The SmallBiz100 is a line-up of 100 brilliant small businesses from all over the country, which are being highlighted as part of the Small Business Saturday UK campaign.  

This comes as new joint research by Small Business Saturday UK and American Express shows that small businesses are the nation’s favourites. Over half of Brits (58%) say they have a favourite small business1 and 95% of people believe small businesses add value to local areas. 

The event at the House of Lords kicks off a week of celebrations ahead of Small Business Saturday, as it marks the contribution of the nation’s 5.6 million small businesses to communities, the local economy and the whole of the UK.  

The reception, hosted during a week that champions the vital contribution of small businesses to the UK economy, brought together entrepreneurs, innovators and creatives from across the country. Attendees were welcomed into two of the UK’s most historic and significant buildings, marking a memorable moment for Sheer Edge’s founders and a highlight in the company’s nearly ten-year journey. 

Now in its 13th year, Small Business Saturday UK continues to spotlight the achievements, resilience and impact of small businesses. This year’s celebration culminates on Saturday 6th December, encouraging communities nationwide to support small, independent enterprises. 

Small business owners from across the UK and MPs from across the political spectrum came together at the reception with the Small Business Minister, Blair McDougall MP, speaking at the event, and many other MPs meeting entrepreneurs in their constituencies.  

Michelle Ovens CBE, Director of Small Business Saturday UK, said:  

“Small businesses like Sheer Edge create incredible value in their communities and as the research shows are among the nation’s favourites. We are so glad to have celebrated them at the House of Lords this week. 

“It is so important we get behind our small businesses – public support for entrepreneurs can make all the difference. This Small Business Saturday, we encourage everyone to support their favourite independents, on the day and beyond.” 

A grassroots, not-for-profit campaign, Small Business Saturday was originally founded by American Express in the U.S. in 2010. American Express remains the principal supporter of the campaign in the UK, as part of its ongoing support of the UK high street and commitment to encouraging consumers to shop small.  

On Small Business Saturday, customers across the UK go out and support all types of small businesses, online, in offices and in stores; from independent shops and restaurants to small service and b2b businesses like accountants and plumbers.   

Many small businesses celebrate the day by hosting events, offering promotions, and collaborating with other small businesses.  

Blair McDougall, Minister for Small Business, said:  

“Small businesses are key to our growth mission – creating jobs, strengthening our communities – which is why I am so pleased to be celebrating their incredible contribution this Small Business Saturday.     

“This Government is backing SMEs with our landmark Plan for Small Business, and I urge the public to do the same by visiting their favourite local shops this weekend.” 

Small Business Saturday is the UK’s most successful business campaign, engaging millions around the country on the value of small businesses and seeing billions of pounds spent with small firms over the decade it has been running. 

Dan Edelman, General Manager, UK Merchant Services, American Express, said:  

“Behind every small business is a person — a dreamer, a doer, and someone devoted to serving their community. This research shows how much the public values these individuals and Amex is proud to back them as principal supporter of Small Business Saturday.”vely  

During the event, the Sheer Edge team had the opportunity to connect with fellow business owners, Northamptonshire representatives and supporters of the small business community. The occasion also included the chance to meet local MPs Rosie Wrighting, Lee Barron and Sarah Bool, as well as enjoy a behind-the-scenes tour of Parliament with the support of long-time advocate Simon Cox. 

Co-founder Jo Ferreday expressed her gratitude and pride in Sheer Edge’s recognition and the platform it provides for small business advocacy: 

“Being invited to the House of Lords and 11 Downing Street as part of the SmallBiz100 is something I’ll never forget. To stand alongside so many passionate, talented business owners was incredibly inspiring. Small businesses really are the backbone of our economy and it’s vital that they continue to receive the support, visibility and opportunities they deserve to grow. As Sheer Edge approaches its tenth year, moments like this remind us why we do what we do.”  

She added her thanks to the dedicated Sheer Edge team who continue to deliver exceptional client support through one of the busiest times of the year. 

Sheer Edge will continue its commitment to championing and supporting businesses and events across the UK and encourages everyone to get behind Small Business Saturday this weekend by choosing to shop local, book local and celebrate the entrepreneurs shaping their communities. 

