FSB Business Bootcamp: Harvesting Resilience

Looking to strengthen your small business and make it more resilient? Join us for our biggest bootcamp yet, where you’ll gain unrivalled insight and knowledge and the opportunity to network with hundreds of business leaders from across the East of England.

Set in the beautiful grounds of The Granary Estates near Newmarket, you’ll take part in workshops to shape your sales and business strategy, gain greater knowledge about PR and the changing political landscape, and hear from the region’s most influential journalists, influencers, and entrepreneurs. Guaranteed to sell out quickly, early booking is advised!

Your stellar line-up includes:

• Chisola Chitambala: Essex-based entrepreneur who is co-founder of CB Virtual Assistant and reached the final five on this year’s edition of The Apprentice UK.
• Adam Smith: Co-Founder and Chief Community Officer of HelpBnk, the first organisation to make the humble door bell a key part of a business pitch.

Tickets are open to FSB members (£10) and Non-members (£15)

Agenda

9am: Event registration, refreshments and browsing of exhibitors

10am – 3pm: Business Bootcamp, hosted by David Bell & Candy Richards, with complimentary refreshment breaks and lunch

Talks & Workshops include:

• Adam Smith from HelpBnk: “From Setback to Start-Up: Why Connection Beats Competition for Small Business”
• Chisola Chitambala from CB Virtual Assistant and The Apprentice – “Lights, Setbacks, Action: Real Lessons from the Business Frontline”
• ‘PR on a Shoestring; Big Buzz without the Big Budget’ Panel with Adam Smith, Jasmine Oak, Clarissa Place and Mike Rigby
• Jason Roberts from Kaleida International: “From Prejudice to Progress: Mastering Sales and Driving Inclusive Growth”
• Martin McTague, Chair of FSB: “Voice of Small Business: Action, Advocacy, and Ambition in 2026”
• “Beyond the Budget Headlines – Setting the SME Agenda Together” Panel with Simon Dedman, Jade Uko, Gareth John and Chisola Chitambala
• Fireside chats with Federation of Small Businesses & sponsors

3pm – 4pm: Networking opportunities

Venue

Nestled in the Suffolk countryside just outside Newmarket, The Granary Estates offers a unique and stylish setting for our East of England Business Bootcamp. Set in beautifully restored 18th-century barns, this exclusive-use venue blends rustic charm with modern facilities. Surrounded by countryside, it will provide a memorable backdrop for a day of hands-on workshops, panel discussions and exclusive talks from high-profile entrepreneurs.

The venue features on‑site parking with disabled bays, step-free entry into the main barns, and accessible toilets. Please contact the team for access requirements.