May Virtual Networking
2025-05-14 10:00 - 11:30 UTC | Online
Expand Your Horizons at Our Virtual Networking Events
Join a thriving community of professionals at our renowned Virtual Networking sessions, where meaningful connections and opportunities await. This month, take advantage of the power of online networking—connect seamlessly from your desk to build relationships that strengthen Essex’s vibrant business community.
In today’s fast-paced world, connections are more important than ever. These interactive sessions offer a unique platform to engage with a diverse mix of businesses from across the county. With dynamic breakout rooms, you’ll reconnect with familiar faces and forge new partnerships that could take your career or business to the next level.
Don’t let this chance pass you by—secure your spot and unlock the full potential of networking, reimagined for the digital age!
Date: Wednesday 14 May 10.00am to 11.30am
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE for Members Non-Members £35.00 + VAT
Only TWO attendees per company
Agenda
9.50am – Sign into Zoom Meeting
10.00am – Welcome introduction from a Client Relationship Manager
10.05am – Networking
11.30am – Meeting finishes

Windsor Framework Webinar
2025-05-27 14:00 - 15:00 | Zoom
As the Windsor Framework continues to reshape trade between Great Britain and Northern Ireland, upcoming regulatory changes are set to impact businesses across sectors. This informative webinar will break down key aspects, address challenges, and provide actionable insights for businesses.
Key Discussion Points:

Green Lane vs. Red Lane – Understanding the new customs procedures and eligibility requirements
Upcoming VAT & Tariff Adjustments – How businesses will be affected in 2025 and beyond
Product Compliance & Labeling Changes – New rules for food, medicines, and manufactured goods
Customs & SPS (Sanitary and Phytosanitary) Controls – What’s changing and how to prepare
Practical Guidance & Compliance Strategies – Steps to minimize disruption and maintain smooth operations
Q&A’s – Get your questions answered by our trade specialist.

Who Should Attend?

Importers & Exporters dealing with NI-GB trade
Retailers and distributors navigating supply chain changes
Manufacturers impacted by regulatory shifts
Logistics & customs professionals

Date: Tuesday 27 May 2.00pm – 3.00pm
Platform: Zoom
Cost: FREE for Members – Non-Members £25.00 + VAT
Ensure your business is prepared for the evolving trade landscape, register now!

Managing social media channels on a budget
2025-07-07 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Go from social media novice to social media ninja! Join us to learn how to increase your reach and grow your customers.

What you’ll learn

how to create compelling content that not only engages, but converts too
the role that emotions play in social media marketing
how to create content for international audiences without having to start new social media accounts

Description

Maximise your online presence overseas without breaking the bank!
This hands-on session will provide practical tips and strategies to efficiently manage and grow your social media channels, leveraging the key to success online.
Designed for both B2B and D2C businesses, this workshop will help you to engage your audience, create compelling content and measure your success, all whilst thinking of your overseas audience and their journey to purchasing.

Speakers

Charlie Garnham
Digital Trade Adviser, Department for Business and Trade

Charlie loves talking about website UX, international SEO, social media presence and website localisation with her clients to ensure that they get the most out of their digital assets; whether they are selling direct to consumers or trading with distributors, agents or partners overseas. From handbags to security gates, biogas converters to recruitment services, Charlie supports all types of businesses with their export journey. In her spare time, she enjoys long walks in her local area and enjoying good food in the South West.

Using AI tools to create content for your business
2025-08-05 13:00 - 15:00 | online workshop
In this business.connected workshop in partnership with Vodafone Business, we’ll explore how to harness the power of AI to create smarter, more strategic content – without compromising on authenticity.
Whether you’re a solo entrepreneur, a small business owner or part of a growing team, this session will give you the tools to confidently integrate AI into your content strategy while staying true to your brand voice and values.
Led by Kristian Downer, an expert in digital content and AI applications, the workshop will cover how to use AI tools to generate blogs, video scripts and social media posts efficiently – plus how to make sure your content feels human and trustworthy.
You’ll also learn how to repurpose one idea into a wealth of content across different platforms, and how to use AI-powered analytics to track what’s working, what’s not and where to optimise.
Kristian has over 11 years of experience in digital marketing and specialises in helping business owners and marketing managers cut through the complexity to achieve consistent, profitable growth. From sole traders to large corporates, he’s delivered proven strategies and high-performing campaigns that drive real results.
Now, as a national trainer for Google Digital Garage through Enterprise Nation, he’s equipping businesses across the UK with the skills to navigate the evolving digital landscape – including the opportunities and challenges of AI in marketing.
With business.connected, get support on the technologies and digital business areas that can help you and your business work smarter. Grow online with expert guidance, peer insights, digital skills training and smart connectivity solutions.
Key takeaways from this session

