Agenda and info - FSB HSBC event Guildford 24th March 2026

Surrey Networking Guildford With HSBC / hosted by CIFAL at Surrey University Surrey SME Owners – Are You Ready for What’s Next? The business landscape isn’t slowing down. Economic pressure, procurement changes, sustainability demands and rising costs are all reshaping what growth really looks like for small businesses. So how do you stay resilient — and position your business for real, sustainable growth? Join us on 24 March at Surrey University for a powerful (and free) event hosted by CIFAL Surrey, in partnership with the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and HSBC. You’ll hear from: • HSBC Economist Liz Martins – breaking down the latest Economic Outlook and what it actually means for SME decision-making, investment and growth. • Dr Nayanee Silva, Sustainability Specialist – sharing practical insight into how sustainability is influencing procurement, cost reduction and long-term resilience (and why it’s increasingly a growth driver, not a tick-box exercise). • Hosted by Professor Amelia Hadfield, Director of CIFAL Surrey, who will bring the discussion together in a way that is relevant, accessible and meaningful for the SME community. We will be exploring: • What the economic outlook means for your business • How to build resilience in uncertain times • Why sustainability is becoming a competitive advantage • Winning government and corporate contracts • Practical ways to reduce costs and strengthen your organisation This isn’t theory. It’s insight, tools and real-world context you can take back and use immediately. In addition, you will be networking with fellow ambitious business owners in one of Surrey’s most impressive venues. Booking Link: https://events.fsb.org.uk/en/8d2bI2X7/g/fJqTd8nh8e/surrey-networkingwith-fsb-and-hsbc-3aJ8PzCnZ/overview