To mark the 50 year anniversary of FSB, we're helping small businesses from across Essex to make their business count. Brought to you by NatWest & Tyl by NatWest:
Sponsored by Chartered Accountants and Tax Advisers, Rickard Luckin, and supported by Event Essex, FSB is delighted to announce their very first Small Business Bootcamp for Essex! Held at the University of Essex's landmark building of Essex Business School, with a unique indoor winter garden, the day will be packed full of insightful guest speakers, valuable panel discussions, practical workshops and opportunities to network with like-minded small business owners and entrepreneurs.
With FSB, we can help your small business achieve it's big ambitions! Our full speaker line-up will be revealed soon, but no need to wait as you can reserve your space now. Tickets are just £5 for FSB members and £10 for non-members.
Want to get your business in front of local SMEs? We also have low-cost exhibiting opportunities, starting from just £75.
Complimentary tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided upon arrival/during the morning break. A buffet lunch of sandwiches will also be provided.
This event is designed to benefit entrepreneurs, the self-employed and small businesses from across Essex. On offer is:
- an inspirational Business Bootcamp. This is your chance to hear from inspirational speakers to help you develop and grow your business
- complimentary lunch
- browse our exhibitor stands (if you would like to be an exhibitor, please book here)
Join us at one part of the event or all of it.
Hosted by
David Bell | Simboc Ltd
David Bell is a multi-award-winning company director, entrepreneur, executive business advisor, technology expert, keynote speaker and chat show host. He is FSB ‘s East of England Regional Chairman and has been an activist with FSB for over 18 years. David also supports Anglia Ruskin University as their Entrepreneur in Residence.To connect with David and find out more, click here.
Talks, Workshops & Speakers
Talks, workshops and speakers will be announced over the next few months so check back here or follow us on social media to find out who will be appearing at the Bootcamp.
Get back 20 minutes a day with AI
Mathew Parkins | I Want to Get Digital & The AI Guys
Mathew Parkins is Founder/Director of ‘I Want To Get Digital’ and AI Consultant at the AI Guys. On the path to give back businesses 1 billion hours, Mat works with businesses, both large and small, to develop custom AI and automation solutions that give business owners back the most valuable resource they have – their time. Mat will give his top tips for tackling repetitive tasks using AI, with the goal of reducing time on the mundane and increasing time spent on income generating tasks. Connect with Mat here.
Your Health in your Hands: Juice Workshop
Luke Morton | The Juice Guy
Award winning speaker and documentary maker, Luke, (AKA: The Juice Guy), is a Natural Juice Therapist, accredited by the Complimentary Medical Association. Join Luke as he shares his young entrepreneur business journey, which started in 2021, by making cold pressed shots made from 100% raw, natural, fruits and vegetables. He will also be giving his tops tips for staying healthy as a small business owner and may even give us a juicing demonstration! Find out more: www.juiceguy.co.uk
Panel 1: Overcoming Current Business Challenges
Keynote Speaker | TBC
David Barnes | Barnes IT Solutions Ltd
Specialising in: Cyber Crime
David has been working in the IT industry since 1984 and established Barnes IT Solutions Ltd in 1999, which provides IT services and support to micro/small businesses. He is currently volunteer Essex Area Lead at FSB, having previously been the East of England Chair, and is key to lobbying local authorities on small business support. Connect with David here.
Sarah Brockwell | Sarah Bee Marketing
Specialising in: Marketing
Sarah Brockwell is the founder of sarahBee Marketing Ltd, an award-winning consultancy for marcomms strategies. She is an active industry speaker and is a member of the American Marketing Association, having been the Vice-President of Global Marketing at a US based $13bn FinTech organisation. Sarah is also an experienced business coach and mentor on various public sector funded business support programmes, including the current Blueprint for Business. Find out more here.
