Registration, Breakfast & Networking, Chairs Welcoming Address

This scene setting panel discussion will be a conversation around income generation & finance, why this is such an important element to building a strong Trust.

Hosted by Energys.

In this session, discover how the Thinking Schools Academy Trust successfully generated £1 million in income by strategically utilising their school spaces. Learn how they brought school leaders along on the journey, built a culture of ‘Doing the right thing’ through income generation, and celebrated this impressive milestone together.

Anago and Empower Trust share how strategic partnerships and smarter planning are unlocking new income opportunities—turning financial pressure into long-term impact. Discover how collaboration, real-time insight, and bold thinking can help secure a better future for the next generation.

Morning Networking, Refreshments & Breakout

This session will focus on the challenges small trusts face in managing limited budgets while maintaining quality and value. It will explore the risks of short-term cost-cutting, the importance of strategic procurement, and how investing wisely can lead to long-term savings. Attendees will gain insights into effective financial planning tailored to smaller-scale operations.

Hosted by Community Brands.

This session will showcase creative and forward-thinking approaches to income generation within multi-academy trusts. From new commercial ventures to community partnerships and digital initiatives, speakers will share innovative models that go beyond traditional funding streams. The focus will be on practical ideas that can be adapted to different trust contexts and scaled effectively.

This session will examine how trusts can make the most of their school estates and facilities to support income generation. It will cover key considerations such as asset management, commercial opportunities, and balancing educational use with external demand. Delegates will hear practical examples of how trusts are leveraging their estates to create sustainable revenue streams.

Lunch Networking, Refreshments & Breakout

This session explores how multi-academy trusts can move beyond traditional sponsorship towards meaningful, values-led partnerships with local and regional organisations. Drawing on the journey of Embark Federation—from small-scale sponsorship to scaled fundraising, investing in the extended family and forming strategic partnerships—this workshop will offer practical insights, examples grounded in experience, and space to reflect on your own trust’spotential.

We'll share how being authentic, telling your story, and connecting across your community with purpose can unlock opportunities that go far beyond funding. Colleagues will leave with ideas and next steps for developing partnership work that aligns with their trust’s vision and strengthens their impact.

This practical workshop will focus on how trusts can optimise financial processes to maximise the impact of every pound. It will cover areas such as budgeting, cost-efficiency, financial reporting, and resource allocation. Attendees will explore tools and techniques to improve financial oversight and ensure funds are used effectively across the trust.

Chairs Closing Address