Video: Stratford-on-Avon District Council / Chin Badger Media

Driving growth and ambition across the District

Event held: Tuesday 3 February 2026, 9am - 12noon, Crowne Plaza, Stratford-upon-Avon

Supporting businesses and creating the conditions for sustainable growth are at the heart of Stratford-on-Avon's economic ambitions.

On 3 February around 200 SMEs attended the Stratford Business Conference, which was organised by Stratford-on-Avon District Council in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon.

Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Godley OBE hosted the free event.

Local business leaders Doug King from Yelo Enterprises and CCFC, Will Grocott and Eve Baker from GTI Systems and Simon Hood and Charlene Mitchell-Hood from Sooper Books captivated the audience with their personal journeys and shared practical ways to strengthen and grow your company, and explore how to build better supply chains and partnerships that can help you thrive.

Cllr George Cowcher, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, and John Careford, Head of Development at Stratford-on-Avon District Council, demonstrated the Council's commitment to business and highlighted the support that is available for SMEs. There were also presentations from Tracey Sherratt from the British Business Bank who outlined funding opportunities and how to become investment-ready, and from William Tse, Employment, Strategy and Commissioning Manager from Warwickshire Skills Hub, who outlined the support available to build the right skills within a business.

The Crowne Plaza began the event with a substantial breakfast and further refreshments and networking took place in the Exhibition area throughout the morning. The 21 exhibition stands comprised local businesses and business support organisations.

Feedback from businesses following the event has been very positive and the Council hopes to deliver further events for the business community in the coming year. If you know of any business or entrepreneur in the Stratford-on-Avon District interested in finding out about what support and funding is available, please go to our Business Support & Advice page.

• Press Release: Supporting business at the heart of Stratford-on-Avon's economic ambitions
• Conference Brochure & Programme
• Individual speaker recordings will be coming soon.

Organised in partnership with