Leaders of the Future Conference - Managing People and Understanding Finance
Confirmed Speakers and Round Table Hosts are:
Nick Wilson
Alex Bonarius
Sam Stafford
Ben Appleby
Sarah Laker
Nikola Holmes
Confirmed Speakers and Round Table Hosts are:
Nick is one of EO Group’s Co-CEOs with over 17 years of financial and commercial experience. During the dotcom boom Nick worked in Corporate Finance team at BT, gaining experience in acquisition of telco, ISPs and content businesses. Later he transferred to the mobile division in BT, working in the consumer mobile business where he was a key part of the team responsible for launching businesses in 6 countries around Europe. Later he joined the team responsible for demerger of all BT’s mobile businesses into O2.
Nick spent last 14 years working for medium-sized private equity backed businesses. This has involved business restructuring, refinancing, process improvements, business partnering, business planning, commercial support, implementation of new IT systems, business acquisition and business sale.
His background, experience, broad understanding of the business, technical competency and overall leadership ability makes Nick a strategically oriented CFO who is strongly positioned to leverage his skills to continuously improve EO Group’s bottom line.
Alex Bonarius started life in the business supplies industry at Rapesco Office Products in 2016 where following a series of significant European Business Development successes he was promoted to Director EU Business before leaving in 2023 to take on the role of Global Sales Director with one of the UK's most iconic brands in the sector, Pukka Pads.
During his tenure at Pukka he onboarded the entire US Commercial Reseller Channel as well as securing distribution in markets such as South Africa, Australia and New Zealand. The Young Professional of the Year winner at the 2025 European Office Products Awards left his role as Global Sales Director at Pukka Pads last July and then worked briefly as an independent consultant before joining Acco as Sales Director for UK & Ireland & Derwent International.
Sam is an experienced Head of HR with a proven track record of shaping and leading people strategies that deliver both organisational performance and individual growth. With over 15 years in HR and leadership roles, Sam has specialised in talent acquisition and development, organisational change and creating cultures that enable people to thrive. A strong believer in the power of psychological safety, Sam champions environments where individuals feel empowered to unlock their potential, driving both business success and personal fulfilment.
As a member of Viking's UK & Ireland leadership team, Sam brings a collaborative and inclusive style, contributing people-centred insights, thought leadership and practical support, ensuring the harmonisation of the people strategy with achievement of business objectives. With experience of influencing at executive and board level, Sam is committed to fostering connections across the profession, sharing best practice, and addressing the evolving challenges facing HR leaders. Her team describe her as motivational, influential and supportive.
Outside of work, Sam loves being active with her seven-year-old son, whether exploring outdoors or enjoying family adventures. A keen reader, Sam’s current focus is on coaching and leadership, while also enjoying the escapism of crime and legal novels by authors such as Lee Child and John Grisham. Baking, box sets and time with family complete the balance.
Ben is a senior commercial leader passionate about turning strategy into action and developing high-performing teams in complex, fast-paced environments.
He has led large-scale commercial operations exceeding £125 million in revenue and delivered transformational initiatives, including launching new distribution capabilities and reshaping commercial structures for growth. Alongside his professional role, he is completing a MBA, focusing on leadership, strategy, and sustainable growth. Ben is proud to support the BOSS Leaders of the Future Conference in developing tomorrow’s leadership talent.
Sarah Laker is the award‑winning owner of Stationery Supplies, with thriving stores in Marple and Wilmslow.
A passionate champion of independent retail and all things stationery, she has grown her business into a beloved community hub and a nationally recognised brand. Sarah also leads National Stationery Week, promoting the joy of writing and supporting the wider stationery industry.
A passionate and people-focused leader with over 15 years of management experience and 24 years with the evo Group.
Nikola began her career as an IT Helpdesk Administrator in a newly created role designed to streamline IT logging procedures, where none previously existed! Since then, she has progressed alongside the rapid evolution of the eCommerce landscape working in the past two decades, to build deep expertise across digital trading environments.
Throughout her career, she has led a wide range of teams across multiple functions, delivering large-scale eCommerce projects and driving meaningful business outcomes. Nikola plays a key role in supporting the wider evo business through its eCommerce platforms, including evo eTrading and direct trading sites, ensuring seamless performance, continuous improvement, and a strong customer experience.
Her leadership philosophy is rooted in collaboration—creating a culture where people feel heard, supported, empowered to contribute and ensuring everyone has an equal voice.