Southend Business Partnership Briefing 9 October 2025
2025-10-09 07:30 - 10:30 UTC | Maritime Room, Cliffs Pavilion, Station Road, Westcliff-on-Sea, Essex, SS0 7RA
The morning will have on offer a free light breakfast, networking opportunities and a round of updates from local providers.
The focus of the event will be around AI.
AI presentation will be from the AI Guys:- An AI automation agency empowering your business with intelligent automation.
Space East will also be presenting on funding and advice for businesses looking to innovate and make the mst of space technologies.
7.30am registration begins
7.30am to 8.30am networking and light breakfast
8.30am to 10am presentations from keynote speakers
10am to 10.30am networking

Financing greener assets to unlock better business performance
2025-10-09 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Join the British Business Bank for a dynamic panel discussion exploring the evolving landscape of business finance for green assets, including practical examples of financial products and the businesses using them.
Beneath the geopolitical noise, investment in lower carbon assets and business models could offer long-term commercial opportunities.
Yet newer, greener assets can feel unfamiliar and untested to smaller businesses who are worried about high upfront investment costs.
This session will help explain how companies could finance their transition to lower carbon and higher efficiency assets while maintaining their profitability and resilience.
This event is aimed at individuals new to finance.

Speakers

Philippe Bazin, Novuna Head of Sustainable Energy and Green Infrastructure
Tony Greenham, Managing Director, Sustainability, British Business Bank

AI Accelerator: Introduction to AI and Digital Tools
2025-10-10 10:00 - 15:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Join us for a full-day, hands-on Digital Tools and AI Workshop designed to help professionals streamline workflows, boost productivity, and confidently integrate AI into their daily operations.
In the morning session, we’ll explore the fundamentals of digital tools, including communication, project management, automation, and data analysis platforms. Through interactive activities like tool mapping, gap analysis, and real-world scenario comparisons, participants will gain a clear understanding of how digital transformation can enhance efficiency and reduce manual processes.
We will have a short break inbetween including a complimentary light lunch and refreshments.
The afternoon session dives into the power of AI, with a focus on the Microsoft Copilot ecosystem. Participants will experience live demos across Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, and Word, and engage in practical exercises to identify AI solutions for real-world tasks. The day concludes with a collaborative project lab, integration strategies, and actionable next steps for adopting digital tools and AI in the workplace.
Whether you’re just starting your digital journey or looking to deepen your AI integration, this workshop offers practical insights, peer learning, and expert guidance to help you drive meaningful change.
This workshop will be a pilot for a four part accelerator series and there are only 20 spaces for Southend based businesses, entrepreneurs and leaders who are ready to embrace the future of AI and reap the rewards for your business.
These workshops have been organised by Southend-on-Sea City Council, hosted by Launchpad Southend and delivered by GoodChangePeople

Leadership, Management & Communication Workshop.
2025-10-15 09:30 - 16:30 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
Great leadership isn’t just about position — it’s about impact.
This intensive Leadership, Management & Communication Workshop is designed to help you:
✔ Communicate more effectively across teams
✔ Lead with confidence, clarity and purpose
✔ Manage people and priorities with real impact
📍 In-person at Launchpad Southend(with lunch & refreshments)
🗓️ 15 Oct (full day) + 4 Nov (half-day follow-up)
💼 Ideal for team leaders, managers and future leaders
Delivered by trusted leadership specialists
£595 + VAT per person
Reserve your SEAT : hello@seats.org.uk
#LeadershipMatters #EssexEvents #TeamDevelopment Skills #Training #Apprenticeships #SEATS
🎤 Meet the dynamic duo delivering your Leadership, Management & Communication Workshop this October:
🔹 David Bell
Award-winning entrepreneur, executive advisor and keynote speaker
David brings decades of leadership, business and technology experience. As founder of APC Solutions and Simboc, he’s worked globally and champions growth through mentoring, innovation and strategic leadership. A multi-fellow of prestigious institutions like CMI, IoEE and RSA, David’s passion lies in helping others succeed — and leading with purpose.

🔹Nick Looby
Communication expert, author and speaker
Nick is a master of impactful communication. Known for his book Modern Zombies, Nick challenges conventional habits and helps teams communicate with greater clarity, confidence and purpose. With clients like the BBC, HSBC and P&G, Nick combines psychology, storytelling and humour to spark real change in how we connect – at work, at home and with ourselves.

