Bath Business Conference 2025

This high-energy, one-day experience brings together Bath's brightest minds, boldest entrepreneurs, and most forward-thinking leaders. Expect a powerhouse line-up of expert speakers, hands-on workshops, and thought-provoking panel discussions- all designed to spark ideas, fuel growth, and supercharge your business.

A delicious lunch and refreshments included with every ticket.

Info: Bath is an exemplar of how a heritage city can be run. It maintains its history, attracts tourists, has a thriving local economy and offers inclusive recreation as well as maintains the natural world. This is possible largely due to the incredible local businesses and activists. I am delighted to help contribute to the excellent work of the Bath community and am delighted to be part of it.

Info: Join our expert panel for a dynamic discussion on the evolving face of our city centre — from the revival of in-person retail to the booming hospitality scene.

We’ll explore the latest trends shaping high streets across the UK, spotlight innovative approaches to placemaking, and uncover fresh opportunities for Bath’s local businesses, independents, and community spaces.

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins – Facilitator, Founder of Clearly PR
Ojay McDonald – Association of Town & City Management
Kathryn Davis – Visit West
Allison Herbert – Bath BID
Jess Merritt-Johns – Jolly’s

Info: What will Bath look like in the next decade? This thought-provoking panel brings together visionary leaders, urban strategists, and local changemakers to explore how Bath can evolve while staying true to its unique character.

Led by Dr Jon Hunt, Executive Director of Innovation at the University of Bath
Claire Smith – Buro Happold

Info: A speed networking workshop to foster new partnerships between businesses and cultural organisations to encourage potential collaboration.

Rob Campbell – Bath and North East Somerset Council Heritage Services
Poppy Keeling – Emma Rice Company
Lizzie Heffer – Thrings
Les Redwood – Mogers Drewett

Info: Not sure where to start? Come and see how to get started and what is going to help you.

Simon Allen – Level AI

Info: Are you relying solely on social media to promote your business? You’re not alone, but you might be missing out on new opportunities.

Discover how public relations (PR) and social media marketing can (and should) work hand-in-hand to build your brand, boost your reputation, and drive real business results that you can track and measure.

Whether you’re a founder, marketer, business leader or business owner, this workshop will help you unlock the full potential of your brand communications.

Paul MacKenzie-Cummins – Clearly PR
Jon Chamberlain – Visit West
Alex Peters – Green Park Brasserie and Bath Pizza Co

Info: Sponsored by Leadership Together

Explore the key factors that help build trust in the organisation to ensure productivity, responsibility, and accountability.

From this workshop, you will leave with five core tools to ensure everyone is on board and able to make a positive difference. We will also discuss the roles of managers and leaders in ensuring people want to do their best, turn up every day with positivity and can manage the day-to-day stress and strain in their jobs.

Mark Blackman – Leadership Together

Info: Workshop 5 – Things You Can’t See in the Mirror: What Coaching Reveals That You Can’t See Alone
What if your biggest leadership challenge isn’t what you know – but what you can’t see?

Every leader has blind spots: the habits, assumptions, and unspoken commitments that quietly shape decisions and limit impact. The problem is, you can’t spot them by yourself.

Expect short provocations, quick-fire conversations, and practical tools to help you see yourself – and others – more clearly. You’ll leave with sharper insight, new questions, and a fresh appreciation for why investing in your own development isn’t a luxury – it’s essential.

Jim Hughes – Untamed
Sarah Williment – Farleigh Performance

Info: Exploring the environmental, social and ethical impact of widespread use of AI in the business context.

Simon Allen – Level AI
Dave Preedy – Microsoft Finance

Info: Keep up to date with all the new upcoming changes and obligations under employment law in the next couple of years with HR Consultant, Lucy Cotterell, from Mogers Drewett.

With the Employment Rights Bill expected to become law in 2025, there are some important changes that employers need to be prepared for. Whilst many changes are likely to take effect in 2026 and 2027, it is important that employers start considering the impact of these changes. Join us for an update on the legislation and a roundtable discussion to explore the anticipated impact and practical preparations employers can take.

Lucy Cotterell – Mogers Drewett

Info: Join a panel of successful local entrepreneurs and business leaders discussing their journeys to success. A candid sharing of challenges, big decisions and career defining moments.

Moderator – Anita Jaynes – The Business Exchange South West
Simon Rollings and Ben Franks – Canned Wine Co
Luke Pargeter – iAM Complaint
Debbie Still – The Walcot Group
Nicholas Fleming – The Theatre Royal
Paul MacKenzie-Cummins – Clearly PR

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Bath BID