It’s not common for a business owner to feel like they are alone in their journey, especially if they work from home, or have a small retail outlet. However, there are thousands of other people in the same position as you, and it can be quite educational to meet up with them and discuss ideas and plans for the future. If you are interested in networking, take a look at the following conferences that are set to be popular with UK small business owners in 2015.
StartUp 2015
Held on the 17th January, StartUp 2015 is a free event, and will be held at the Somerset House (one of the great venues in London by Venuesearchlondon.com). The event aims to encourage people to quit the corporate world and become their own boss, and will be offering a range of facilities to help you do this. It will be possible to apply for a loan, form your own company, take part in practical workshops, get feedback on your ideas, and get inspiration. It’s a top event for newcomers to the industry.
The Great Manchester Business Conference
Held at the Lancashire County Cricket Ground on the 6th March, The Great Manchester Business Conference is a must visit event for small business owners. The event is styled like a fast paced news show, with panel debates, key-note speakers, video footage, and interviews being held throughout the day. The event is being hosted by Stephanie McGovern from BBC Breakfast and John Ashcroft, author of The Saturday Economist. Tickets cost £125.
The Federation of Small Business Conference
Held on the 19th – 21st March in Birmingham, The Federation of Small Business Conference is an annual event that draws in the crowds from across the UK. A varied program of presentations, seminars and workshops will be on offer to all who attend, and a number of top speakers, such as Simon Jack and Geoff Burch, will also be holding talks. Full information about the 2015 conference can be found on the FSB website.
The Business Show
Held at the Excel Centre in London on the 19th and 20th May, The Business Show is a huge event that welcomes small businesses from a variety of industries. 12 workshops, 350 exhibits, and 250 seminars will be held at the event, and business owners are sure to leave with a lot more knowledge than they ever thought possible. Tickets to the event are free, and can be ordered from the event’s website.
The Bristol Business Expo
Held on the 16th July at Brunel’s Old Station, The Bristol Business Expo is the biggest business event held in the city. Start-ups and established businesses located in the city are invited to attend in order to help their business grow in 2015. A number of keynote speakers, presentations and networking events will be on offer, with full details being placed on the event website as they become available. Tickets to the event are free of charge, though you do need to register on the website before attending.