Ethics and authenticity when using AI: Understand the importance of using AI responsibly, including keeping data secure and maintaining brand trust.
AI tools for creating content: Explore practical tools to help you generate engaging blogs, scripts and social media posts more efficiently.
Balancing AI and human content: Learn how to blend AI-generated and human-authored content to remain authentic and relevant.
Content repurposing strategies: Discover how to turn a single idea into 10 or more pieces of content across different platforms.
AI-driven analytics: Use intelligent tools to measure your content performance and optimise your strategy for better results.

Important details about the workshop

During the webinar, you’ll also have the chance to ask Kristian any questions.
The session lasts two hours. By signing up, you’ll also receive extra resources to support your learning.
Each workshop is designed to deliver practical, hands-on advice for SMEs. You’ll leave the session knowing how to implement specific strategies.

This webinar is part of a series for business.connected. Check out the other events, including more online workshops and business bootcamps held in-person across different regions of the UK.
About business.connected
The business.connected hub is a free online training programme of workshops, webinars and e-learning modules designed to help businesses go digital and adopt new technology.
The programme is supported by Vodafone Business. For more information, visit the business.connected support hub.

2025-08-11 12:00 - 13:30 | Online
Join SAVS and Ingenium Coaching online on Monday 11th August, from 12pm to 1.30pm for this free training session to understand different personality types. Book your free place

This is part of a four-part series with Ingenium Coaching to deliver training to the sector to improve your personal and professional development. This session is number two in the series, with the first focusing on understanding perception and how it differs for each person.

This session will explore how to improve workplace relationships and performance by helping individuals understand themselves and others better, ultimately leading to more effective communication, collaboration, and conflict resolution.

It will also help you to understand the challenges in understanding diverse personalities and behaviours, promoting self-awareness, and enhancing team dynamics.

Although the session is 1.5 hours long, the lunchinars usually finish within 1 hour.

Planning for success: How to action plan by adopting SMART objectives
2025-08-13 12:00 - 13:00 | Online
Duration1 hour
Contentbusiness academy
Part ofFuel your Business Growth: Start your business

Get to grips with using SMART objectives in your business planning.

What you’ll learn

how to identify risks
using SMART action planning
flexible planning

Description

We’ll guide you through an action plan with SMART (specific, measurable, realistic, timebound) objectives and how to incorporate flexibility and revision.

Speakers

Chris Stevens
Head of Business Support, Swindon and Wiltshire Business and Growth Unit

Chris has over 6 years’ experience in mobilising and delivering business support programmes and projects to bring about regional economic development.

Darren Brindley
Business Navigator, Swindon and Wiltshire Growth Hub

Darren has over 20 years experience of working with businesses of all sizes around the world, supporting their development, growth and skills progression.

Four steps to kick-start your venture
2025-08-19 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Get the fundamentals you need to give your business idea the best chance of success.

What you’ll learn

key do’s and don’ts when starting your business
foundation pillars for success
focus areas for planning

Description

Join Archie Wilkinson, CEO and Co-founder of Lifesaver, as he takes you through the ‘do’s and don’ts’, the foundational pillars of success, and the focus areas for giving your venture the best chance of success.

Speakers

Archie Wilkinson
CEO, Lifesaver

Archie is the CEO of Lifesaver, a certified B-Corp company pioneering sustainable charging solutions. Under his leadership, Lifesaver developed the world’s first outdoor power bank vending machine, reducing battery waste and partnering with major events and venues like Wimbledon, The O2, Wembley Stadium and Winter Wonderland. As an Export Champion, he has expanded Lifesaver internationally, recently achieving 58% annual revenue growth and EBITDA+.

Achieving Email Excellence Strategies for Successful Email Marketing
2025-08-20 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
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.

Using Canva to Create Content
2025-08-26 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
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.

