Break through the barriers every founder faces — funding, hiring, and growth
8-9 October 2025 | NEC Birmingham
Two days. 150+ speakers. 4 stages. Free to attend.
Learn how Britain’s top entrepreneurs built their businesses, raised capital, and reached new markets — plus meet the experts who can help you do the same
Headline keynote speakers
Why attend the Festival of Entrepreneurs?
Two days out of the office is only worth it if you gain an edge you can’t get anywhere else. That’s why this event exists.
🖊️ Keynote founders — lessons from LUSH, Grenade, HomeServe, Ted Baker, Absolute Collagen, Suri, Remedy Health, ANNA, Social Chain and many more.
📰 The UK’s most comprehensive funding stage — 30+ investors, lenders and experts to help you get investment-ready and choose the right route.
🚀 Tech, talent and innovation — practical sessions on tools, teams, and new growth ideas.
🎟️ Free to attend — 150+ speakers, thousands of entrepreneurs, and conversations that shape what you do next.
Who should attend?
The UK’s premium event for ambitious entrepreneurs — and the people who back them.
👤 Founders and owners — building their businesses.
✅ Directors in sales, marketing, finance or ops — sharpening strategies to scale.
💼 Investors and advisers — backing ambitious founders with capital and guidance.
⚙️ Entrepreneurs exploring new tools, talent or funding — ready for the next step.
🌍 Based in the West Midlands or beyond — thousands of entrepreneurs from across the UK.
The next wave of founders and leaders driving Britain’s growth
Chaired by Sir Liam Fox, the Festival brings together entrepreneurs who are building the standout businesses of today
Backed by the leaders shaping UK business growth
Hear from the CEOs and industry leaders driving access to finance, support and innovation for entrepreneurs across Britain.
What you’ll learn — and take back to your business
Four stages. 70 sessions. 150+ speakers. Everything you need to break through your next barrier.
💸 Funding & investment Stage
How to get investment-ready and secure the right capital — from start-up loans and debt finance to angel and VC.
Loans up to £1m
Preparing to pitch investors
Equity vs debt made clear
🤖 Tech, AI & Marketing Stage
Real-world examples of tools and tactics founders are using right now to grow faster.
AI use cases that actually save time
Winning digital growth strategies
How to future-proof your business
🚀 Scale-Up Stage
Building the team, culture and resilience to take your business further.
Talent that scales
Innovation that sticks
Expanding into new markets
🌍 Keynote Stage
The big stories and lessons from Britain’s most recognisable entrepreneurs.
Grenade, Lush, HomeServe, Ted Baker
National debate: “Can Britain compete?”
How top founders built £100m+ brands
From investment-ready to investment secured
— start your journey here
Over two days, the Festival of Entrepreneurs brings together the UK’s leading funders, lenders and investors — plus four dedicated sessions on how to get investment-ready.
Across two days, the Funding Stage delivers the UK’s most comprehensive line-up of funders, lenders and investors at a free-to-attend entrepreneurs event. From equity and loans to grants and alternative finance, you’ll learn exactly what they look for — with four dedicated sessions on how to get investment-ready.
And with our Festival of Entrepreneurs co-branded Swoop portal, you can take the next step and start your funding journey straight away.
Meet and learn how to access finance from over 30+ of the UK’s leading funding and investment experts, including:
Festival of Entrepreneurs sponsors
Gold sponsor
Silver sponsors
Bronze sponsors
Funding partner
What to expect from the innovators and entrepreneurs
“ Now, more than ever, supporting entrepreneurs is essential. In today’s challenging economic climate - where uncertainty and rapid change are the norm - entrepreneurs hold the key to future growth, innovation, and prosperity “
Sir Liam Fox
Event Chair - Festival of Entrepreneurs
Former Secretary of State for International Trade & Secretary of State for Defence
“ I’m so excited we’re doing a festival like this in the UK. Its absolutely needed. I’ll be sharing my journey from fund raising to female entrepreneurship to tech manufacturing “
Melissa Snover
Founder
Remedy Health
“ If I can do it, anyone can! Get a mentor, follow the steps, and the only thing holding you back is you. I can’t wait to be at the NEC Birmingham, learning from the other entrepreneurs too “
Richard Harpin
Founder
HomeServe
“ Expect passion, honesty and fun when I speak at the Festival of Entrepreneurs. I love Melissa Snover, she’s brilliant. And Juliet from Grenade, that woman is incredible “
Maxine Laceby
Co-Founder
Absolute Collagen
“ At the Festival of Entrepreneurs, I’ll be talking about how to build an AI-first business - thinking 5 years ahead, not just tweaking what you’ve got today “
Piers Linney
Co-Founder - Implement AI
Former BBC Dragons Den Investor
“ At the Festival of Entrepreneurs, I’ll be sharing real stories and hard won lessons from some of the UK’s most successful founders. Expect practical advice you can take back to your desk” “
Jo Dalton
Founder
JD & Co
Interested in exhibiting? There is still time! Showcase your solutions at the UK’s best scale-up event
The Festival offers flexible exhibiting, speaking, sponsorship, and partnership options helping you connect with entrepreneurs at a pivotal point in their journey.
With thousands of attendees actively investing in growth, this is a rare opportunity to build trusted relationships and showcase your expertise to the right audience.
Partners include
