Join us for a focused and informative SME Business Support Networking Breakfast designed to connect local businesses with the support available across the region.
This event offers a valuable opportunity for small and medium-sized enterprises to network with fellow business leaders, share experiences, and discover the wide range of business support services available to help you grow and thrive. From funding opportunities and skills development to expert advice and local initiatives, you will gain practical insights to support your next steps.
Speakers
Charlotte Cane MP
Cllr Mark Goldsack – East Cambridgeshire District Council
Joe Sadler – Employer Engagement Lead, Eastern Education Group
Joe Sadler is Employer Engagement Lead for Eastern Education Group and supports local employers through all of their Apprenticeship and Training needs.
Eastern Education Group is a leading regional education provider delivering a full pathway from school through to adult learning, including apprenticeships, degrees and professional training. Working with over 15,000 learners, the Group partners closely with employers to develop the skills needed for today’s workforce.
Iain Crighton MBE – Business Start Up Coach & Strategic Engagement Lead, Allia Future Business Centre
Iain Crighton MBE is a Business Start Up Coach and Strategic Engagement Lead at Allia Future Business Centre, where he supports entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses to start, grow and scale. With a strong background in business support and community engagement, he works closely with partners to drive inclusive economic growth.
Nicola March – Employment & Skills Manager, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority
The Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Employment and Skills Team offers UK government funded support including through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Youth Guarantee Trailblazer funding. We work with organisations across the region to solve workforce challenges and create quality job opportunities, by supporting local organisations to recruit, retain, and develop staff to drive business growth. Our “Toolkit” of tailored solutions offers funding, support, and signposting, starting with our 15-minute online Training Needs Analysis, which identifies skills gaps and enables access to personalized support, including funded options to grow workforces and build talent pipelines.
Our New Hire (paid internship) funding schemes are our most popular offer and provide flexible options tailored to your needs. They’re not internships in the traditional sense — roles can span any sector, level, or job type, making it easier for employers to bring new talent into their business with significant financial support. Our team supports organisations with accessing appropriate training and identifying apprenticeship opportunities, appropriate providers, understanding the standards and process, advice for advertising for an apprentice, understanding the levy, accessing the levy funding pool and other grants and funding.
James O’Rawe – Business Co-Ordinator, Business and IP Centre Cambridgeshire (BIPC)
James O’Rawe supports entrepreneurs, start‑ups and micro businesses across Cambridgeshire. Whether it’s his time spent transforming and leading Peterborough Workspace Ltd or at Cambridgeshire County Council’s Business & IP Centre he has extensive experience working directly with business owners, delivering workshops, one‑to‑one support sessions and networking activity that helps businesses move from idea to action. James brings a strong commercial and marketing background, built over many years working with organisations and individuals to improve visibility, decision‑making and long‑term resilience. His approach is practical and business‑led, informed by a deep understanding of the day‑to‑day challenges faced by small and growing businesses.
The Business & IP Centre (BIPC) Cambridgeshire offers impartial support to anyone looking to start or grow a side-hustle, their self-employment, or a limited company. The service provides access to specialist workshops, expert one‑to‑one advice, high‑quality tools and dedicated support. Through the BIPC, businesses gain the confidence and insight needed to make informed decisions and plan their next steps. At this event, James will outline how residents can access BIPC support and maximise the value of the resources available to them, whatever stage of their business journey they are on.
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Rory Thompson – Economic Development Officer, East Cambridgeshire District Council
Kindly sponsored by East Cambridgeshire District Council.
Location
Soham Town Rangers Football Club
Julius Martin Ln
Soham
ELY
CB7 5EQ