Ask the Expert: How AI Can Help Your Small Business
2025-08-28 10:00 - 11:00 | Zoom
With so much talk about AI, what does it actually mean for small businesses like yours? There’s so much being said about AI right now, but it can be tricky to know what’s useful and what’s just hype.

That’s exactly why we’re bringing you a one-off live Q&A, packed with practical advice and honest answers to the most common (and most confusing!) questions about AI.

Join Small Business Britain and BT Group on Thursday 28th August at 10:00 AM for Ask the Expert: How AI Can Help Your Small Business.

This is a live, interactive session with some of the UK’s leading AI experts. No jargon, no pressure, just clear, helpful insight. Whether you’re completely new to AI, feeling unsure about where to begin, or already using tools in your day-to-day, this is your chance to learn more and ask anything.

We’ll explore real-world examples, bust common myths, and show how AI can help with everything from saving time and boosting productivity to improving customer experience. Got a question? Submit it in advance or ask it live on the day, our panel is here to help.

If you’ve ever wondered: – Is AI right for my business? – How do I start using AI without overcomplicating things? – What are the quick wins I can try today? …then this session is for you.

HR Prime FREE training session - Managing Menopause and Disability Within the Workplace
2025-09-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
Welcome to our HR Prime FREE training session on Managing Menopause and Disability Within the Workplace! Join us online for an informative session on how to support employees going through menopause and those with disabilities in the workplace. Our expert team will provide valuable insights and practical tips to create an inclusive and supportive work environment. This would be a good opportunity to enhance skills and make a positive impact in your organization.
Please register to secure your spot!

Introduction to Social Media Marketing
2025-09-09 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.

Green Growth Programme
2025-09-18 11:00 - 2025-10-23 12:00 | Online
A Free 6-Week Programme for Small Businesses – Unlock the financial power of sustainability!
Run by Small Business Britain in partnership with BT
Sustainability isn’t just good for the planet – it’s good for business. Join our brand new 6-week programme designed to help small businesses discover the financial benefits of becoming more sustainable.
Each week, you’ll learn from expert trainers and sustainability leaders, explore practical actions you can take right away, and hear real stories from fellow small businesses who are turning sustainability into growth.
Whether you’re just starting or looking to build on existing efforts, this programme will give you the tools and insights to succeed.
Programme Overview
18 September 11am: The Business Case for Sustainability
Explore why sustainability is a smart business strategy. Learn how small changes can lead to big savings and increased resilience, with insights from the landmark Willow Review.
25 September 11am: Quick Wins – The 5-Point Plan for Sustainability
Discover low-cost, high-impact actions you can implement straight away using our proven 5-point plan tailored for SMEs.
2 October 11am: AI and Sustainability
Unpack how AI and digital tools can support sustainability and efficiency in your business, and learn about greener ways to use it.
9 October 11am: Marketing Green – Attract More Customers
Learn how to authentically communicate your sustainability story and tap into growing customer demand for ethical, eco-conscious brands.
16 October 11am: Money Talks – Finance and Funding for Sustainability
Find out what grants, loans, and green finance options are available, and how to successfully pitch for them.
23 October 11am: Sustain the Gains – Planning for Long-Term Impact
Make a long-term plan for sustainable growth. Discover how to measure your impact and stay connected with the right tools and communities.
Each session includes expert-led training, practical takeaways, and a spotlight on a small business already making sustainability work for them.
All sessions will be recorded and will be available on a private page on the Small Business Britain website.

Disabled Entrepreneurs Networking
2025-09-30 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
A friendly, supportive and productive monthly virtual networking meeting for entrepreneurs with any form of disability or health issues.
This is a regular opportunity to bring together business owners with any form of physical or mental health issues to network together, advise each other and build up contacts across the whole of the UK.
The monthly online networking session will feature a short 10 minute talk by a speaker with a health issue – or someone who is an advocate for those with a disability – before we go into breakout rooms so attendees can network with one another in a friendly and supportive environment.
Speaker

This September, our guest speaker is Chris Naylor from Bnode who will be sharing how organisations can build digital spaces that are open, fair, and accessible to everyone.
What barriers do disabled people (including those who are neurodivergent) face when using websites, completing online forms, or joining virtual events? These barriers are not minor, they can block people from accessing your services and opportunities.
Chris is an expert in digital accessibility. Through Bnode, he has developed tools and strategies that put inclusion at the centre of digital design. His mission is clear: “Digital Done Right”, a commitment to ethical, sustainable, and accessible digital practices.
Attendees will gain:

Insight into common accessibility barriers and how they impact users.
Quick wins you can apply straight away, from better labels to accessible colour choices.
The benefits to your business for being more inclusive.
Resources and approaches to embed accessibility in your digital work long-term.