Together, they bring energy, insight and real-world experience to help you lead smarter, manage better and communicate with impact.

👉 Book now: email hello@seats.org.uk
📍 Launchpad, Southend
📆 15 Oct (09:30–16:30) + 4 Nov (09:30–13:00)
💷 £595 + VAT incl. lunch & refreshments

#LeadershipTraining #TeamDevelopment #MeetTheTrainers #EssexEvents #CommunicationSkills #Skills #Training #Apprenticeships #SEATS

Achieving Email Excellence Strategies for Successful Email Marketing
2025-10-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Description
Email Marketing remains a cornerstone of digital communication, which when used effectively can elevate your brand, foster customer loyalty, and drive remarkable results.
In this 2-hour webinar, we will explore how email marketing can be a game-changer for your business, unravelling the secrets behind crafting compelling campaigns and how they seamlessly integrate into your overall marketing strategy.
Event details:
Time: 10 am – 12 pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £30pp
Throughout this webinar, we’ll cover essential topics such as:

Building a Solid Foundation: Learn the fundamentals of email marketing, from creating subscriber lists to segmenting your audience for targeted messaging.

The Legal Bits: Get an understanding of the legalities of email marketing including Marketing Consent (GDPR) and Unsubscribes.

Crafting Irresistible Content: Dive deep into the art of crafting emails that captivate your audience.

Automation and Personalization: Explore the power of automation to streamline your email campaigns and the art of personalization to create a tailored experience for each recipient.

The Customer Journey: Learn how to utilise email marketing for more than just conversion. Nurture your customers and create touch points to improve customer engagement.

Analytics and Optimization: Learn how to track and interpret key metrics, identify areas for improvement, and optimize your campaigns for maximum impact.

Get ready to revolutionize your approach to email marketing and unlock the full potential of email marketing for your business!

Meet the Host:
Stacey Pretty – Marketing Director, Let’s Do Marketing

Stacey is the Marketing Director of Let’s Do Marketing, a marketing consultancy and services agency which is tailored to specifically support new and small businesses with organising and fulfilling their marketing ideas. With over 17 years of marketing experience, working in both B2B and B2C environments, Stacey has extensive experience in managing, creating, and promoting a variety of products and services using both online and offline marketing tools. Understanding the challenges faced by new and small businesses, Stacey seeks to simplify the complexities of marketing, with an approach focused on effectiveness and consistency, ensuring that every marketing effort translates into tangible results. For Stacey, marketing isn’t just about campaigns; it’s about building relationships and fostering an excellent customer experience.

Selling to Public Sector: A practical introduction to tendering
2025-10-21 13:00 - 14:00 | Zoom
Join this webinar to demystify the tendering process and gain practical tips on winning public sector contracts.

About this event

Business • Startups

Want to win public sector contracts but you’re not sure where to start?
Join this 30-minute introductory session with Melanie Bryan OBE DL, which will demystify the tendering process, draw on “real life” examples of small businesses and provide lots of practical tips.
Topics covered in this session

What tendering is and how it differs from proposals

Where to find tenders

How to decide if a tender is right for you

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

How to get your business tender-ready

About the speaker
Melanie is a tendering expert with over 30 years of relevant experience. Before founding WhyNotChange in 2009, she held senior management consultancy and executive roles, including head of public sector consulting practice.
Since founding her company, Melanie has supported over 8,000 small businesses to grow sustainably and has extensive experience of supporting organisations to build their tendering capabilities. This includes helping them to win over £188 million of public sector contracts and philanthropic grants.
If you have any questions you’d like Melanie to answer during the webinar, please send them to events@enterprisenation.com.
How to join the online webinar
When you register for the webinar, you’ll receive an automatic email, including the Zoom link to access the event. The event will begin at the time and date stated in the registration information. If you don’t receive the link within two hours of signing up via Eventbrite, please let us know by emailing events@enterprisenation.com. (Note: It may be in your junk folder.)
About Enterprise Nation
Enterprise Nation is the UK’s most active small business network, helping thousands of people turn their good idea into a great business. Join today to get everything you need to start and grow your small business, in one place.

