Wednesday 8 July 2026
Newark
Programme
Afternoon Session 9:00 10:00 11:00 11:30 12:30 14:00 15:30
Doors open for expo viewing and networking over tea, coffee and pastries upstairs on the mezzanine
Morning Session
Take your seats in the Lecture Theatre where you’ll hear from:
• Veronica Dennant and Will Parkinson – Newark & Sherwood District Council
• Gbemi Shitta
• Tommy Atkins
Coffee Break
Head back up to the Ollerton Room and the Conservatory on the Mezzanine to get some business support from our exhibitors and partners over refreshments.
Welcome back for the late morning session, featuring:
• Mark Jarvis
• Deborah Bond
Lunch and networking in the main room. Do take the time to browse the variety of stands upstairs over lunch where you’ll find your drinks.
The afternoon session begins. Return to the main room downstairs and get ready to hear from:
• Rob Jones
• Mark Pitfield
• Whole Panel Q&A
Close
Host
Katrina Pierce
Your host for the day is Katrina Pierce, head of FSB’s lobbying, media, events and member support across Greater Lincolnshire & Nottinghamshire.
Katrina is a tireless campaigner for small businesses, standing up and speaking up for FSB members and the wider SME community on all issues that affect the East Midlands’ 180,000 independent enterprises. From tourism to tax, from infrastructure projects to car parking and county-wide skills strategy, Katrina works with FSB’s members to influence decision-making that helps small businesses to start-up, diversify, survive and thrive here in Nottinghamshire. She holds several Board positions across the area including the Economic Advisory Panel to the Mayor of Greater Lincolnshire to actively represent SMEs, their interests, and opportunities at every level.
A trained journalist, Katrina has spent 20 years working in PR, communications, marketing and public affairs. She is now a regular expert commentator on economic issues across local media and has become known as a strong and passionate advocate for SMEs on everything from BBC Breakfast, BBC East Midlands, ITV Calendar, Politics North to The Business Desk and Greatest Hits Radio. fsb.org.uk linkedin.com/in/katrinapierce82
Speakers
Will Parkinson and Veronica Dennant
Newark and Sherwood District Council
Will and Veronica work within the Economic Growth team at Newark and Sherwood District Council, supporting business growth, skills development, and economic prosperity across the district.
As Economic Growth Officer, Will leads business support initiatives and organises events, including an annual NSDC Economic Growth Conference, and themed workshops on AI, wellbeing and sustainability.
As Senior Lead for Business and Skills, Veronica oversees strategic business and skills programmes, including the Future First Expo, and facilitates partnership groups such as the Employment and Skills Board to help connect employers, educators, and local communities.
www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Gbemi Shitta
Building a Business One Opportunity at a Time: Lessons in resilience, visibility and growth from a founder still very much on the journey.
Gbemi is the Founder of SweetDoughThings, an award-winning food business specialising in vegan, sugar-free and allergen-friendly confectionery, supplying direct-to-consumer, retail, hospitality, and corporate gifting markets. She is an experienced founder with hands-on expertise in building and scaling a product-led business, from concept and formulation through to market entry, buyer engagement, and commercial growth.
Alongside her entrepreneurial work, Gbemi serves as the FSB London Regional Policy Lead for International Trade, where she contributes to shaping policy discussions that support SMEs navigating export, trade readiness, and global market access. She has represented founder perspectives in national and international forums, including participation in the OECD Review of UK Innovation Policy.
Gbemi is particularly passionate about inclusive entrepreneurship and supporting women and underrepresented founders to build resilient, commercially viable businesses. She brings a practical, founder-led perspective to discussions around growth, innovation, and leadership, grounded in lived experience rather than theory.
sweetdoughthings.co.uk
Speakers
Tommy Atkins
The Stuff I Wish People Had Told Me Sooner
Thomas is an entrepreneur from Lincoln, best known for his position as founder of Identity Agency, a full-service, brand-first creative agency specialising in graphic design, website design, video production, and social media.