You’ll leave with a heightened awareness of digital inclusion, the knowledge and confidence to spot barriers, and how and why to start embedding accessibility into your organisation’s online presence. This is about more than compliance, it is about fairness, usability, and building digital spaces that welcome everyone.
These virtual networking meetings are part of the FSB’s ongoing Business Without Barriers campaign which aims to encourage inclusive, supportive workplaces and offer advice for the country’s army of disabled entrepreneurs.
This free #FSBConnectOnline networking is open to all businesses – both FSB members and non-members are welcome to attend, so please feel free to share with your networks.
Please note that subtitles will automatically be enabled for this virtual networking event.
We look forward to seeing you!
Our events and activities, including those focused on a specific issue or equality characteristic, are open to all. We encourage shared learning, wider conversations, and a collective responsibility to inclusivity through allyship, where marginalised groups are supported by others.
Important Notice:
Please be advised that bookings will close 70 minutes prior to the event start time to allow sufficient time for customer service support. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

An introduction to Start Up Loans
2025-10-01 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
With a host of free nationwide and regional in-person events, webinars and more, Business Finance Week helps smaller businesses learn about the different finance options that may be available to them to support their individual needs.

Since being launched in 2016, over 122,000 businesses have benefited from a government-backed Start Up Loan.
Join colleagues from the British Business Bank as they explain what a Start Up Loan is, the support applicants enjoy beyond the funding itself, and the overall impact of the scheme for UK start-ups.
With special guests including Start Up Loan recipients, partners, and experts from the British Business Bank, this event will help you decide if a Start Up Loan is right for you and your business aspirations.
This event is aimed at individuals new to finance.

Speakers

Lisa Storey, Founder, EZHampers
Peter Gover, Head of Credit, Performance & Procurement, The King’s Trust
Ren Kapur MBE, Chief Executive Officer, X-Forces Enterprise
Richard Bearman, Chief Development Officer, British Business Bank

HR Prime FREE training session - Absence Management (Including Mental Health)
2025-10-02 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
HR Prime FREE training session – Absence Management (Including Mental Health)
Welcome to our Zoom training session focusing on absence management, with a special emphasis on Mental Health. Join us for an informative and interactive session where you’ll learn valuable insights and best practices in managing employee absences effectively, especially in relation to mental health issues.
Please register to secure your spot!

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

FSB Creatives Connect
2025-10-10 11:00 - 12:00 | Online
Join this new monthly networking gig for the UK’s creatives – from photographers to illustrators and everyone in between – to connect with others who could be key to securing new contracts and growing your business.
Did you know that thanks to the talents of illustrators, developers, designers, copywriters, editors, filmmakers, photographers, and many more, the creative industries contribute over £109bn to the UK economy?
Doing your best work in the creative field and growing your business sometimes means collaborating with others who can do what you can’t – and vice versa. But how do you find the agencies and freelancers you want to co-create with? This new networking date from FSB is your solution.
Join us on the second Friday of every month from wherever you are – your desk, from a shoot, after a client meeting or from home – whatever works for you. You’ll get time to promote your talents to a virtual room full of creatives from across the UK, hear about what they can do for you, connect with them, and hear from inspiring speakers each month.
Your host, FSB’s Katrina Pierce, will make sure you get a warm welcome and the chance to make valuable new connections – all in one essential hour.

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.

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!

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

Innovation Grant Mentoring Webinar - What is Innovation funding?
2025-11-27 12:30 - 14:00 | Online
Innovation Grant Mentoring Webinar – What is Innovation funding?
Welcome to our online event, hosted by the Innovation Grant Mentoring programme, where we will dive into the world of innovation funding! Join us for an informative webinar where we will discuss what innovation funding is all about and how it can benefit your projects. Our mentors will guide you through the process and provide valuable insights to help you secure the funding you need. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to learn and grow your ideas!
Join our experts, Colm Watling and Liz Flint, in a comprehensive session where we will discuss:

Discover what innovation funding is and how it fuels research, development, and market growth.
Learn how to access Innovate UK grants, from identifying calls to crafting winning applications.
Understand who provides innovation funding — from government to investors — and why they do it.
Gain practical tips on timing, eligibility, partnerships, and maximising success in funding bids.

