SME DAY 2023

This year's SME Day 2023 was nothing short of a resounding success, with over 330 attendees gathering at this vibrant event to celebrate small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The day saw carefully curated panels, fireside chats, and keynotes provided invaluable insights on topics such as scaling, policy impact, and procurement strategies. Segments like "Women in Power" and "Croydon Excellence" highlighted the diversity and local achievements that are shaping the future of entrepreneurship.

Held in partnership with Boxpark Croydon, the event was opened by Mayor Jason Perry, who emphasized Croydon’s position as a driving force for SMEs and the crucial role the borough plays in fostering business innovation. With notable speakers like Councillor Rowenna Davis, Councillor Appu Srinivasan, and Councillor Jeet Bains, the day was rich with discussions on local business impacts and policy changes that are helping SMEs thrive.

Audience participation played a crucial role in making the event interactive and engaging. The dedicated SME Lounge fostered invaluable networking opportunities over a complimentary breakfast, encouraging the exchange of ideas and the creation of business connections. The Prize Draw brought excitement to the day, recognizing standout enterprises like The Happy Business Strategy, Motivez, and Aydee's Ice Cream, who left the event with well-deserved recognition for their accomplishments.

With over 30 expert speakers and six insightful panels, SME Day 2023 proved to be an exceptional platform for thought leadership. Attendees ranged from founders and directors to politicians and executives, creating a diverse and inclusive environment. As the event continues to grow, it remains an unparalleled gathering for entrepreneurs, professionals, and decision-makers looking to push boundaries and drive impactful business growth.

The event concluded with David Adair, Chair of PwC UK Foundation, and fashion entrepreneur Patrick Adjaye, who spoke on the intersection of social mobility and entrepreneurship, drawing an inspiring connection between business leadership and community impact.

Support for SME Day came from leading organizations such as PwC, Tide Bank, Metro Bank, Yell.com, and Knights Plc, alongside backing from government bodies like The Department for Business and Trade and London & Partners. The event’s networking opportunities, thought-provoking panels, and inspiring speakers cemented SME Day 2023 as a pivotal moment for anyone passionate about driving growth and innovation in the SME sector​.