The final countdown is on for the Festival of Business! Join us on Wednesday 5 November, 10.00am – 3.00pm at Chelmsford City Racecourse for a day of networking, insight, and business growth.
Visitors can still register on the day at the venue and enjoy the full Festival experience.
What’s waiting for you at the Festival:
Exhibitors & Networking
This year’s Festival will feature over 100 exhibitors, showcasing the very best of Essex’s business community - from innovative SME's to leading organisations across technology, sustainability, manufacturing, finance, professional services, education, and more.
Inspiring Talks & Panels
Headline Speaker: George Clarke - Renowned architect and broadcaster George Clarke shares his journey, vision for future housing and communities, and how creativity and innovation can drive business growth.- Panel Discussion: Devolution in Essex – What It Means for Business - Gain insider insight into how devolution impacts funding, infrastructure, skills, and economic growth, and how your business can influence decisions locally.
- Understanding the Essex Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) - Learn how skills development in Essex aligns with business needs, creating opportunities for employers to shape training and access skilled talent.
Workshops & Clinics
We’re excited to highlight practical and insightful sessions brought to you in partnership with our Main Sponsors – Ambitious Essex:
🔧 Workshop: Procurement & Bid Strategy - SMEs and local contractors aiming to win public sector work can join South East Consortium (SEC) for interactive sessions at 10.30am and 1.30pm in the Fairwood Brasserie. Learn about common pitfalls, updates in procurement regulation, and get tailored guidance.
🩺 Drop-In Clinics by Essex County Council - Visit the Lobby of the Grandstand throughout the day for free, informal access to specialist advice:
- Digital Essex | 10.20am to 11.00am: Connectivity, digital inclusion, and opportunities for business
- Climate Action Team | 11.00am to 11.40am: Energy efficiency, sustainability, and funding guidance
- Greater Essex Careers Hub | 11.40am to 12.20pm: Linking education with employment and engaging young talent
- The King’s Award in Essex | 1.00pm to 1.40pm: How to apply for this prestigious recognition
- Fostering Friendly Team | 1.40pm to 2.20pm: Supporting staff to foster and the benefits for your organisation
Visitor Prize Draw
When you arrive on the day, enter our Visitor Prize Draw for a chance to win:
💳 Personal Shopper Experience at Fenwick Colchester (£200 gift card)
🎭 Family Ticket to Shrek The Musical at Charter Hall (2 adults + 2 children)
🍽️ Dinner for Two & Bottle of Wine at Delta Hotels by Marriott Colchester
🍓 Luxury Tiptree Hamper
🫖 Champagne Afternoon Tea for Two at Wivenhoe House Hotel
🎟️ Year’s Priority Live – Southend Theatres Membership
💷 £100 Voucher for The Magic Mushroom Restaurant
📖 Signed Copy of Anurag Aggarwal’s Indian Made Easy + spice hamper
🍾 Taittinger Brut Réserve Champagne, Festival-branded
Fun & Engagement
🚌 Open Road – Nominated Festival Charity: Meet the SOS Bus team and discover their wellbeing work.
📸 Betsy the Caravan Photo Booth - Take home a keepsake from this charming vintage photo booth.
💧 Meet “Sandy” from Essex & Suffolk Water - Get water-saving tips and learn ways to be more sustainable.
View the full Festival Programme.
Register your FREE visitor ticket at www.festivalofbusiness.co.uk or sign up on the day. Don’t miss your chance to be part of something bigger. Let’s build a greater Essex — together.