Colm Watling – An aeronautical systems engineer, Colm has an engineering background including innovation in defence systems (MOD) and the automotive sector (Triumph Motorcycles). He brings regional business support programme experience from his time at PERA where he ran the East Midlands Manufacturing Advisory Service, as well as having Technology Transfer roles at Loughborough and Nottingham Trent Universities. Colm has more recently worked for InnovateUK and the Catapult Network, and now works InnovateUK, a number of universities and increasingly on energy efficiency and community energy projects on the Isle of Wight.
Liz Flint – Liz is director of Flint Innovation and has twenty years of experience at the intersection of business, academia, and Government. Liz has a strong track record of successful grant applications and is a mentor on the Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme. She’s also a Monitoring Officer for a wide range of Innovate UK funded projects, as well as working with several Universities to deliver the Help to Grow programme. ​Liz believes in empowering people, harnessing innovation to improve productivity, and cutting through the noise. Liz covers areas including: Strategy development and implementation, Bid writing, Small business start-up and growth strategies and planning, Coaching and mentoring SMEs, Training and workshop delivery.
Innovation Grant Mentoring Programme
A fully funded programme for innovative SMEs, which to date has supported businesses in the region to secure £3.1m of innovation funding and inspired many more founders to consider working towards innovation funding to support their innovative research and development projects.
It is a free-to-access service with a pool of experienced innovation mentors and bid coaches that companies will be linked to based upon their areas of expertise and background. Giving businesses practical insights to improve success rates.
Supporting businesses in Norfolk, Suffolk and Essex
https://connectedinnovation.co.uk/innovation-grant-mentoring-project/

Improving your Facebook Skills Workshop
2025-12-02 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Do you know how to get the most out of Facebook for your business?
Facebook is the world’s largest social media platform. It has around 50 million active users in the UK and is popular with people of all regions, income levels, genders, and educational backgrounds.
Not many of us have the budget to hire dedicated staff or third-party agencies to run our account, so how do you get the most out of Facebook and use it to attract new followers and engagement without this?
Join us for an informative and practical workshop which will provide an overview of how to best utilise Facebook for your organisation – vital when you have limited time and resources.
To make this workshop as bespoke as possible we will ask you a few short questions when you register in order for us to understand the needs of the group, but we will cover the following areas:
• The importance of marketing on social media for business
• How to create compelling and engaging posts
• Practical examples of what works and what doesn’t
• Using Facebook to recruit and inspire future employees
• A chance to share your own experiences and learn from others
• How to schedule posts in advance and work smarter
• Facebook features explained, including Stories and Reels
• A brief overview of the Meta Business Suite and Facebook Insights
• The importance of scheduling and calendars.
Our social media workshops are popular, and places are limited, so please book early to avoid disappointment.
Who Should Attend
This training is for staff who have the responsibility of social media as part of their role and have a good working knowledge of Facebook, but do not necessarily have a working knowledge of how to make the platform work best for their business. This course will assist in gaining that understanding and how to tailor it to established business goals.
What’s Included

The workshop lasts for 2 hours but further time is available at the end for any outstanding questions or queries.
After the workshop, we will send you a pack containing all the advice, tips and links discussed during the session.
You will also be able to pass on follow-up questions to our trainers, SRX Consultancy, who will offer practical support (via email or a quick call) to ensure you are able to put everything you learned into action.

About the Trainers
SRX Consultancy is a boutique PR, social media and communications agency specialising in areas including charity and small business. Their bespoke and tailored training sessions have been running for 10 years – attended by staff from hundreds of charities, organisations, and small businesses, always receiving positive feedback. This workshop will be delivered by Simon Rothstein and Lauren Soar.
Date: Tuesday 2 December 2025 10.00am to 12.00pm
Virtual: Zoom Platform
Cost to attend: Members £95.00 + VAT and Non-Members £150.00 + VAT
Please note: This event will not be recorded and any material will only be circulated to those that attend

