UK Small Business Commissioner to launch York Business Festival 2025    

York Business School at York St John University is delighted to announce a packed programme of events for York Business Festival 2025. Alongside invited expert speakers and hosts, the Festival is a showcase of the support that York Business School and the wider University offers to local businesses and social enterprises.    

Taking place on the University’s main campus in York across 4 days this November, the business community in Yorkshire is invited to insightful talks, skills workshops, networking events, panel discussions and forums. 

The Festival begins with a special evening launch event on Monday 24 November, headlined by the UK Small Business Commissioner Emma Jones CBE. Emma’s keynote speech will offer audiences the chance to hear directly what central government is doing to support small firms. She will also share details of her own path to success and lessons learned as a business leader and founder of business support network Enterprise Nation.    

Co-headlining the launch is a key figure championing the cause of the retail and hospitality sectors in the UK, Clare Bailey. Also known as The Retail Champion, Clare is a familiar face on the BBC, Sky and ITV, providing expert commentary and analysis. Clare’s keynote Loyalty and Trust – Lessons from Retail for Every Business is aimed at café owners, builder’s merchants, consultants and everyone in between. She will offer insights into how trust and reputation influence customers, suppliers, and employees and offer takeaway practical strategies for building stronger relationships and standing out in competitive markets.     

Following the launch night there will be a full programme of talks, workshops, panels and networking events running from Tuesday 25 November to Thursday 27 November inclusive.     

Each of the 3 days will have a distinct theme:  

Finance Tuesday – with guest hosts including Innovate UK, York Angels, Department for Business and Trade (DBT) Torque Law Northern Tonic City of York Council (CYC) & West Yorkshire Combined Authority  

Innovation Wednesday – with guest hosts including RTC North, Department for Business and Trade (DBT), York Learning  

Digital Thursday – with guest hosts including Simpson Associates, Techscend, LocaliQ and Aesthetica Director Cherie Federico.    

Professor Brendan Paddison, Dean of York Business School said:   

" We’re delighted to announce our packed programme for York Business Festival 2025. From those at the ideas stage to well established companies, from startups to those seeking support for global expansion, the diverse lineup will have something for you.   

“York Business Festival celebrates the vital connection between education and enterprise and offers an opportunity for you to meet our students and find out more about how the Business School connects with the community. We look forward to welcoming you and showcasing how we can support your goals. My thanks to all our partners who are making this possible.”   

Emma Jones CBE, Small Business Commissioner said:   

“I’m delighted to be speaking at York Business Festival to share my own experience of starting and growing businesses and cover my current role as Small Business Commissioner. The team in my office is working to make life easier for small firms by getting money moving faster round the economy by boosting digital adoption, working in partnership with industry, and celebrating those who are doing the right thing and paying on time.

"We are on a mission to free up time and cash so founders can focus on what they do best which is go for growth. I welcome the opportunity to share this with you at what is sure to be a positive and upbeat event.”    

Clare Bailey, The Retail Champion said:   

“Too often, loyalty is treated like a points scheme or a gimmick, but the truth is loyalty is built on trust, no matter what business you’re in. Customers, suppliers and even your employees will stick with you if they believe in you and they’ll walk away the second that trust is broken.  

“At York Business Festival I’ll be sharing lessons from the retail front line that every business can use. I’m looking forward to cutting through the fluff and showing businesses of every shape and size how to build credibility, strengthen relationships, and stand out in today’s competitive markets.”   

York Business Festival is organised by the University's York Business School in partnership with York Press and is supported by City of York Council and York & North Yorkshire Combined Authority's Growth Hub.    

Harriet Stainton, Interim Growth Hub Delivery Manager said:

"The Growth Hub are thrilled to be part of York Business Week, our team of specialists are here to make sure businesses within our region have the support they need to thrive.

"York Business Festival is a fantastic opportunity for businesses to come together, connect, share ideas, and explore new ways to grow. We’re proud to play our part in helping local businesses build skills and feel confident about the future."

The Festival builds on the enthusiasm and success of last year's inaugural event with a bigger and bolder programme. Due to expected high demand for 2025 events, a small fee has been introduced for tickets and has hospitality included.   

Full details and booking for all events is via York Business Festival | York St John University