Steve Howell
Commercial Director, Red Kite Learning Trust
Steve Howell has worked in the education sector since 2003 following roles as a management accountant for various blue-chip companies including Unilever and Coca-Cola. Steve helped establish and develop Red Kite Learning Trust and was CFO for ten years, leading on financial, risk and compliance matters as well as steering the trust (now with more than 10,000 pupils) and the teaching school on strategic and commercial aspects. Steve is now Commercial Director, working across all strands of Red Kite to develop and nurture the brands and strategic partnerships and to cultivate commercial opportunities.
Steve also serves as a school resource management advisor and works with the DfE on various projects.
Hall 9
1 Series two
Developing commercially for value and long-term sustainability
What does a commercially minded approach to financial strategy look like in a not-for-profit, education-led environment? In this session, trust speakers will share how they have built sustainable income streams through value-led traded services, procurement innovation, and purposeful partnerships. They’ll explore what has delivered impact, what they have chosen not to pursue, and why and how they navigate the balance between enterprise and risk. You'll leave with grounded insights and practical ideas to consider and adapt within your own trust contexts.