Force For Business: Virtual Networking for Military Entrepreneurs
2025-12-04 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
A friendly, supportive and productive virtual networking event for entrepreneurs in the military community.
This is a unique joint partnership between X-Forces Enterprise (XFE) and the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) to provide regular opportunities to bring together business owners from the Armed Forces community to network, exchange knowledge, and build contacts across the whole of the UK.
Event Highlights
These focused events are a great option for businesses led by members of the military community who may be new to networking and looking for a friendly place to start. Equally, it is a great opportunity for those with more networking experience who would like to grow their contacts within a community of inspiring business leaders.
Structure
The event will feature a brief presentation from a former member of the Armed Forces community (TBC) who is now active in the business environment. Following this, the meeting will move into breakout rooms, allowing attendees the space for further discussion on the theme or to share any other topics of interest. This is a space to network in a friendly and supportive environment.

Host – Ren Kapur MBE

Ren Kapur MBE is founder and CEO of X-Forces Enterprise, established in 2013.
A social entrepreneur, Ren has harnessed her experience to enable individuals and communities to support themselves and thrive through enterprise. In doing so she has brought together corporate, government, and charity stakeholders at the very highest levels.
Ren was awarded an MBE for service to the Entrepreneurship in 2016 in the Queen’s 90th Birthday Honours list and is a Reservist in the British Army; a Visiting Fellow at Lord Ashcroft’s Business School, Armed Forces Champion for the Federation of Small Businesses, and newly-appointed board member and SME Lead for Enterprise M3 LEP.
Guest Speaker – Adam Casey – tmc3 Ltd
RAF veteran Adam Casey co-founded tmc3 to redefine cybersecurity consultancy, placing people, not just technology, at its heart. Leaving behind a corporate career, he launched his business with no external backing, guided by a bold vision to create a values-led, veteran-founded company.
Since 2020, tmc3 has grown by 86% year-on-year, working with dozens of organisations including Parliament, the Ministry of Defence, the NHS, and major infrastructure bodies. But it’s not just commercial success that sets them apart, it’s their commitment to community. Over one-third of Adam’s team are veterans and tmc3 actively mentors service leavers, helping them transition into rewarding tech careers.
Audience
This is a joint venture between X-Forces Enterprise and FSB. The networking sessions are open to all businesses – both FSB members and non-members, XFE beneficiaries and non-beneficiaries so please feel free to share with your networks. #FSBConnectOnline #MilitaryinBusiness
Although this event could be particularly useful to veterans, service leavers, reserves, cadets and their families, everyone is welcome to embrace the wider business community, grow community cohesion, and exchange knowledge.
Commitment to our Communities
Since its inception in 2013, XFE’s mission has been to provide members of the wider military family (transitioning service personnel, veterans, their families, reservists, cadets and beyond) with the tools to make informed decisions about their future and, through enterprise skills training, empower them to reach their career potential. The old military adage of ‘leave no one behind’ sits at the very heart of our ethos.
FSB is committed to and values diversity and inclusion in everything we do. The strength of FSB rests on the diversity of our self-employed and small business owners who reflect the whole of the UK business population, both as members and volunteers. With this, we want all small business owners and the self-employed, from whichever communities they belong to, to feel welcomed and a part of the FSB community.
Our events and activities, including those focused on a specific issue or equality characteristic, are open to all. We encourage shared learning, wider conversations, and a collective responsibility to inclusivity through allyship, where marginalised groups are supported by others.

HR Prime FREE Training Session- Company Branding- Attracting Customers and Enhancing Your Reputation
2025-12-04 11:30 - 12:30 | Online
HR Prime FREE Training Session
Company Branding: Attracting Customers and Enhancing Your Reputation
Join us for an exciting online training session where you will learn all about company branding. Discover how to attract customers and enhance your reputation in the market. Don’t miss this opportunity to take your business to the next level!
Please register to secure a spot!