Jason Roberts | Kaleida International
Specialising in: Diversity in supply chains and the workplace
Jason is Founder and Director Kaleida International; a fully inclusive, B2B marketplace for tenders focused on helping buyers find, assess and invite diverse suppliers to tender. He launched the business in 2021 after 24 years working in the financial services industry in both banking and sales. From the lack of representation in boardrooms, to being made aware that his 6’ 5” frame was intimidating, he experienced prejudice, bias and discrimination that impacted opportunities. Find out more here.
Kevin Thomas | Rickard Luckin
Specialising in: Planning ahead and Access to Finance
Kevin is a Director at Rickard Luckin, our event sponsor, leading the Small Business Team. Having earned a Mathematics degree, he trained as a general practice accountant and auditor. Qualifying as a Chartered Accountant, he later became a Chartered Tax Adviser. As a member of the MGI network, a top 20-ranked international network of audit, tax, accounting and consulting firms, Kevin assists clients with international trade and tax issues. Read more about Rickard Luckin here.
Maria Antoniu | Chocolate Moments
Specialising in: Business Growth and Scaling up
Maria is owner of Chocolate Moments, an online business selling unique chocolate creations that cannot be found anywhere else. She creates bespoke branded chocolates with logos printed onto the chocolate. Maria has also featured on Aldi's Next Big Thing and Dragon's Den, with her milk chocolate bar filled with crisps – a UK first. Find out more here.
Fire-side chat with FSB Awards Winners
Emily and Oliver Arnold | Vanlife Conversions Ltd
Founded by Oliver Arnold, a former Army Officer, and Emily Arnold, a former NHS doctor, Vanlife Conversions are based in Colchester. They specialise in off-grid van conversions, merging premium functionality, advanced technology, and stylish interiors for couples at a turning point in their lives. Vanlife has been in operation for over 5 years and have crafted 35 vans across the UK/Europe. Vanlife were this year’s winners of the East of England and National FSB Awards in the Service Excellence category. To find out more click here.
Emma Robson | Stort Valley Gifting
Founded in 2020 by Emma Robson, the Harlow based business champions local food and drink, working with over 40 Hertfordshire and Essex based artisan producers. They provide gifting for individual and corporate clients, ranging from single chocolate bars to bespoke hampers adding a personal touch with branded ribbon using logos or custom messages. Stort Valley Gifting Vanlife were this year’s winners of the East of England FSB Awards in the Micro Business category. To find out more click here.
More talks and speakers will be announced soon.
Bookings to attend this event close on 3rd September.
Interested in our Bootcamp series? See our other Bootcamps across the UK here.
Further Information for Attendees
There is a water fountain and a café in the Business School, plus plenty of cafes and restaurants on site if you would like to purchase extra food or drink.
There is also accommodation available on site, if needed. Wivenhouse House from £150 and single en-suite bedrooms within self-contained flats, at the South Courts from £45. Please quote EVENT ESSEX when booking for a preferential rate.
For those that opt in for this event, we will share your business contact details with NatWest. They may contact you with information from this event as well as product information and other information relevant to you. NatWest will process your data in accordance with their Privacy Notice. You can withdraw your consent at any time.
Accessibility Information
The venue is fully accessible with blue badge parking. There are disabled bathrooms, and the event is on the ground floor.
Venue parking and transport Information
There is ample free parking in front of the building, including blue badge parking. By providing your car registration number on booking, you will be able to park for free. You may receive a parking fine, if you do not provide your car registration number. If the car park is full, you may park elsewhere but do not park on the Wivenhoe side of the campus.
When you arrive in Colchester by car, follow road signs to the University (off the A133) to access our main visitor car parks, which is via the B1028, Colchester Road. Colchester North Train Station is 3.7 miles from campus and Colchester Town Train Station is 2.8 miles from campus. There is a taxi rank at Colchester North Train Station and on the High Street near to Colchester North Train Station.
Event contact
For general enquiries regarding the event, please contact Leila Jones on [email protected]
Sponsored by
This event is kindly sponsored by Rickard Luckin and supported by Event Essex.