He is involved in multiple businesses across a diverse range of industries. He serves as Co-Founder and Creative Director of The Lincoln Imporium, an immersive retail experience located at the top of Lincoln’s Steep Hill. Additionally, he is Co-Owner of Pfizics, a company featuring a patented carbonation method with the potential to revolutionise the soft drinks industry. Currently, he is also spearheading the development of a mobile game, which is on schedule for release in Q3 2026.
Outside of his day job, Thomas is deeply committed to supporting the next generation of business leaders through a new initiative called ‘Lincoln Future Founders’. Through this, he actively engages with younger people looking to start their own businesses through regular workshops, mentorship, and general advice.
In recognition of the growth of his agency and his ongoing dedication to supporting others, Thomas has won Lincolnshire’s 30 under 30 award two years running, and his agency has been awarded Lincolnshire Creative Agency of the Year.
identityagency.co.uk
Speakers
Mark Jarvis
How does your business work if you can’t work in it?
Mark Jarvis is a company founder, director, entrepreneur, business mentor and coach, of over 30 years’ experience, Interim MD, NED, investor, author and speaker. He is a proud family man and a big fan of motorsport, architecture, coffee and cake.
Mark is a specialist in helping people to grow and organisations to start-up, scale-up and sell-up. He works with owners, directors, partners and leaders by supporting them on their own growth journey which means that they get results faster through highly energised teams.
He has studied relational business growth for over 20 years, has a Masters degree in Business Intelligence, MBA, ILM 7 Diploma, and CIPD accreditations, and is a member of the Association of Business Mentors. He is widely recognised as an expert in professional networking, improving sales, growing people, teams and culture within organisations, inspiring businesses to scale profitably to exit, and is an international superconnector.
Mark began his business journey in the early 1990s and continues to start, build, buy, sell and invest in businesses across the UK having spent over 15 years in customer service training and management. With a proven track record across multiple industries, including design and marketing, information technology, property, franchising, legal and financial businesses, retail, hotels and hospitality amongst many others, he helps businesses to grow people, enhance processes, protect the planet, develop products and increase profitability.
Mark believes that every person, business and organisation has the potential to grow beyond their current limitations by surrounding themselves with the right people and investing in the right knowledge. His mission is to build a better, stronger, smarter and more sustainable future for small and medium enterprises by accelerating their growth and compounding their profitability.
Mark has an innovative way of thinking that brings change and inspires growth. His insights and wisdom in relational growth strategies bring better quality, consistency and security to all businesses and organisations that are committed to their future.
www.linkedin.com/in/markajarvis
Speakers
Deborah Bond Network Like A Human: Build Relationships, Not Just Contacts!
Deborah Bond is a founder turned advisor with nearly two decades of experience supporting entrepreneurs at every stage from solo founders and early-stage startups to fast growing scale ups. Having launched her first business at 17 and gone on to build, grow, and exit multiple ventures she brings real world insight that resonates with anyone building something from the ground up.
Deborah is known for helping business owners “go further, faster” through strategic thinking, emotionally intelligent leadership support, and her ability to cut through complexity with calm, practical clarity. Her work spans growth strategy, crisis navigation, exit planning, and leadership development always grounded in a deep understanding of what it takes to build resilient, scalable organisations.
As a strategic advisor, mentor, and non-executive director she supports founders to think clearly, make better decisions at pace, and stay steady through the pressures of growth whether they’re hiring their first employee or preparing for investment. Widely recognised as a natural connector and skilled networker Deborah brings people, ideas, and opportunities together strengthening the ecosystems that help businesses of all sizes thrive.
A champion of Nottingham’s entrepreneurial community she serves as an Ambassador for Nottingham City Business Club and CEO Sleepout Nottingham.
On stage, Deborah is warm, engaging, and refreshingly honest sharing real stories, hard won lessons, and actionable takeaways that inspire entrepreneurs to grow with confidence and build businesses that last. www.linkedin.com/in/deborahbond2025
Speakers
Rob Jones
5 Pillars of Resilience
The Idiopath was founded by Rob and Ruby Jones following Rob’s sudden cardiac arrest in 2024, a life-changing event that revealed the power of resilience, preparation, and human connection. After Ruby’s lifesaving CPR helped save Rob’s life, they turned their experience into a mission to inspire and educate others.