BIG Networking for Small Businesses
2025-12-05 10:00 - 11:30 | Online
Event details
FSB’s BIG networking event is back for 2025! Whether you’re self-employed, a start-up, or simply looking to grow your B2B connections – make sure you join us for FSB’s biggest online networking event, ever!
At this event
What can you expect at our BIG networking event? You’ll have the opportunity to network with entrepreneurs on zoom, in small breakout rooms, and we’ll be joined by a brilliant guest to share their experiences and tips for achieving great business growth.
Hosts
David Bell
Founder and CEO of Simboc Ltd
Hollie Whittles

Speakers

Chisola Chitambala is an Essex-based entrepreneur who reached the final five on this year’s edition of The Apprentice UK. She is the co-founder of CB Virtual Assistant, a successful virtual assistant business that she has run with her business partner for nearly three years. With a background as a paediatric nurse and an MBA to support her transition into entrepreneurship, Chisola brings a wealth of experience to her work. She is also a passionate advocate for migraine awareness, a children’s storyteller, and a keen netball player.
Chisola will share her inspiring journey full of navigating challenges, pivoting during adversity, adapting her business, staying true to her values, and the valuable lessons she learned from her time on national TV – all experiences that have shaped her entrepreneurial path. With honesty and insight, she’ll also reflect on the barriers she’s faced as a young woman in business, and how she continues to overcome them. Expect an empowering, thought-provoking session filled with real-world insights, resilience, and motivation.
Places at this event are limited so register early to avoid disappointment!
Please be advised that bookings will close 70 minutes prior to the event start time to allow sufficient time for customer service support. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Event contact
For help and support regarding this event, please telephone our dedicated events helpline 01253 336028 or email csdeventsupport@fsb.org.uk

Health, wellbeing and personal development for small businesses
2025-12-17 16:30 - 17:45 | Online
Welcome to our national health, wellbeing, and personal development event for small businesses, happening on the third Wednesday of the month.
When you’re busy running your own small business, it’s important to take the time to look after your mental, physical, and financial wellbeing. Join us for insightful presentations from wellbeing experts who will share practical tips and advice. You’ll also have the chance to connect and network with fellow small business owners.
This month’s theme will announced soon.
Meet your host:

Anna M Stapleton is a passionate Mental and Emotional Resilience Coach, is dedicated to elevating health, wellbeing and personal growth within the small businesses’ community. Drawing on her professional background, Anna guides entrepreneurs and small business owners to cultivate resilience, embrace accountability, and unlock their full potential for themselves and their staff.
Her coaching and mentoring approach empowers clients to overcome everyday challenges, align their actions with core values, and build a regret-free future.
As a champion for personal growth and development, Anna offers powerful insights through her coaching and mentoring sessions, workshops, and speaking engagements. Her mission is to foster a community of emotionally intelligent, mentally strong individuals who thrive in both their professional and personal lives.
You will get a chance to:

Hear from a variety of speakers during the ‘In Conversation With’ discussions
Connect and engage with fellow business owners during the sessions
Explore how we can further support the wellbeing agenda within our communities

Breaking Down the Basics of SEO
2026-02-12 10:00 - 12:00 | Online
Get your business found online by the people who need you most.

Tired of feeling like your website is invisible? You’re not alone. Many small business owners put time and effort into building their website but still struggle to show up in search results.

This workshop will help you fix that. You’ll learn simple, practical SEO strategies that bring more visitors to your site, attract your ideal customers, and help your business grow. We’ll break down the jargon, showing you how to optimise your website, create content that ranks, and use free tools to see what’s working.

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to make your business more visible online — and feel confident doing it yourself.

Event details:
🕙Time: 10:00am – 12:00pm
📌Location: Online (ZOOM)
💷Cost: £30pp +VAT

What You’ll Learn:

Understanding Search Engines: Gain insights into how search engines work and how they determine the ranking of web pages.

Keyword Research and Optimisation: Learn how to strategically incorporate keywords into your content to increase visibility and attract the right audience.

On-Page SEO Techniques: Explore the critical on-page elements that contribute to a website’s SEO success.

Off-Page SEO Strategies: Delve into off-page SEO factors, including backlink building and social signals. Understand how to cultivate a strong online presence beyond the confines of your website.

Technical SEO Essentials: Uncover the technical aspects of SEO, such as site speed, mobile optimisation, and crawlability.

Measuring and Analysing SEO Performance: Explore key metrics and tools to measure the effectiveness of your SEO efforts.

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

Stacey Pretty is the Marketing Director at Let’s Do Marketing, where she helps small and growing businesses turn their marketing ideas into real results.

With more than 19 years of hands-on experience in both B2B and B2C marketing, Stacey’s worked on everything from digital campaigns and content strategies to traditional promotions. She’s seen what works, and what doesn’t, for small businesses trying to make their mark.

