On Friday, 20th March 2026, business leaders from across Hertfordshire came together at The Fielder Centre in Hatfield for the All The Help You Can Get Business Support Show. Bringing together expert speakers, regional support partners, and growth-driven businesses, the event delivered a full day of insight, inspiration and actionable guidance tailored to the needs of ambitious SMEs.

A day designed around smarter, more sustainable growth

Scaling a business isn't just about working harder; it's about making the right strategic decisions. This year's event focused on providing practical, real-world support that businesses could apply immediately, from leadership and marketing to technology, sustainability, and tender readiness.

Delegates took part in a curated programme of workshops, heard from sector specialists, and explored collaborative opportunities across the region.

Expert workshops delivering practical tools and strategic insight

One of the most valued elements of the event was its diverse workshop lineup. Each session was led by a subject matter expert offering practical frameworks, tips and strategies to help SMEs strengthen their operations and accelerate growth.

• Claire Best, Claire Best Marketing - From Busy to Intentional: The Strategic Marketing Shifts Required to Scale
• Luke Desmond, Crisp Accountancy - 7 Drivers of Growth
• Kimberley Leighton, Ellenbrooke - Preparing Organisations to Scale with Confidence
• Nick Silverstone, Fractional MD - Leading with Neurodiversity: A Taster in ADHD-Informed Coaching
• Liz Redway, Redway HR - Employment Rights Act 2025 Explained: Practical Insights for Growth-Focused Employers
• John Acton, Peer2Peer - Driving Force
• David Hawes, Net Zero International - Why Being Sustainable is Essential to Growing Your Business
• Tina Saul, KINTAL - Bust the Myths, Use the Tools: AI That Works for SMEs
• Claire Scarisbrick, Hertfordshire Futures - Accelerate Business Growth Through Upskilling
• Yasmine Moller & Tania Diggory, Take 5 and Feel Calmer - 5 Steps to Nurturing a Resilient Mindset in Business
• Matt Smith, Complete Tenders - Thinking About Tendering? Make Sure Your Business is Truly Ready to Compete

With these sessions ranging from strategic marketing and leadership development to supply chain access and AI adoption, the workshop programme provided something valuable for every stage of the SME growth journey.

A vibrant exhibition zone full of opportunity

The Exhibition Zone showcased the breadth of support available to Hertfordshire's business community. Delegates explored opportunities from an exceptional range of exhibitors spanning finance, skills, sustainability, innovation and business development - with organisations including local, regional and national business-support providers offering funded programmes, alongside private-sector specialists.

University of Hertfordshire, University of Hertfordshire Business School, Hertfordshire Chamber of Commerce, Space East, Ellenbrooke, Better Business for All (BBfA), Hertfordshire Futures, Step2Skills, Wenta, Suffolk Chamber Supply Chain Engagement, Hertfordshire Economic Development Officers, Hertfordshire Film Office, Oaklands College, Crisp Accountancy, Redway HR, and Nick Silverstone, the Fractional MD.

The strong exhibitor presence created a lively marketplace of ideas, partnerships and support.

Key takeaways: what businesses gained from the day

Survey feedback showed that 90% of respondents rated the event as having a high or moderate impact on their immediate business goals, based on a four-point scale. delegates referenced the value of specific workshops, new connections made during networking, and conversations with exhibitors as contributing factors.

Angela Holtam of Thickbroom Enterprise CIC highlighted the value of the exhibitor and attendee mix, saying: "There was a good mix of companies I knew of already and ones that it was useful to connect with."

Matt Bagely of Space East said: "Thank you for inviting us to attend - I could not have been more impressed with your organisation of the event, and we greatly enjoyed the day! If we can support again in the future, please do count us in."

Looking ahead

The Show provided SMEs with practical information, specialist advice, and opportunities to make new connections. Attendance across workshops and exhibition areas remained consistently strong throughout the day, and businesses reported gaining clearer insight into the support available across Hertfordshire.

We look forward to supporting Hertfordshire SMEs as they put these insights into action and to welcoming even more businesses to future events.