In collaboration with Wray & Nephew

Wray Forward Conference

02 October 2026 | 14:00 - 19:00 | London
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Five years. Hundreds of founders. One community moving forward.

Wray Forward is taking over London for one unforgettable afternoon celebrating Black business, bold ideas and five years of moving the community forward. Expect real conversations about AI, funding, retail, branding and what customers want next, led by founders and experts who understand the journey.

Come ready to discover brilliant businesses, make connections that could open new doors and celebrate the launch of the 2026 Wray Forward Powerbook, spotlighting 25 standout founders from across the community. Then stay for the music, refreshments and unmistakable Wray Forward energy as we celebrate how far we have come - and everything still ahead.

What to expect

Culture and Consumer Behaviour

A conversation about how culture is shaping customer expectations, purchasing decisions and emerging business opportunities.

AI and the Future of Business

A panel exploring how AI is changing the way businesses operate, reach customers and compete.

Funding and Business Growth

Practical insights into accessing finance, becoming investment-ready and building a business positioned for sustainable growth.

Retail, E-commerce and Brand Building

Expert perspectives on reaching customers, strengthening your brand and growing across physical and digital channels.

The Powerbook 25 Showcase

Meet the 25 founders featured in the Wray Forward Powerbook 2026 and discover the businesses they are building.

Founder, Investor and Expert Connections

Connect with founders, investors, industry experts and partners who can support your next stage of growth.
Join us on 2 October 2026, from 14:00–19:00 in London.
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Meet the Powerbook 25

The Wray Forward Powerbook celebrates 25 standout Black-owned businesses from across the Wray Forward community. The 2026 edition will be revealed from 1 October, spotlighting the founders, ideas and businesses shaping what comes next.
Explore the 2026 Powerbook
Join us on 2 October 2026, from 14:00–19:00 in London.
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Five years of Wray Forward

23+
Industries represented
1,687
Female business leaders (62%)
2,721
Businesses supported
£17.7M
Funding raised by businesses

Agenda

14:00 – 14:25
Arrivals, registration & welcome refreshments
14:25 – 14:30
Welcome from Foundervine
14:30 – 14:35
Opening remarks from Wray & Nephew – celebrating five years of the programme
14:35 – 15:20
Panel discussion
15:20 – 15:50
Keynote
15:50 – 16:00
Break
16:00 – 16:45
Powerbook launch celebration
16:45 – 16:50
Conference closing remarks and group pictures
16:50 – 19:00
Themed networking, founder showcases, drinks and community engagement
19:00
Event close
Join us on 2 October 2026, from 14:00–19:00 in London.
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Why Wray Forward

Unveil the essence of our Wray Forward programme, intricately designed to address the diverse challenges facing our entrepreneurial and artistic community, driven by an unwavering commitment to fostering inclusivity and support in the aftermath of the pandemic's disruptions, with the ultimate goal of facilitating sustainable growth and collective resilience, aiming not only to provide immediate assistance but also to ignite a transformative journey, amplifying the voices and ambitions of our vibrant community, guiding them towards lasting success and prosperity.​

Wray Forward is a free programme built to change and support the foundations of our community.
Would you or someone you know benefit from the Wray Forward Conference?
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