Today, Rob and Ruby deliver impactful talks on resilience, mindset, communication, and CPR awareness, combining authentic storytelling with practical lessons that leave audiences inspired to act when it matters most.
Blending lived experience with practical insight, Rob’s presentation today introduces The Idiopath’s 5 Pillars of Resilience, giving audiences a simple framework for overcoming adversity, building mental strength, and performing under pressure. Emotional, inspiring, and actionable, the session shows how ordinary people can achieve extraordinary outcomes.
www.linkedin.com/in/robjones-theidiopath
Mark Pitfield Who’s Got Your Back? The Hidden Power of Business Community
Mark Pitfield is Managing Director of The Thrive Tribe and has spent more than 20 years helping businesses grow.
Having built a business to over £2 million in turnover, Mark understands the challenges that come with running and growing a business. Today, he works with business owners through coaching, training and business support programmes, helping them gain clarity, overcome obstacles and take practical action.
Mark is passionate about the power of community and believes that business owners achieve more when they have the right people around them to challenge, support and encourage them.
www.thethrivetribe.com
Exhibitors
Federation of Small Businesses (FSB)
Our mission is to help smaller businesses survive through these difficult times and ultimately achieve their ambitions.
Members get an exclusive package of great value business services including advice, financial products and support. These cover a wide range of benefits such as tax, legal and HR, local network groups and business banking. You can find out more about these benefits from all our at the FSB stand and running the show today.
We don’t only provide fantastic membership benefits - FSB is also the UK’s leading business campaigner, focused on delivering change which supports smaller businesses to grow and succeed.
Come and join us today at our stand to join us so we can support you, your business, your workforce and your ambitions.
www.fsb.org.uk
Newark & Sherwood District Council
Newark and Sherwood is a district full of ambition and creativity. Situated at the crossroads of road and rail networks, and within a 1-hour 15-minute train ride from London, the district is an ideal place to locate and grow your business.
With an agenda focussed on sustainable growth, the District Council is passionate about providing the best service for local businesses and those interested in moving to the area.
Our Economic Growth team has developed a package of support to help businesses access training, property and data. We offer a Grant Finder search service to identify funding options, and during 2025 we provided £100,000 of grants to local businesses through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
We organise business support across the year including workshops on sustainability, wellbeing and AI. Our annual Economic Growth Conference offers
insights into the newest trends and opportunities to local businesses, and the Future Furst Careers Expo offers a chance for schools to engage with businesses so learners can discover future careers pathways. Businesses can also take advantage of expert 1-to-1 guidance through our business advisory service.
We are currently facilitating investment schemes to revitalise our towns, including a town centre regeneration scheme in Ollerton, as well as the Pride in Place programme, which will sponsor community projects in Newark.
We also work with local businesses to create tailored campaigns to boost spend, such as our recently launched Newark and Sherwood Gift Card, which now has over 100 retailers registered.
Up-to-date information on local developments can be found in our bimonthly business newsletter. For further details of this, or any of the support mentioned, please contact economic.growth@newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk www.newark-sherwooddc.gov.uk
Arcanum Copy
Let’s be honest: most About listings are insufferably dull. A parade of credentials, a smattering of corporate jargon, perhaps a carefully curated photograph of someone looking pensively at a laptop. Yawn.
Here’s what you actually need to know: I’m Eleanor, and I’m absurdly good at what I do. Not in a braggy, look-at-my-shiny-awards kind of way (though I have those too). I mean good in the way that matters. I understand that language isn’t just a tool for communication; it’s alchemy. The right words in the right order can transform the mundane into the magnetic, the overlooked into the irresistible.
From my base in Lincoln, I work with clients scattered across the globe. I work with entrepreneurs who need their brand voice to sing, businesses whose websites are currently whispering when they should be shouting, and brands whose messages are getting lost in translation.