Using Canva to Create Content
2025-10-28 10:00 - 11:30 | Zoom
Description
Want to learn how to create eye-catching and engaging graphics for your business? Join our Using Canva workshop to find out how to utilise the online graphic design platform Canva to make everything from your company branding to social media posts and more!
Event details:
Time: 10am – 11:30am
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £25pp (£30pp from after April)
In this course, we’ll cover everything from:

How to sign up and get set up on the platform

How to navigate Canva as a beginner

Creating a brand kit for your business

Creating a new graphic together for a campaign for a business

Walkthrough of all the basic features of Canva

Resizing designs to make posters and leaflets

As part of the live event of this workshop, we will also have a Questions and Answers session to finish this online workshop, where participants can ask specific questions about how to use Canva for their business.

Meet the Host:
Kerry Madge | Marketing Executive, Let’s Do Marketing

Kerry Madge is a dynamic Marketing Executive at Let’s Do Marketing, bringing nearly six years of diverse experience collaborating with businesses of all sizes. Holding a BA in Marketing Management, Kerry excels in social media advertising, graphic design, and copywriting. Her passion lies in crafting creative solutions and developing comprehensive marketing strategies that empower small businesses to visualise and achieve their overarching goals.

Understanding and Developing a Marketing Strategy
2025-11-04 10:00 - 12:30 | Online
An area that many small and new businesses struggle with is developing and defining their marketing approach. Creating a marketing strategy document is something every business owner should do before you start marketing your business. This document not only helps you discover your target market, your focus for messaging, and your strengths as a business, but it can become your ultimate marketing reference guide, keeping all your promotional material consistent, concise, and clear.
In this 2.5-hour intensive webinar, we dive into the key areas of a marketing strategy document, breaking down its key sections, and equipping you with the knowledge and tools needed to go and craft your own!
Event details:
Time: 10am – 12:30pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £35pp
In this power-packed session, we will cover:

What is Marketing Strategy?

Market Analysis

SWOT Analysis

Identifying Target Audiences

Analysing Competitor Landscape

Crafting Your Unique Value Proposition:

Defining Your Brand Identity

Creating Compelling Messaging

Choosing the Right Channels

Measuring Success with KPIs

Get ready for an immersive learning experience that will transform the way you approach marketing strategy!

Meet the Host:
Stacey Pretty | Marketing Director, Let’s Do Marketing

Stacey is the Marketing Director of Let’s Do Marketing, a marketing consultancy and services agency which is tailored to specifically support new and small businesses with organising and fulfilling their marketing ideas. With over 17 years of marketing experience, working in both B2B and B2C environments, Stacey has extensive experience in managing, creating, and promoting a variety of products and services using both online and offline marketing tools. Understanding the challenges faced by new and small businesses, Stacey seeks to simplify the complexities of marketing, with an approach focused on effectiveness and consistency, ensuring that every marketing effort translates into tangible results. For Stacey, marketing isn’t just about campaigns; it’s about building relationships and fostering an excellent customer experience.

Breaking Barriers: Your goals and overcoming Road Blocks
2025-11-04 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Welcome to the Small Business Saturday Webinar Programme!
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! Setting goals is easy, reaching them is where most of us get stuck.
In this session, Rhea Freeman, author of You’ve Got This, will explore the best practical strategies for setting goals that actually work, uncovering the hidden barriers that hold us back, and show you how to break through them with confidence.
You will learn:
– How to set goals the right way
– To develop the honesty and self awareness to know what’s stopping you
– How to overcome three of the most common blocks
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Stop the Scroll, Regain Control (how to manage screen time)
2025-11-05 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Welcome to the Small Business Saturday Webinar Programme!
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! In a world of digital distractions, endless notifications, and infinite scrolling, it’s easy to lose hours to screens without even realising it. Join Sam Flynn on how to take back control of your screen time, and ensure you make the most out of your time. Whether you’re looking to reclaim focus, boost productivity, or simply find more time offline, this session will equip you with actionable strategies to make meaningful changes.
You’ll learn
– How to stop endlessly scrolling and use technology more intentionally
– Mastering the art of focused attention
– focus on the task at hand
– How to set digital boundaries that actually stick
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Visibility Without Virality: The Smarter Ways to Attract, and Convert, Clients Online
2025-11-06 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Welcome to the Small Business Saturday Webinar Programme!
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow. Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! You know that your business needs to be visible to be successful, and it’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if your business goes viral, you’ll get lots of eyes on your business and solve all your sales problems. But chasing virality is tiring, to say the least, and the reality is that going viral won’t solve all your sales problems.
In Visibility Without Virality, Business and Marketing Strategist Charelle Griffith is going to show you an alternative way to be visible online. A way that doesn’t rely on you being glued to social media, but will still enable you to attract clients now and in the future.
You’ll learn:
– Why virality isn’t necessary and shouldn’t be a goal for most businesses
– What you should be focusing on instead of going viral
– How to attract and convert clients online
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

