New free event for Stratford District businesses next month

An inaugural free business event in Warwickshire will launch this year, focused on energising small and medium-sized businesses and unlocking opportunities for growth, ambition and collaboration.

Stratford-on-Avon District Council in partnership with Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group is hosting the Stratford Business Conference next month (February) to bring together business owners from across the Stratford District to share success stories, spark fresh ideas and build strong, long-lasting business networks.

The event will be packed with inspiring talks from business leaders and practical advice which companies can put into action straight away to strengthen, scale and future-proof their business.

New Coventry and Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce President Sandra Godley OBE will be hosting the event at the Crowne Plaza Stratford-upon-Avon in Bridgefoot in Stratford-upon-Avon between 8.15am and noon on Tuesday, February 3.

Will Grocett and Eve Baker from Green Tech Industries will be sharing insights from their inspirational business growth journey, before a session is held with Stratford-on-Avon District Council and the Growth Hub to highlight how business support can be transformational for business success and outline the support available throughout the area.

Tracey Sherratt from British Business Bank will give a presentation on access to finance and the importance of firms being investment ready before Charlene Mitchell and Simon Hood from digital story streaming service Sooper Books discuss the success of their business that has millions of users which began at the Venture House Business Centre in the town and led to their appearance on Dragons' Den.

Fay Winterburn from Warwickshire Skills Hub will next take to the stage to explain how businesses can access the service to overcome skills, training, and recruitment challenges, and she will also join an interactive Q&A panel session with business leaders and Councillors, including Cllr George Cowcher, deputy leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development, and John Careford, Head of Development, both from Stratford-on-Avon District Council.

Cllr Cowcher said this new free event was designed to encourage SMEs throughout the Stratford District to find out what's driving business growth in the town, and the importance of working together to create lasting success.

He said: "We want the Stratford Business Conference to highlight the successes of the many and varied SMEs based here and their vital role in driving economic growth across Stratford-on-Avon District.

"This will be a fantastic opportunity to connect leaders, entrepreneurs, and future business professionals to explore key economic drivers, growth opportunities, and skills development which is vital in supporting our local economy and to encourage a more inclusive, greener economy.

"We also want to promote career pathways and government support to address skills shortages and inspire the next generation to engage with SME opportunities because there are so many innovative SMEs within our area and we want to encourage people to live and work here."

Craig Humphrey, CEO of Coventry and Warwickshire Growth Hub Group, said this was an opportunity for SMEs to connect with business advice and support.

"A brilliant array of speakers has been lined up and we want delegates to leave the Stratford Business Conference feeling inspired and motivated by what others have achieved," he said.

"This is a great event to find out more about the business support network in the area and that further assistance is available as well as to make new connections with potential customers, suppliers, collaborators and support providers."

There will also be around 20 exhibitors showcasing Stratford District's innovative businesses. SMEs who would like to promote innovative products or services should contact economy@stratford-dc.gov.uk to express their interest in participating.

To sign-up to attend the Stratford Business Conference, please visit https://bit.ly/sdcbizconference26