**Small Business Britain to Host Landmark Live Event Aimed at Accelerating UK Microbusiness Growth**
Small Business Britain is poised to deliver a significant boost to the nation’s microbusiness community this autumn with the debut of ‘Small and Mighty Live’ – an in-person event designed to empower the country’s smallest enterprises. Set to take place on 2 October 2025 at London’s prestigious Science Museum, the one-day conference merges practical support with networking and inspiration, marking a new chapter in efforts to nurture entrepreneurship across the UK.
The initiative is part of the wider Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, a free six-week developmental course for entrepreneurs and sole traders. Launched in collaboration with cloud accounting leader Xero and academic partners at ARU Peterborough, the programme equips participants with vital knowledge in business strategy, growth planning, and modern digital trends. Notably, the event comes amid rising ambitions within the sector; recent research from Small Business Britain and Xero indicates that more than 60% of UK microbusinesses are targeting growth of at least 50% over the next five years.
Small and Mighty Live promises attendees a packed agenda, with expert-led workshops, keynote addresses, and interactive panel discussions front and centre. Highlights include presentations on key topics such as marketing, customer experience, search engine optimisation (SEO), and public relations, delivered by a list of dynamic speakers. Among them are Mike Soutar, business adviser and former The Apprentice interviewer; a senior executive from Xero UK; and Professor Tom Williamson of ARU Peterborough, who will each share their unique insights and strategies.
The event also offers attendees the chance to engage one-to-one with seasoned business mentors, including marketing specialist Charelle Griffith and money mentor Emma Maslin, founder of The Money Whisperer. These experts will guide microbusiness owners through practical sessions designed to help develop sharp marketing strategies and sound financial plans, ensuring they leave with actionable advice tailored to their individual needs.
A major focus of the Small Business Britain approach is fostering community and connection. Small and Mighty Live extends these principles, providing invaluable networking opportunities for entrepreneurs from all corners of the UK to meet, collaborate and support each other through shared experiences. The organisers believe that this collective forum for ideas, support and inspiration will play a vital role in driving ambition and long-term resilience amongst small enterprises.
Michelle Ovens CBE, founder of Small Business Britain, has expressed great enthusiasm for the event. “Small and Mighty Live will be a landmark occasion for our small business community,” she said. “Having witnessed the positive transformation brought about by the online programme, we are excited to deliver this face-to-face event, which will spark new relationships and ideas while celebrating the crucial contribution of microbusinesses to innovation and economic strength across the UK.”
The impact of the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme is already evident, with more than 4,000 UK businesses having benefited since its inception in 2022. Testimonies such as that of Bethany Morton, Director of Silver & Steel, underscore its value. “The programme provided the refresher I needed to revisit my business plan, set sharper goals, and access the latest tools for digital growth,” said Morton. “It reignited my drive to build an ambitious and sustainable business.”
Looking to the future, applications have now opened for the next cycle of the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme, commencing on 16 September, which will see 500 new entrepreneurs embark on a journey encompassing live weekly sessions, on-demand learning resources, and dedicated mentoring. Participants will not only gain practical skills but also become part of a thriving nationwide peer network, enabling them to learn from and support fellow business owners navigating similar challenges.
Key partners behind these initiatives, such as Kate Hayward, Managing Director at Xero UK, are clear about their purpose. Hayward comments, “Microbusinesses have a tremendous appetite for growth but often lack access to tailored support. Small and Mighty, both the online course and upcoming live event, directly address this gap, helping entrepreneurs to progress with confidence. Xero is proud to champion this essential work.”
The Small and Mighty Live event, alongside its associated programme, represents a practical, ambitious response to the needs of microbusinesses as they strive to scale up and thrive. By combining strategic academic input with real-world mentorship and peer-to-peer learning, Small Business Britain seeks to create lasting positive impact for the UK’s five million-plus microenterprises.
For those interested in seizing the benefits of the Small and Mighty Enterprise Programme or attending the October event, further details and sign-up information can be found at the Small Business Britain website: https://smallbusinessbritain.uk/small-and-mighty