Local Support, International Reach
Returning for its fifth year, our flagship event for businesses across Essex to connect, collaborate, and celebrate success will take place on Wednesday 11 November, from 10.00am until 3.00pm at Chelmsford City Racecourse.
This years Festival of Business is built around the theme “Proud Past. Bold Future.”, a confident statement that reflects Essex’s rich legacy of enterprise and its ambition for continued growth. The Festival celebrates the businesses, people, and industries that have shaped the county’s economy, while focusing firmly on the innovation, leadership, and opportunity that will define its future.
Essex has long been a county of enterprise, from its historic strengths in trade, manufacturing, agriculture, and logistics to its current position as a hub for advanced manufacturing, engineering, digital technology, and the creative industries. Alongside strong professional and financial services, life sciences, healthcare, tourism, and renewable energy sectors, Essex continues to demonstrate resilience, adaptability, and economic strength.
As the Festival takes place on 11 November, the programme will include a brief moment of reflection to acknowledge the significance of the day, recognising the values of service, resilience, and community that continue to influence business leadership today.
Join us alongside our Main Sponsor, Essex Growth Agency, as we showcase the businesses, partnerships, and opportunities that demonstrate the enduring legacy of enterprise in Essex and the bold future ahead.
Reassurance Notice: Festival of Business at Chelmsford City Racecourse
We are closely monitoring the ongoing developments at Chelmsford City Racecourse and have contingency plans in place if needed. Pleased be reassured that all funds paid to us for the event remain secure.
The matters involving Great Leighs Estates Ltd (GLEL), the former racing operator, its successor Golden Mile Racing Ltd (GMRL) and the British Horseracing Authority (BHA) are entirely separate from our event. The Festival of Business will go ahead as planned and is unaffected by these developments, as they relate specifically to racing licences rather than private events.
Private events at the venue are managed independently through Chelmsford City Management Ltd, meaning that all non-raceday activities, including our event, continue to operate as normal and remain unaffected.
If you have have concerns or questions, please contact events@essexchambers.co.uk
The Festival of Business is our flagship event, bringing together businesses of all sizes, sectors, and stages to connect, collaborate, and be inspired.
Designed as a high-energy celebration of enterprise, the Festival combines thought-provoking keynote speakers, interactive workshops, sector-focused showcases, and valuable networking opportunities under one roof. It is a space where ideas are shared, partnerships are formed, and innovation is brought to life.
More than a traditional conference, the Festival of Business creates an accessible and inclusive platform for local SMEs, scale-ups, corporates, and stakeholders to engage with one another, discover new opportunities, and gain practical insight to support growth and resilience.
With a strong focus on collaboration, innovation, and the future of business, the Festival of Business acts as a catalyst for economic growth, celebrating success while equipping attendees with the knowledge, connections, and confidence to thrive in an evolving business landscape.
