Essex Chambers of Commerce is Proud to announce the Return of the Festival of Business

Established in 2022, the Festival of Business has become the premier business event in Essex.

Now in its fifth year, the Essex Chambers of Commerce is delighted to be returning to Chelmsford City Racecourse on Wednesday 11 November from 10.00am – 3.00pm for a day of connection, collaboration and celebration amongst the Essex business community.

The reputation and success of the Festival of Business has grown exponentially over the past 5 years. We were absolutely blown away by the phenomenal success of last year’s event, which saw over 1,000 people gather to champion the tremendous entrepreneurial talent in our region.

Each Festival has a unique theme, and in recognition of the poignancy of the date, this year we will be focusing on the county’s ‘Proud Past. Bold Future.’ The day will reflect Essex’s rich legacy of enterprise and its ambition for continued growth, whilst honouring those that have gone before us and the valued military presence in the county.

What can you expect from this year’s festivities?

Event Highlights:

• Business Expo: Discover a diverse showcase of local businesses, services, and innovative products. Build visibility, meet collaborators, and uncover new opportunities.
• Inspiring Speakers: Hear from industry leaders and experts delivering insight into business growth, emerging trends, leadership, and future-focused strategies.
• Best in Business Award: Now in its third year, this prestigious award recognises outstanding achievement across the Essex business community – celebrating innovation, impact, and excellence.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers, potential partners, and sector leaders throughout the day in a professional environment designed to encourage meaningful conversations and collaboration.
• Festival Features: Enjoy interactive showcases, industry spotlights, and insightful workshops. There will be great features to engage with throughout the event, including a brief moment of reflection to acknowledge the significance of the day.

We are delighted to be working with the Essex Growth Agency who are our Headline Sponsors. Supported by Essex County Council, the Essex Growth Agency is committed to helping business access opportunities, skills, and support that enable sustainable growth across the county.

Tristan Smith – Head of Business Growth and Inward Investment, at the Essex Growth Agency commented on their headline sponsorship, saying:

“The Festival of Business is one of the most anticipated dates in the county’s business calendar, bringing together the innovation, ambition and entrepreneurial spirit that make Essex such an exceptional place to do business.

“The event has gone from strength to strength, and we are proud to sponsor the 2026 Festival as part of our commitment to supporting ambitious companies at every stage of their journey. We’re excited to celebrate local success stories, forge new connections, and champion the diverse businesses that continue to drive growth and opportunity across the county.”

Denise Rossiter, CEO of the Essex Chambers of Commerce, commented on the return on the Festival of Business, saying:

“Plans are well underway for our flagship event, and we can’t wait to welcome many of you back to the Festival of Business for what is sure to be the best celebration yet. The growth and reach of this event in the last five years has been staggering. It’s a privilege to bring such a prestigious day to the Essex business community.

“Our organisation is over a hundred years old and understands how important legacy is to a strong foundation and the future of business. I am delighted that this year we’ll be honouring Essex’s incredible entrepreneurial past and how this legacy is fundamental to an exciting and prosperous future.”

How Can you Get Involved?

Bookings are now open for exhibitors and attendees. Visitor entry is FREE, with complimentary parking available at the venue. For more information and to secure your place, visit the Festival of Business website.

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24.03.2026