I write the words you need to get you where you want to be. Whether that means optimising your content so that Google notices you exist, honing your messaging to get you more sales, crafting grant applications that make funders reach for their chequebooks, or editing your manuscript until it gleams, I approach every project with equal parts creativity and strategy.
arcanumcopy.com
Birchwood Legal
Birchwood Legal is a trusted estate planning practice dedicated to helping individuals, families and business owners protect what matters most. We provide clear, practical advice on Wills, Lasting Powers of Attorney, Trusts, Probate and Estate Administration, ensuring every client receives a personalised solution tailored to their circumstances. Our approachable, jargonfree service focuses on giving you peace of mind and confidence that your wishes will be carried out. Whether you’re planning for the future, safeguarding your family, or navigating the administration of a loved one’s estate, Birchwood Legal is here to guide you every step of the way with professionalism, compassion and integrity.
birchwoodlegal.com
Chattertons Legal Services Ltd
Chattertons is a leading UK Top 200 law firm with offices across Lincolnshire and the East Midlands. We provide a comprehensive range of legal, financial and tax services, delivering first-class, client-focused and trusted advice to both individuals and businesses.
Our commercial lawyers deliver tailored, practical legal expertise, taking the time to understand each client’s business, sector and strategic objectives. This enables us to provide advice that is not only legally robust, but commercially focused and relevant.
Whether you require support with employment matters, commercial property, terms and conditions, or a complex corporate transaction, our Business Services team offers responsive, cost-effective solutions aligned with your overall business goals.
Alongside our legal services, our wealth management and tax advisory specialists provide integrated financial planning and tax-efficient strategies designed to support long-term success.
For further information, or to speak with a member of the team, please visit www.chattertons.com or contact enquiries@chattertons.com. www.chattertons.com
Duality
Duality combines Business Strategy, with on going support and accountability, plus emotional transformation and support to ensure the resilience is there to work through the tough times.
I deliver the strategy and accountability, my business partner Charlotte is a Hypnotherapist, so will do the emotional transformation work.
Step one is a one day training called The Strategy & Subconscious Workshop, then the up sell is 6-months of support:
• 1 day deep dive into the business to identify key priorities for next 3 months, plus releasing emotional blockers around success and money mindsets. This is day 1 and day 90 of the programme.
• Monthly 1:1 accountability calls with me to remain on track, and adapt where necessary.
• Monthly 1:1 emotional regulation calls with Charlotte to keep calm and carry on.
https://onedegree.uk/home
FSB Insurance Services
Welcome to FSB Insurance Service, your trusted partner for small business insurance. As a valuable benefit of your FSB Membership, we provide tailored insurance solutions designed to protect your business and give you peace of mind.
Since 2018, our focus has been on helping FSB Members future-proof their businesses with clear guidance, quality products, and great value insurance services.
Who We Are
FSB Insurance Service was built by the FSB for FSB members. We provide trusted small business insurance solutions, expert advice, and member-exclusive benefits tailored to UK small businesses.
• Helpful and friendly insurance guidance
• Quality insurance products designed for SMEs
• Great value for FSB members
We are committed to supporting the long-term success of small businesses by:
• Delivering transparent and fair insurance services
• Protecting the interests of FSB members
• Providing easy-to-understand guidance for every business
Why FSB Members Trust Us
Over 48,000 members trust FSB Insurance Service for:
• Expert advice from UK-based insurance specialists
• Flexible cover options for shops, offices, and trades
• Support with claims and policy reviews
“Really quick and easy renewal. I have had nothing but superb service since I started with the FSB insurance years ago. Always a great price too. Couldn’t recommend enough.” Nathaniel Dawson – FSB Member
Meet the Team / Get in Touch
If you’d like to speak to our friendly team, visit our Bootcamp stand today.
fsb-insurance-service.com
InXpress
Parcel delivery & courier services Nottinghamshire.
Whether you’re looking for same day delivery or freight services, InXpress can help you find one at the best price for your business. We act as your local shipping specialist and use our partnerships with leading carriers world-wide to get the best rates for our customers.
What sets us apart from others is that we’re focused on getting to know how your business works and finding the right shipping solutions to benefit you. When we know your requirements, we’re better equipped to tailor a solution that helps you save time, hassle and money. The carriers that you know and trust do all the collections and deliveries, but we remain as your local point of contact.
gb.inxpress.com/locations/nottingham
KVS Consulting
KVS Consulting Services Ltd is your local Microsoft cloud partner. We are a family run business and we have been helping businesses like yours to get the most out of their IT systems for over 30 years. Come and talk to us about how we can help your business.
ken@kvsconsultingservices.com
Newark College
Looking for ways to upskill your business? Need to take on more staff? Then Newark College might be just what you’re looking for in the East Midlands.
