With major retailers such as M&S, Gails, Morley’s and Heal’s Furniture either expanding or setting up shop, the newly coined Shire’s Yard fast becoming a thriving independent restaurant and brewery quarter and Somerset-born beauty brand Bramley setting up its first brick and mortar store, the UNESCO World Heritage Site is clearly doing something right.
This year’s Bath Business Conference aims to uncover the secret to this success and the learnings that could be replicated elsewhere.
Organised by Bath BID and its fourth year, the 2025 conference is taking place on Wednesday 19th November at the Apex City of Bath Hotel. It is the largest meeting of business minds in the city and is aimed at local professionals looking to connect, grow and be inspired.
The one-day event brings together Bath’s brightest minds, boldest entrepreneurs, and most forward-thinking leaders to discuss the city’s success stories as well as providing insights for local businesses looking to grow and innovate.
Participants can expect interactive workshops, thought-provoking panel discussions, and a powerhouse line-up of expert speakers including headliners Johnny Palmer of Warleigh Weir and Ojay McDonald, Chief Executive of the Association of Town and City Management.
The 2025 programme: ‘A Successful City’, will create opportunities to learn from business peers, covering a range of topics impacting UK businesses including recruitment, finance, The Employment Rights Bill, social media trends and, of course, AI. As well as discussions around the latest trends shaping high streets across the UK, spotlighting innovative approaches to placemaking, and uncovering fresh opportunities for Bath’s local businesses, independents, and community spaces.
“The Bath Business Conference is a celebration of our city’s entrepreneurial spirit,” said Allison Herbert, Chief Executive of Bath BID. “It’s a chance to share ideas, forge new partnerships, and set a path to creating a vibrant and thriving city for all by uniting people, businesses and institutions to plan effectively for the future.”
“As a relatively small city battling against challenging economic headwinds, Bath’s business community is not only surviving but thriving. Large retailers are clearly seeing value in renovating vacant stores and expanding London franchises into the South West and independent restaurants and pubs are popping up regularly. We think it’s important to understand why and to see what businesses lessons can be gleaned from our city’s experiences.”
Bath BID has also confirmed an exciting and varied line-up of sponsors, without which this important event won’t be possible. These include: Mogers Drewett Solicitors and Financial Planners, Leadership Together business consultancy, independent B Corp Canned Wine Co, Bath and North East Somerset Council, local dining favourite Bath Pizza Co, investor and entrepreneur Ajuga Holdings Ltd, Eleos Financial Planning, office and retail space provider HPH Commercial Properties, CCS Commercial Cleaning Company and Bath Spa University.
Claire Lynch from Bath & North East Somerset Council added: “We are excited to be supporting the Bath Business Conference because it is a valuable opportunity to spark ideas and share insights.”
Whether you're a startup founder, seasoned executive, or curious professional, the Bath Business Conference is your opportunity to engage with the business community and be inspired.
Allison Herbert adds: “Businesses across Bath and the country are all facing challenges, and it is key to business resilience that we make the most of opportunities and spaces that allow for collaboration, cooperation and the formation of strong business partnerships.”
Standard tickets are now available to by via the Welcome to Bath website at the price of £45. A delicious lunch and refreshments are also included with every ticket.