Simone Robinson
Global, Diversity, Equity & Belonging Manager, GKN Aerospace
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Hayley-Ross-250x250

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Hayley Ross
Head of Human Resources, Salford City Council
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Kristina Adey-Davies
Global Head of Wellbeing & Inclusion, Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer
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Your Epert Panel Chair:

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Ngozi Weller
Director, Aurora Inc
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16:35 – 16:45

Closing Remarks

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Mark-Rix-Director-UK-Wellbeing-At-Work-300x300
WAW Logo Mark
Mark Rix
Group Managing Director, Sonas Group, Wellbeing at Work
WAW Logo Mark
Ngozi-new-small-250x250-1

Co-Chair

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Auroa-Wellness-Logo-1
Ngozi Weller
Director, Aurora Inc
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Obehi - Headshot 2025 new

Co-Chair

Obehi - Headshot 2025 new
Auroa-Wellness-Logo-1
Obehi Alofoje
Director, Aurora Inc
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16:45 – 17:30

Networking Reception