The Business Show: UK's major business expo: growth strategies, SME support, and entrepreneurial resources.

Are you running a small business and constantly looking for new ways to grow? Or maybe you’ve got a brilliant idea for a startup but need to figure out the first steps? The world of business is always buzzing, full of opportunities, challenges, and the need to stay ahead. If you’re an “entrepreneur,” leading a “SME” (Small and Medium-sized Enterprise), or simply someone eager to find “growth strategies” and “entrepreneurial resources,” then The Business Show is the event you absolutely cannot miss. It’s not just an expo; it’s the UK’s major business gathering, a place where ideas spark, connections are made, and businesses truly take off!

Imagine walking into a huge hall filled with hundreds of experts, innovative tools, and passionate business owners just like you. You’ll find smart ways to attract more customers, learn about new technologies that can make your work easier, and discover the best advice for tackling everyday business challenges. This show is all about giving you the inspiration, the knowledge, and the connections you need to scale up your business, whether you’re just starting out or looking to hit your next big milestone. It’s your chance to pick up actionable tips, find key suppliers, and get truly excited about what’s next for your venture.

Your Essential Guide: Where, When, and What It Costs

Ready to supercharge your business journey? Here are the key details for The Business Show in London:

Location: ExCeL London, United Kingdom. This massive, modern exhibition centre is located in London’s bustling Docklands. Its spacious halls and excellent transport links make it the perfect spot for such a large and impactful business event.
Dates: Mark your calendars for November 12th and 13th, 2025. This is a focused two-day event, packed with opportunities to learn, network, and discover.
Timings:
- Wednesday, November 12th, 2025: 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
- Thursday, November 13th, 2025: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM (The second day often closes a bit earlier).
Cost: Access to The Business Show is designed to be highly accessible for all business professionals:
- Free-to-Attend: Fantastic news! Entry to The Business Show is generally FREE to attend for genuine business professionals. This includes entrepreneurs, SME owners, aspiring business starters, directors, managers, and anyone looking for solutions to grow their business. You will need to pre-register online with your business details to receive your complimentary ticket.
- VIP/Premium Tickets: While general entry is free, there might be premium or VIP ticket options available for an additional cost. These can offer perks like fast-track entry, access to exclusive lounges, or other enhanced benefits for a more comfortable and focused visit. Always check the official website closer to the date for any such upgrades.
- On-Site Registration: While free to attend, it’s always best to pre-register online. Registering on the day at the venue might involve a small administrative fee, and you’ll definitely save time by having your pass ready.
- Children Policy: The Business Show is a trade-focused event. While specific rules may vary slightly, it’s generally recommended that children under 16 years old do not attend. If you absolutely must bring a child, it’s best to check the show’s policy on their official website beforehand.

Getting There and Finding a Place to Stay

ExCeL London is a very well-connected venue, making your journey to The Business Show straightforward:

By Public Transport (DLR): The easiest and often quickest way to get to ExCeL is by using the DLR (Docklands Light Railway). Take the DLR to “Custom House for ExCeL” or “Prince Regent for ExCeL” stations. Both are located directly at the venue’s doorstep, offering seamless access to the exhibition halls.
By Elizabeth Line: The Elizabeth Line (also known as Crossrail) has a station at Custom House, providing fast and direct connections from central London (like Liverpool Street, Farringdon, and Paddington) and even Heathrow Airport. This is a very convenient option for many attendees, significantly speeding up your journey from various parts of London.
By Tube: You can easily connect to the DLR or Elizabeth Line from various London Underground (Tube) lines, making ExCeL accessible from almost anywhere in London.
By Car: ExCeL London has good road links, and parking facilities are available on-site. However, driving in central London can be busy, and there’s usually a daily parking charge (around £25 for a full day, subject to change). Public transport is often the most straightforward way to avoid traffic and parking hassles, especially as the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) operates in this area.
By Air: If you’re flying into London, London City Airport (LCY) is incredibly close to ExCeL, making for a very quick transfer. Other major airports like Heathrow (LHR) and Gatwick (LGW) have direct train or coach connections into central London, from where you can easily connect to ExCeL.

