The initial CODE Founder Series is now complete, however please keep an eye on our socials and newsletters for the announcement of the next round of the series in 2025.
Our first CODE Founders Series powered by Square put a spotlight on inspirational founders from the hospitality industry. Across three events, we heard from founders such as Hawksmoor’s Will Beckett and Sue Sethi of JKS on their business journeys and what they have achieved and learned.
Growing your business with purpose: in conversation with Aji Akokomi and Will Beckett
Tuesday 3 September
From 6pm
The Apartment at The Hoxton, Shoreditch
Aji Akokomi, founder of Akoko
Will Beckett, co-founder of Hawksmoor
With every new site a restaurateur opens, the challenge of maintaining the brand’s core values becomes greater. Aji Akoko of Akokomi and Will Beckett of Hawksmoor share their secrets for staying true to the foundations on which they began.
6pm arrival for 6.45pm discussion.
The event will finish approximately 8pm, drinks and canapés will be served.
Embedding your business within a community
Monday 7 October
From 6pm
Saltine, Highbury
Mat Appleton and Jess Blackstone, co-founders of Finks & Saltine
Amy Corbin, co-founder of Kudu Collective
Francesca D’Agostino, founder of Wilton Way Deli & Wines
Opening a neighbourhood site requires a deep understanding of its community as local advocacy and word of mouth is often what allows these sites to thrive. Mat Appleton and Jess Blackstone, co- founders of Finks & Saltine, are joined by Amy Corbin of Kudu and Francesca D’Agostino of Wilton Way Deli & Wines and will share how they were able to embed their businesses into their local London communities.
6pm arrival for 6.45pm discussion.
The event will finish approximately 8pm, drinks and canapés will be served.
Getting your business off the ground: turning an idea into reality
Tuesday 29 October
From 6pm
Casa do Frango, Piccadilly
Sue Sethi, co-founder of JKS Restaurants
Gordon Ker, founder of Blacklock
Knowing where to start can be the first major hurdle in starting a business. Founders Sue Sethi of JKS Restaurants and Gordon Ker of Blacklock will discuss how they overcame that hurdle, and the steps they took to open and scale their businesses.
6pm arrival for 6.45pm discussion.
The event will finish approximately 8pm, drinks and canapés will be served.
Sponsored by
Square, the point of sale and payment solutions for businesses, including dedicated solutions for restaurants and other hospitality businesses, is thrilled to be partnering with CODE on the Founders Series. Square is passionate about supporting all businesses at every stage of their journey – whether you are a multi-location business with complex operations or just starting out. All of Square’s custom-built solutions are designed to help business owners save time and effort.
More than four million businesses around the world run on Square. Contact our sales team today to schedule a demo and discover how Square can transform your business.
With thanks to
Produced from Tormaresca Estate vineyards that extend along the Adriatic coastline, Calafuria’s name, ‘seaside cove’ is inspired by over 700 bays that dot the Apulian peninsula.