HR Prime FREE training session-Christmas Parties/ Vicarious Liability (Including Managing Addiction)
2025-11-06 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
Welcome to HR Prime’s FREE training session on Christmas Parties and Vicarious Liability (Including Managing Addiction)! Join us online for an informative and interactive session where we will discuss the legal implications and best practices for managing holiday parties in the workplace. Learn how to navigate vicarious liability issues and effectively handle addiction concerns within your organization.
Please register to secure your spot!

Southend Sales Accelerator Course
2025-11-07 09:30 - 2025-11-28 14:00 | Launchpad Southend, Launchpad Airport Business Park, Rochford, SS4 1YH
This is an unmissable, fully funded (by South Essex College) which give local businesses to transform the way they perceive and do sales!
A four week (one half day per week) programme, 4 hours per session delivered from The LaunchPad in Southend.
This course trains you through a 360 Sales process, starting with Grabbing Attention and active listening, proceeding to building relationships and triaging your customers needs through next level questioning, how to present your proposition that follows your customers buying process; ending in closing and objection handling.
NB.100% attendance required for your funding.
*Terms and conditions for your funding apply.
We will assess your eligibility on application.

Sky High Confidence & Mindset Hacks
2025-11-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Welcome to the Small Business Saturday Webinar Programme!

Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow. Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.

Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! In this uplifting and motivational session, Cat Williams shares powerful mindset hacks to help you quiet your inner critic, build resilience, and step fully into your potential. Whether you’re facing new challenges, leading others, or tired of holding back, this session is designed to help you rediscover your own capabilities.

You will learn

– How to turn self doubt into self belief
– Learn how to reframe unhelpful thoughts
– Discover real strategies to help you feel more confident

Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Living Well, Leading Well: How to thrive whilst managing chronic illness
2025-11-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Welcome to the Small Business Saturday Webinar Programme!
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow. Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Thriving with a chronic illness is possible, and in this empowering session Sarah Berthon shares how. Drawing from her own experience, Sarah offers practical ways to help you maintain your wellbeing, lead with confidence, and succeed professionally while managing long-term health conditions.
You will learn:
– Ways to adapt your work and leadership style to thrive, without compromising your health.
– How to manage your energy and wellbeing effectively while navigating chronic illness in a professional setting
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Introduction to Social Media Marketing
2025-11-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Online
Want learn how to use social media to market your business effectively? Join this short course from Let’s Do Marketing to learn how to create your social media strategy for success – and come away with the knowledge, skills and confidence to start connecting with your customers online!

Get to know more about social media channels and what they can do for your business, how to use them effectively, as well as create award winning and eye catching content to resonate with your customers. Get a better understanding on tools and software to make your social media marketing a breeze, and learn more about the possibilities with Social Media Marketing.
Event details:
Time: 10am – 1pm
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £35pp
During this course, we’ll cover:

The basics – understanding how marketing relates to social media and vice versa

The characteristics of each social media channel, how to determine which one is right for your business (or all of them!), as well as how to use the most popular channels Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Finding your customer online, and identifying ways to connect with and reach them

Creating graphic design content using tools like Canva to capture the attention of customers on your news feed

Scheduling social media posts and content to make your life easier, with tools like Meta Business Suite, Buffer and more

Developing a social media Strategy

As well a dedicated Q&A session, where you can ask a social media expert any questions you have about your own social media strategy.

Meet the Host:
Kerry Madge | Marketing Executive, Let’s Do Marketing

Kerry Madge is a dynamic Marketing Executive at Let’s Do Marketing, bringing nearly six years of diverse experience collaborating with businesses of all sizes. Holding a BA in Marketing Management, Kerry excels in social media advertising, graphic design, and copywriting. Her passion lies in crafting creative solutions and developing comprehensive marketing strategies that empower small businesses to visualise and achieve their overarching goals.

