About this Event
Get ready to connect, collaborate and grow at the launch of the West Suffolk Business Festival 2026!
This year’s launch event brings together businesses, entrepreneurs and organisations from across West Suffolk for an inspiring day of networking, ideas and opportunities, centred around our theme: Connecting for Growth.
Explore our business exhibition and meet a range of local organisations, support providers and businesses, making it the perfect opportunity to discover new connections, share ideas and find ways to help your business thrive.
Alongside the exhibition, hear from inspiring guest speakers and industry experts who will share their experiences, insights and practical advice and opportunities for businesses to make meaningful connections that support their growth. The full agenda of Guest Speakers can be found in the agenda section of this listing.
Whether you're a start-up, established business or an individual looking to explore what's next, this is a great opportunity to meet new people, discover what's available locally and kick-start your West Suffolk Business Festival experience.
Come along, make connections and discover what's possible when West Suffolk businesses grow together.
Agenda
🕑: 10:30 AM - 02:30 PM
Exhibition
🕑: 11:15 AM - 11:35 AM
Connecting Businesses in Newmarket
Info: Tracey Harding, CEO of Discover Newmarket and Natalie Robinson, Manager of Love Newmarket BID
🕑: 11:35 AM - 11:55 AM
Connecting through Innovation
Info: Scott Cogman, Innovation Hubs Manager, Connected Innovation
🕑: 11:55 AM - 12:15 PM
Connecting through Sustainability
Info: Paul Gilligan, CEO of Pure Leapfrog
🕑: 12:15 PM - 01:30 PM
Dedicated lunch break
Info: A dedicated break between talks for individuals to grab some lunch, network and explore the exhibition further
🕑: 01:30 PM - 01:50 PM
Connecting through Education
Info: Joe Sadler, Employer Engagement Lead at Eastern Education Group
🕑: 01:50 PM - 02:10 PM
Connecting through Skills
Info: Councillor Indy Wijenayaka, Portfolio Holder for Growth and Dorcas Sukami, Growth Officer at West Suffolk Council
🕑: 02:10 PM - 02:30 PM
Connecting through Community
Info: With Josh Schunmann, CEO at Newmarket Charitable Foundation
Event venue & nearby stays
National Horseracing Museum, Palace Street, Newmarket, United Kingdom
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.