About this Event
Join us at the next Harpenden Business Forum
The next Harpenden Business Forum will take place on 14th October 2026 at Rothamsted Conference Centre.
This meeting's focus will be on Future Growth:
Whether you are looking to develop your workforce, explore AI, strengthen your business through mentoring, or understand emerging markets and technologies, this Forum is an opportunity to learn, connect and identify practical next steps.
Come along, share your experience, meet other local businesses and discover how the organisations and initiatives represented at the Forum can support your business.
Join us, bring your questions and be part of the conversation about the future of business in Harpenden.
If you are in business locally and would like to join the Harpenden Business Forum, book your free ticket here on Eventbrite.
Further information is available on Harpenden Town Council’s website: www.harpenden.gov.uk/business-support
Agenda
🕑: 07:00 PM - 07:30 PM
Registration, coffee and networking
🕑: 07:30 PM - 07:40 PM
Welcome, Town Clerk Carl Cheevers and Mayor of Harpenden Cllr Kirsti Wenn
🕑: 07:40 PM - 08:00 PM
Ravin Anenden, Head of Careers, Work Experience & Enrichment Oaklands College
Host: Ravin Anenden
Info: Ravin introduces a practical look at how young people can make a genuine and meaningful contribution in the workplace, while developing the skills, confidence and professional behaviours that employers value.
We will also hear how Oaklands College can support businesses in upskilling and developing their current employees, helping organisations to address skills gaps and invest in their existing workforce.
🕑: 08:05 AM - 08:15 AM
Business Mentoring Update
Host: Connor Curran-Browne, Team17 Football Coaching
Info: Following a successful start to our Business Mentoring Programme and prior to the opening of a new application window, mentee Connor and his mentor give an update on how Connor's business has been re-shaped since joining the Mentoring Programme. Supported by The Harpenden Collective and Harpenden Town Council we will hear what impact his new approach has had on the business.
🕑: 08:30 AM - 08:50 AM
Understanding the New-Space Economy and Future Employment Opportunities
Host: Dr. Rajan Bedi, Spacechips
Info: Harpenden Rocket Scientist, Dr. Rajan Bedi, has worked in the global space industry for 25 years designing and developing the technology used on board satellites and spacecraft. In 2014, Dr. Bedi founded Spacechips to bring-to-orbit his inventions, winning Start-Up Company of the Year and High-Reliability Product of 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2025. In 2024, Dr. Bedi won Technology Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2020, Disruptive Entrepreneur of the Year at the Great British Entrepreneur Awards. Dr. Bedi, a TEDx-invited speaker, also teaches the global space industry, has previously taught at the University of Oxford and his blog, Out-of-this-World-Design, has been read over 9 million times.
🕑: 08:50 PM - 09:00 PM
Questions and Close
Event venue & nearby stays
Rothamsted Conference Centre, Brenchly Suite, West Common, Harpenden, United Kingdom
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