Offering a range of courses varying from post-16 apprenticeships to adult courses that can boost skills, level up your team or springboard your business to the next level.
Our team of skilled and passionate experts can direct you to what path is best for you, so come and speak to our representatives today.
www.lincolncollege.ac.uk/the-lincoln-college-group/ our-campuses/newark-college
Nottingham Trent University
Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is one of the UK’s leading modern universities and a trusted partner to businesses of all sizes. Working with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors, we help businesses access the skills, talent and expertise needed to grow, innovate and succeed.
From degree apprenticeships and professional development programmes to consultancy, research collaboration and student and graduate recruitment, NTU provides practical solutions that deliver real business impact. Our dedicated business support services help organisations improve productivity,
develop their workforce, embrace innovation and respond to changing market demands.
For entrepreneurs and SMEs, NTU offers a range of support including leadership development, networking opportunities, funded business growth programmes and access to specialist expertise. Through our strong links with industry and our commitment to employability, we connect businesses with talented students and graduates who can bring fresh ideas and new perspectives.
Whether you’re a sole trader, freelancer, start-up founder or growing SME, NTU can help you develop the skills, connections and opportunities needed to achieve your ambitions.
www.ntu.ac.uk
Print And Trees
Print And Trees are an award-winning supplier of premium quality print – but unlike your current supplier, for every product sold, we plant trees! We supply everything from business cards, leaflets and brochures to roller-banners, expo-graphics and loads more. We’ve planted over 9000 trees and support sustainability projects in the UK and around the world.
Join us at www.PrintAndTrees.com and move your business towards a greener, more sustainable future. printandtrees.com
Progress Management Solutions
Progress Management Solutions makes professional brand marketing accessible and achievable for small businesses, start-ups and the self-employed.
Connor and Craig help people build a stronger presence online without the process feeling complicated or out of reach. They offer affordable, in-control website design, SEO management, social media content and planning, and video advertisements and content shoots, all with clear support, honest input, and total transparency from start to finish.
They aim to make professional marketing services manageable and genuinely useful for businesses that want to look more credible, get found online and book out their diary.
To help out, they also offer interest-free payment plans to spread the cost of websites and video commercials; pay off the services received as you make a profit.
Clients who use Progress join the partnership hub and become members of the network family forever. It’s all about co-promotion to help with scaling your client base. Whether you are launching something new or improving what you already have, Connor and Craig keep things straightforward, honest and focused on long-term value.
progressmanagementsolutions.co.uk
Prospero Mediation and Training
Prospero Mediation and Training is an award-winning, veteran-owned business providing professional mediation services and accredited training across the UK. We help organisations, communities, housing providers, businesses, and individuals resolve conflict constructively, improve communication, and build stronger working relationships.
Our services include workplace mediation, community mediation, neighbour dispute resolution, conflict management support, and tailored mediation training programmes. We also deliver CPD-accredited courses for managers, HR professionals, housing practitioners, community workers, and aspiring mediators.
With a reputation for professionalism, impartiality, and practical solutions, we have supported clients ranging from small businesses to large housing providers and public sector organisations. Our training is designed to equip people with the skills and confidence to manage difficult conversations, reduce conflict, and create positive outcomes.