Introduction to Social Media Marketing
2025-11-11 10:00 - 13:00 | Zoom

How to Know What to Charge
2025-11-11 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Welcome to the Small Business Saturday Webinar Programme! Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Pricing your products or services can be one of the toughest parts of running a business, but getting it right is essential for success. Caroline Cookson will guide you through the key factors that influence what you should charge, giving you clarity on how to price with purpose, reflect your value, and build a business that’s both profitable and sustainable.
You will learn:
– How to set the right price
– understanding your value to customers, positioning against competitors, and balancing profit with volume while ensuring the price reflects your brand and consumer perception.
– How to adjust prices effectively – knowing when and how to increase or decrease prices, factoring in elasticity, competitive gaps, communication strategies, and the financial impact.
– How and when to discount strategically
– using promotions to achieve clear objectives (trial, volume, profit) while protecting margins and learning from data to refine pricing decisions.
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Win It to Grow It: How to Enter (and Win) Business Awards
2025-11-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Lean how to use the power of business awards to boost your brand. Pure Awards founder Lucinda White will guide you through finding the right awards and show you how you can craft winning entries. This webinar is perfect for business owners and marketing managers, whether you’re new to awards or looking to refresh your approach.
You will learn:
•⁠ ⁠Selecting the right awards and categories
•⁠ ⁠Crafting winning entries with strong evidence
•⁠ ⁠Maximising value from shortlisting and events
•⁠ ⁠Insider best practices, top tips, and awards to watch Pure Awards is one of the UK’s leading award acquisition agencies.
For the last 20 years they have supported brands and individuals secure accolades to build credibility, celebrate success and drive business development, from growing income to attracting and retaining talent. Working with companies throughout the UK, from local retailers to multi-national manufacturing and engineering companies, social activation agencies to accountants, Lucinda brings a wealth of knowledge and experience in this specialized area and will impart some of her best tips and expertise during the masterclass.
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

PR: How to Become Irresistible to Journalists
2025-11-13 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Welcome to the Small Business Saturday Webinar Programme!

Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.

Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!

PR expert Fiona Minett shares the insider secrets to getting noticed by the media, without needing agency support. In this session, Fiona will show you how to build media relationships that open doors for your business, craft the perfect stories that journalists will be interested in, and in turn boost your brands visibility.

You will learn How to stand out to journalists Build long lasting media relationships Open doors to more media cover PR expert Fiona Minett shares the insider secrets to getting noticed by the media, without needing agency support.

In this session, Fiona will show you how to build media relationships that open doors for your business, craft the perfect stories that journalists will be interested in, and in turn boost your brands visibility.

You will learn How to stand out to journalists Build long lasting media relationships Open doors to more media cover PR expert Fiona Minett shares the insider secrets to getting noticed by the media, without needing agency support.

In this session, Fiona will show you how to build media relationships that open doors for your business, craft the perfect stories that journalists will be interested in, and in turn boost your brands visibility.

You will learn

– How to stand out to journalists

– Build long lasting media relationships

– Open doors to more media cover

Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Grow Your Email List by Leveraging Small Business Saturday
2025-11-18 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Marketing Coach Minal Patel shares actionable tips on how small businesses can turn this retail event into a powerful contact building opportunity.
Learn how to attract new subscribers, engage your community, and create lasting connections that go beyond just one day. Perfect for business owners looking to grow their audience and boost long term marketing success.
You will learn:
– How to build your email list effectively
– How to create a great initial impression to create lasting connections within a short space of time
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Brand It Beautiful: DIY Photography Tips for Small Business Owners
2025-11-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
In this session, visual branding expert Claire Gardiner shares her top DIY photography tips tailored specifically for small business owners. Learn how to create eye catching images that reflect your brand’s personality, using just your smartphone and simple styling.
Whether you’re shooting for social media, your website, or product listings, Claire will show you how to elevate your visuals and build a cohesive brand image
You will learn:
– How to use your Iphone to take professional images
– How to style yourself professionally and cohesively with your brand
– How to create your brands look
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

FSB Business Bootcamp: Harvesting Resilience
2025-11-20 09:00 - 15:00 | The Granary Estates, Parsonage Lane, Woodditton, Suffolk, CB8 9RZ
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.