Stacey’s mission is simple: to make marketing easier to understand and more effective for business owners who have a lot on their plates. Her sessions focus on practical, achievable steps that bring consistency, confidence, and results.

Privacy Notice
By registering for this event, you agree to Let’s Do Business Group processing and managing your personal data in accordance with our Privacy Policy. Your data will only be used for the purposes of managing your event registration and any relevant communications.

Unlock Productivity with Microsoft 365 Copilot
2026-02-12 11:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
Ready to transform the way you work?
Join us for an interactive one-hour webinar with Angela Pawar, Microsoft Copilot Specialist at Giacom, and Ken Strettle from KVS 365, a Microsoft 365 consultancy that helps small businesses adopt Copilot and Microsoft 365 securely and with confidence. In this webinar you will discover how AI can simplify your day-to-day tasks and boost productivity across your organisation.
Angela will break down what Microsoft 365 Copilot is, show you real-world demonstrations in Outlook, Teams, Word, Excel, and more, and guide you through customization options with Copilot Studio. You’ll also learn the technical requirements for Copilot, proven adoption strategies, and where to find resources for continued learning.
Whether you’re exploring Copilot for the first time or looking to maximise its potential, this session will give you practical insights and confidence to take the next step.
Key Takeaways
By the end of this webinar, you will:
✅ Understand what Microsoft 365 Copilot is and how it works
✅ See demonstrations of Copilot in action across key apps
✅ Learn how to customize Copilot and leverage Copilot Studio
✅ Know the requirements for successful deployment
✅ Discover strategies to drive adoption and user engagement
✅ Access resources for ongoing learning and support
This webinar is hosted by the Federation of Small Businesses in partnership with KVS 365 and Giacom.
About KVS 365
KVS 365 is a UK-based Microsoft 365 consultancy that helps small businesses without in-house IT teams get set up securely, stay productive, and meet the basics of Cyber Essentials using Microsoft 365 Business Premium. We focus on clear, practical guidance rather than jargon, so owners can get more value from the tools they already pay for.
Important Notice:
Please be advised that bookings will close 70 minutes prior to the event start time to allow sufficient time for customer service support. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Event contact
For help and support regarding this event, please telephone our dedicated events helpline 01253 336028 or email csdeventsupport@fsb.org.uk

Better You, Better Business
2026-02-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Online
When you’re running a small business, the ability to listen, truly listen, can make the difference between clarity and confusion, alignment and tension, progress and burnout.
Yet unspoken assumptions, mental clutter, and rushed conversations often get in the way, draining your energy and undermining performance.
This month, we’re stripping listening back to its essentials.

Beyond Hearing: The Power of Focused Listening
A Grounded Approach to Listening to Others, and Yourself, for Better Decisions

Join us for a powerful, practical session designed to help you shift from passive hearing to Focused Listening, so you can make better decisions, build stronger relationships, and lead with greater confidence and wellbeing.
In this session, you’ll learn how to:

Reduce overwhelm by recognising and clearing limiting internal narratives.
Understand what’s really being communicated by listening beneath the surface of clients, staff, and partners.
Strengthen decision-making through intentional, grounded, present communication.
Build resilience using wellbeing-focused listening techniques that support both personal and business growth.
Come away with practical tools you can apply immediately—in conversations, in leadership, and within yourself.

Our speaker for February will be Alison Theaker from Live Life For Me.

Alison has 30 years’ experience in public relations and management as a practitioner, academic, and author. In 2009, she founded The Spark to help small businesses and sole traders reach their full potential.
Her Public Relations Handbook (7th edition, 2024) is widely used on UK undergraduate PR courses. She completed an MPhil in 2023 on mentoring for women entrepreneurs in rural areas, tutors marketing apprentices at Cambridge Marketing College, and is an adjunct lecturer at Exeter University.
With colleague Anne Hope, Alison develops courses and resources supporting women through menopause, including the 5-session online course Menopause Redefined, in partnership with holistic GP Dr Johanneke Kodde.
Meet your host:

Anna M Stapleton Mental & Emotional Resilience Coach, is committed to elevating health, wellbeing, and personal development within the small business community. Anna empowers entrepreneurs to develop emotional intelligence, embrace accountability, and unlock their potential, for themselves, their teams, and their businesses.
Secure your place today and take the next step toward clearer communication, confident decision-making, and a stronger, more resilient you.