At Prospero Mediation and Training, we believe that conflict, when managed effectively, can become an opportunity for understanding, growth, and lasting www.prosperomediationandtraining.co.uk
Specialist Neurodiversity Assessments Ltd
Mrs Samantha Jefferies BSc MSc PGDIP OT MRCOT. I have over 25 years experience working within NHS and Social Services. Specialised areas include provision of client-centred assessments and treatment plans, tailored to individuals needs and abilities; enabling greater resilience and independence, and incorporating effective strategies for individuals to lead fulfilling lives. I am competent in case management, in addition to comprehensive assessment, treatment, planning and reviewing clients, to ensure they can achieve greater independence and identify the support needed for living safely within their own homes and/or environments. Professional report writing to access extra funding for equipment, adaptations and modifications, and educational advice on mental and physical health difficulties/diagnoses, (DCD, Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, HLP / DME) and more recently Sensory Integration. Advanced Highly Specialist information can be provided on request. I set up my company to provide assessments and diagnosis to individuals whom either have a very long wait, years in some cases, on the NHS or cannot access services provided for various reasons. I have had business grant funding to start this business and welcome contact from local people. I am growing slowly to take on more referrals but will also remain small to provide the quality and value which gets lost within larger businesses. rcotss-ip.org.uk/profile/mrs-samantha-jefferies
Snowelk Productions – Smartphone Video Marketing Workshops
Discover how to transform your smartphone into a powerful marketing tool with Snow Elk Productions Smartphone Video Marketing Workshops. Designed for businesses and marketing professionals, this intensive one-day training course will equip you with the skills needed to create professional-quality video content quickly and cost-effectively using the device already in your pocket.
Led by Snow Elk Productions founder, an experienced corporate video producer with more than a decade
of industry expertise and a background in universitylevel film teaching, the workshop combines technical knowledge with real-world marketing insight. Participants will learn essential filming techniques, storytelling principles, editing workflows and content creation strategies that can be applied immediately across social media, websites, internal communications and more.
Whether you’re promoting products, sharing customer stories or building your brand online, you’ll leave with the confidence, practical skills and creative tools to produce engaging videos anytime, anywhere.
www.snowelkproductions.co.uk
Stopfords
Stopfords is an experienced and trusted firm of chartered accountants and business advisers based in Mansfield.
Services:
• Accounts and Audit
• Bookkeeping and Payroll
• Business Startup
• Cloud Accounting
• Corporate Services
• Self Assessment
• Tax Services
• Making Tax Digital – MTD Contact us today on 01623 420269 www.stopfords.co.uk
The Cyber Resilience Centre for the East Midlands
The East Midlands Cyber Resilience Centre (EMCRC) is here to support and help protect micro, small and medium sized businesses, charities, education and the third sector across Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire and Rutland against online crime. By working in conjunction with local universities, industry experts and the five East Midlands police forces; Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Northamptonshire and Nottinghamshire - we possess the latest information on emerging cyber threats, criminal trends and best safeguarding practice. We can provide really useful cyber resilience services. This enables us to provide SMEs with timely guidance and alert them to vulnerabilities to better prepare and protect their business from cyber criminals. www.emcrc.co.uk
Turilicious
Born from an uncompromising passion for bold flavors and rich Afro-Caribbean heritage, Turilicious is a luxury culinary brand that elevates everyday dining into an unforgettable gastronomic experience. Based in Newark, Nottinghamshire, we craft prestigious, smallbatch sauces and oils using only the finest premium ingredients.
Our curated portfolio—featuring our signature Jollof Sauce, decadent Spiced Oil, and exquisite Spiced Onion Sauce—is a masterclass in authenticity and pure indulgence. What began as a private kitchen passion is now celebrated across the UK by discerning palates. Turilicious is culture, heritage, and culinary creativity— impeccably bottled for the modern epicurean. turilicious.co.uk
Wardour Fire & Security
Founded in 2007 as Wardour Secure Networks Ltd, the company became a leading provider of cutting-edge IT and telephony services. However, since then the needs of the customers have evolved and so too has the business. Now Wardour Fire & Security offers highquality, industry-standard fire and security solutions across the UK, including fire extinguisher sales and maintenance, fire system installation and management, and advanced CCTV, intruder alarms and automation options to help you protect what matters most.
wardour.net
Zempler Bank
We’re here to make money simpler
We know that banking isn’t at the top of most people’s to do lists, that’s why making it less of a chore is at the top of ours.
This is banking for microbusinesses that doesn’t do things the traditional way – the wrong way. It’s banking that works for the people that need it, when they need it.
Zempler Bank offer a special FSB tariff that comes with 1% cashback, no monthly fees, and no fees for transfers in and out of the account. Enjoy UK Telephone Support from real humans and manage your money more efficiently with spending reports, receipt capture, pots and invoicing tools
zemplerbank.com
Frank Jay Chilli Shop Ltd
