Small Business Series: Meet the Founder

Join this event to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and hear from guest speakers who started their business from humble beginnings.
About this Event

Join Grow London Local as we bring together Black and ethnic minority founders from across London to connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, exchange insights from your journey and get practical guidance on the everyday challenges of running a small business.

In this session, our guest speakers share stories behind their success, from humble beginnings to building businesses rooted in purpose, resilience and community. They will share their journey of starting their business from scratch, with little resources, learning how to be resourceful and maximising limited opportunities, to transitional to sustainable growth. They will share practical advice for founders.

Event details

Date: Tuesday 14 July 2026

Time: 11.45am to 2pm.

Location: UCL East - Marshgate Building, 7 Sidings St, London E20 2AE

Light refreshments are provided.

Spaces are limited – reserve your spot today.

If you are no longer able to attend, please cancel your ticket to open up spaces for other attendees.

Agenda:
11.45am to 12pm: arrival and registeration

12pm to 12.15pm: welcome from Grow London Local.

12.15pm to 12.45pm: Panel discussion with guest speakers

12.45pm to 1pm: Q&A.

1pm to 1.50pm: networking and refreshments.

Event disclaimer: Please note that photos and videos may be taken during this event for promotional purposes. If you prefer not to appear in any photos or videos, please inform the event host upon arrival.

If you have any questions about this or any other Grow London Local event, please contact us on [email protected]

Guest speaker: Sadia Ramza, founder and CEO, (MWTG)

Sadia Ramzan is the founder and CEO of The Muslim Women Travel Group (MWTG), a UK-based travel platform and community creating curated, halal-friendly and women-only group travel experiences.

Founded in 2015 from a simple Facebook group, MWTG has grown into a thriving community of women who want to explore the world with confidence, comfort and sisterhood. Sadia has travelled to more than 60 countries and is passionate about representation, inclusion and making travel feel accessible for Muslim women and women who may not have someone to travel with.

The Muslim Women Travel Group curates women-only group trips across the world, combining cultural discovery, halal-friendly arrangements, community and carefully planned itineraries. The platform supports women who may not want to travel alone, may not have friends or family available to travel with, or who are looking for a safe, culturally aware and supportive group travel experience. MWTG brings together women from different backgrounds through shared travel, friendship, confidence-building and meaningful cultural experiences.

At the event, Sadia will explore what it means to start a business without money, resources, industry contacts or formal knowledge of the travel sector, and how she used lived experience, community listening and determination to build something that now serves thousands of women.

Guest speaker: Joe Wicks, fitness coach and founder of

Known to millions as The Body Coach, Joe Wicks MBE is one of the UK’s most trusted and inspiring voices in health, fitness and wellbeing. What began as simple home workout videos and “Lean in 15” recipes has grown into a global movement helping millions of people transform their lives through food, fitness and mindset.

Joe has sold more than five million cookbooks, created the award-winning Body Coach App and inspired a generation to move more, from families working out together with “PE With Joe” during lockdown to his new animated children’s series Activate.

Alongside his fitness app business, digital content and publishing success, Joe has expanded into live events, television and philanthropy through his Body Coach Foundation. Today, The Body Coach stands as a leading UK fitness and wellness brand, offering accessible home workouts, personalised meal plans and digital coaching designed to make healthy living simple, motivating and sustainable.

Joe’s mission is clear: to make fitness accessible to everyone regardless of age, income or ability and to continue finding new, inspiring ways to help more people feel fitter, healthier and happier.

Guest speaker: Mercedes Gale Parr, founder of

Mercedes Gale Parr is the founder of 4YaParty Weddings & Events, an eco-friendly décor and styling business serving London and Kent. A proud mum of four, Mercedes built her business from the ground up after overcoming postnatal depression, turning a passion for bringing people together into a thriving business. Today, she is a multi award-winning entrepreneur, sustainability advocate, public speaker and champion for inclusive celebrations. Mercedes is passionate about proving that business can be successful, sustainable and kind.

4YaParty Weddings & Events creates beautiful celebrations across London and Kent. Specialising in weddings, parties and corporate events, they help clients bring their vision to life without compromising on their values. With sustainability, inclusivity and community at our heart, they are proving that unforgettable events don't have to cost the Earth.

Image of Sadia Ramza, founder and CEO, (MWTG)

Image of Joe Wicks, fitness coach and founder of

Image of Mercedes Gale Parr, founder of