LinkedIn Do's & Don'ts for Success
2025-11-20 09:30 - 11:30 | Online
LinkedIn has emerged as a powerful platform for professionals to connect, network, and advance their careers.
Join us as we delve into the essential do’s and don’ts of LinkedIn, uncovering the key tactics to optimise your profile, expand your network, and engage effectively with potential customers and collaborators.
Whether you are just starting, or you are a regular user looking to enhance your profile, this webinar is designed to equip you with practical insights in how to make the most of the platform.
We will also look at LinkedIn Campaign Manager including how to create audiences and paid ad capabilities.
Event details:
Time: 9.30am – 11.30am
Location: Online (ZOOM)
Cost: £30pp

Meet the Host:
Stacey Pretty | Marketing Director, Let’s Do Marketing

Stacey is the Marketing Director of Let’s Do Marketing, a marketing consultancy and services agency which is tailored to specifically support new and small businesses with organising and fulfilling their marketing ideas. With over 17 years of marketing experience, working in both B2B and B2C environments, Stacey has extensive experience in managing, creating, and promoting a variety of products and services using both online and offline marketing tools. Understanding the challenges faced by new and small businesses, Stacey seeks to simplify the complexities of marketing, with an approach focused on effectiveness and consistency, ensuring that every marketing effort translates into tangible results. For Stacey, marketing isn’t just about campaigns; it’s about building relationships and fostering an excellent customer experience.

LinkedIn Content That Connects and Builds Trust
2025-11-20 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.

Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.

Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! LinkedIn isn’t just for job seekers, it’s a powerful platform for business growth. In this practical and energising session, LinkedIn coach Ashley Leeds shows you how to boost your visibility, attract the right audience, and turn connections into customers.

You will learn:

– Spot and fix the top 3 LinkedIn mistakes most small businesses make

– Transform your profile into a powerful, client-attracting asset

– Come up with simple content ideas that drive clicks and conversations

– Show up consistently on LinkedIn in just 15 minutes a day – Build genuine connections with your ideal audience (without the awkward sales pitch)

Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

How to achieve Small Business Sustainability through Local Collaboration
2025-11-21 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! In this session, sustainability expert Adam Bastock explores how small businesses can achieve meaningful environmental change by working together at a local level. Discover why collaboration rather than competition, is key to sustainability success!
You will learn:
– Practical ways small businesses can support each other.
– How community events spark action and partnerships more than formal training
– Identify quick wins for collective environmental impact.
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Getting Started with Influencer Marketing
2025-11-24 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Influencer marketing has become one of the most powerful tools for brands looking to connect with their audiences in authentic and engaging ways. This is no surprise, as people love to be able to see a product tried and tested by someone they admire. In this session, Social Media Expert Katherine George will take you through the steps necessary to launch your own influencer campaign.
You will learn:
– How to find the right influencer for your brand
– Understand the process behind an influencer lead campaign
– The benefits of using influencer to support your brand Sign up for more webinars in this series here:
https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome
2025-11-25 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Do you ever feel like a fraud, despite your accomplishments? You’re definitely not alone, imposter syndrome affects high achievers across all industries and can often impact their business and potential negatively. Coach Jane Galloway will lead an empowering webinar designed to help you understand, challenge, and overcome imposter syndrome. Through relatable insights and practical tools, Jane will guide you toward building lasting self-belief, allowing your full potential to be reached.
You’ll learn:
– What imposter syndrome really is and why it’s so common
– How to overcome imposter syndrome
– How to reframe your self-doubt and boost your self confidence
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

Why brand awareness ads are NOT a waste of money
2025-11-27 11:00 - 12:00
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us!
Brand awareness campaigns are often underestimated, but they can be the launchpad for a successful Meta ads strategy. In this webinar, Michaela Parker will show how to unlock their potential and not be discounted.
You will learn:
– Why brand awareness campaigns can set the stage for long-term success with Meta
– Three overlooked campaign types that deliver powerful results
– How to interpret and value awareness metrics the right way
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour

How to Find the Right Investors
2025-11-28 11:00 - 12:00 | Zoom
Join us as we gear up for Small Business Saturday on 6th December with our series of free, virtual webinars designed to help small businesses grow.
Each webinar is hosted by successful small business owners and recorded for later viewing.
Attend 10 sessions, and receive a free gift from us! Need investment to launch or grow your business? Paul Grant shares proven strategies to secure capital through crowdfunding, angel investors, venture capital, and more. Ideal for startups or scaling businesses, this one-hour webinar offers a clear, step-by-step approach to raising funds.
You’ll learn:
– How to choose the best investment route for your business
– The fastest ways to find and connect with investors
– How to deliver a winning pitch
– How to value your business and avoid legal pitfalls Join for insider tips and a live Q&A to tackle your funding questions!
Sign up for more webinars in this series here: https://smallbusinesssaturdayuk.com/the-tour
