Many SMEs invest heavily in technology, yet fail to see real impact. The problem is rarely the tools themselves. It is the discipline to use them consistently, correctly and in real time.

In this candid and practical session, Mark Sweeny, Founder and Chief Executive of de Novo Solutions, challenges common assumptions around digital transformation. Drawing on de Novo’s rapid growth from a Welsh start-up to an award-winning technology consultancy operating across the UK and internationally, Mark shares what actually drives performance once the software is in place.

This session explores a reality Mark has seen repeatedly: businesses buying powerful systems but continuing to operate manually, retrospectively or inconsistently. True innovation, he argues, comes from embedding discipline into day-to-day behaviour. Using technology to see what is really happening in the business, particularly around cash flow, operational performance and decision-making.

Through real examples, including how moving from manual, retrospective cash-flow management to real-time visibility transformed accountability and outcomes within de Novo, this session reframes innovation as a leadership and discipline challenge, not a technology one.