When it comes to finding a place to stay, London offers a vast range of accommodation options to suit every budget and preference:

Near ExCeL: For ultimate convenience, there are several hotels located directly on the ExCeL site or within a very short walk. These are perfect for early starts and late finishes at the show. Look for popular choices like the Aloft London ExCeL, Novotel London ExCeL, Moxy London ExCeL, Holiday Inn Express London – ExCeL, DoubleTree by Hilton London ExCeL, and the unique Sunborn London Yacht Hotel.
Canary Wharf: Just a short DLR ride away, Canary Wharf is a major business district with many modern, high-quality hotels, diverse restaurants, and vibrant bars. It’s a popular choice for attendees looking for a lively atmosphere close to the venue.
Central London: For those who want to combine their visit with exploring London’s famous sights and vibrant city life, staying in central areas like Shoreditch, the City of London, or Westminster provides countless hotel options, dining, and attractions, all with easy DLR or Elizabeth Line connections to ExCeL.
Booking Tip: The Business Show is a significant annual event, attracting thousands of business owners and entrepreneurs. Hotels, especially those closest to ExCeL, can get booked up very quickly, and prices may rise closer to the dates. It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation well in advance – ideally several months before the show – to secure the best rates and your preferred location.

The Big Benefits: Why You Absolutely Should Be There

Why should you carve out time in your busy schedule for The Business Show? The advantages are immense for anyone looking to grow or start a business:

Discover Cutting-Edge Growth Strategies: This is your prime opportunity to uncover the latest “growth strategies” that successful businesses are using. Learn how to attract new customers, keep existing ones happy, and expand your market reach.
Unrivalled SME Support: The show is specifically designed to provide comprehensive “SME support.” You’ll find everything from funding advice and legal guidance to marketing solutions and HR support, all tailored to the needs of small and medium-sized businesses.
Access Entrepreneurial Resources: Whether you’re just launching or looking to scale, you’ll find a wealth of “entrepreneurial resources.” Connect with mentors, learn about business accelerators, and discover tools that can help turn your vision into reality.
Expert Seminars & Keynote Speakers: Benefit from a packed programme of free, expert-led seminars and inspiring keynote speeches. Hear from leading entrepreneurs, industry veterans, and motivational speakers who share their journey, top tips, and valuable insights on various business topics.
Interactive Masterclasses: Go deeper with interactive masterclasses, offering hands-on learning and practical advice on specific skills. These intimate sessions are perfect for gaining actionable knowledge you can apply immediately to your business.
Meet Hundreds of Exhibitors: Connect directly with a vast range of suppliers, service providers, and industry experts. From digital marketing agencies and accounting software providers to office space solutions and cybersecurity experts, you’ll find every kind of business support imaginable under one roof. This is your chance to compare services, get quotes, and find the perfect partners for your business.
Unrivalled Networking Opportunities: The Business Show is famous for its fantastic networking. Meet thousands of fellow business owners, potential clients, valuable partners, and even investors. Take part in dedicated speed networking sessions to make dozens of new contacts in a short amount of time. Building these connections is vital for long-term business success.
Co-Located Shows for Broader Insights: Your free ticket often gives you access to several other relevant shows happening at the same time and place. These can include:
- Going Global Live: For businesses looking to expand internationally or explore import/export opportunities.
- The White Label World Expo: Focused on private label and white label products, perfect for online sellers.
- Retail Supply Chain & Logistics Expo: For optimizing your supply chain and delivery.
- CPD & Retrain Expo: For professional development and upskilling your workforce. This means one visit gives you access to a huge range of complementary business solutions.
Market Research & Competitive Analysis: See what your competitors are doing, identify new market trends, and gather valuable feedback on your own ideas by speaking directly with potential customers and industry peers.
Inspiration and Motivation: Running a business can be tough, but immersing yourself in such a dynamic environment can reignite your passion, provide fresh perspectives, and send you home feeling motivated and ready to tackle new challenges.

Attending The Business Show isn’t just about collecting brochures; it’s about making tangible steps towards business improvement and growth. It’s an incredible chance to learn, connect, and discover everything you need to build a stronger, smarter, and more successful future for your business. Don’t miss your opportunity to be part of the UK’s major business expo!

To learn more and register for your free tickets, visit the official website: https://www.greatbritishbusinessshow.co.uk/