The post Sheer Edge Celebrates Invitation to Parliament for Small Business Saturday UK’s SmallBiz100 Reception appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

Dubbed “The Grammys of Entrepreneurship,” the awards celebrate the most outstanding and inspirational
business stories from across the UK. With over 800 entrepreneurs making the shortlist this year, competition is
fierce and a testament to the resilience, creativity, and drive of British business leaders.

Past winners include the founders of BrewDog, Grenade, ClearScore, Zilch and Unbiased — all celebrated in the
early days of their entrepreneurial journeys.
About This Year’s Finalists

“We’re absolutely thrilled to be named a finalist. It’s an incredible honour to be recognised alongside some of the UK’s most exciting and ambitious businesses. This recognition is a huge testament to the hard work of our team and our mission to create unforgettable brand experiences, exceptional hospitality, and impactful event solutions for our clients.”
— Jo Ferreday, Founder & Managing Director, Sheer Edge Ltd

Industry Leaders Speak Out
Conrad Ford, Chief Product & Strategy Officer at Allica Bank, said:
“At Allica, we’re consistently inspired by the energy and strength of UK SMEs. This year’s finalists – from earlystage start-ups to established and family businesses – represent a vital force in the British economy, driving
innovation, creating jobs, and making a real difference in their communities.”

Frankie James, Founder of the Great British Entrepreneur Awards, added:
“We’re so proud to reveal this year’s shortlist — a truly remarkable group of founders who are changing lives and
transforming industries. The entrepreneurial spirit in the UK is more alive than ever.

The awards take place in November in London, wish us luck!

The post Sheer Edge Ltd Named Finalist in the 2025 Allica Bank Great British Entrepreneur Awards appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

For those of you not from the hospitality and events industry: The Association of British Professional Conference Organisers

It was about time we joined a collective that held similar values to us as a business. Excellence in the events industry is so important.

Just as importantly, who doesn’t want to network, learn, and grow with like-minded event professionals?

We cannot wait to get involved and contribute, along with attending some of the fantastic events this brilliant association puts on.

If you would like to know more about ABPCO, you can visit their site Here

The post Sheer Edge joins ABPCO appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

1. Understand and define our Client Goals 

The first step in solving any problem is to understand it thoroughly. We start by having in-depth and detailed discussions with our clients to understand their goals, expectations, and vision for their event. This helps us to define clear objectives and identify potential challenges early on. By having a sound understanding of our clients’ needs, we can tailor our solutions to meet and exceed their expectations. 

2. Comprehensive Planning and Strategy Development 

Effective event management requires meticulous planning and strategic thinking. We will develop comprehensive event plans that cover every aspect of the event, from logistics and budgeting to marketing and attendee engagement. Within our detailed strategies we will include contingency plans for any unforeseen issues that may arise. By using this proactive approach, it minimises the risks and ensures a successful event. 

3. Venue Selection and Management 

Choosing the right venue is crucial for the success of any event. And as you may already know, we have to say we do an amazing job assisting our clients when selecting venues that align with their visions and budget. We have an extensive network of venues we work with and have built great relationships with, giving us the autonomy to secure the best locations and the best venues. We will not only source the venue we will also handle negotiations and ensure all logistical requirements are met, and you have the very best event venue to ensure your event success!

4. Supplier Management 

Finding and managing multiple vendors can be very complex, time consuming and complicated complex. We appreciate how important your time is so therefore we can easily and comfortably take this task from you. We have a great network of suppliers that we have built up strong relationships with ensuring they bring high quality services to your event. We will manage pre-event negotiations, logistics and coordination so your event will be a smooth one. Our event partners are some of the best in their game!  

5. Budget Management  

Is this your main concern? We find it is for most of our clients. We have a wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to budget management techniques ensuring cost efficiency without compromising on quality. We will happily work with clients to ensure their event is within their set budget, we will also keep track throughout the event planning stage and keep you informed about where you are, and if any action needs to be taken. 

6. Real-Time Problem Solving 

We have you covered! Despite meticulous planning, unforeseen issues can still arise during an event. Our experienced team are pros at real-time problem solving, quickly addressing any issues that occur. This could be a technical glitch, a last-minute change, or an unexpected logistical challenge, the key is to remain calm and composed, implementing swift solutions to keep the event on track.  

7. Post-Event Analysis and Feedback 

We always recommend this, and we will more than happily do this for you. After the event we can conduct post event analysis and gather that all important feedback from the attendees, this will you give you Insite to the events success, identify areas for improvement next time and measure the achievement of the defined objectives you first started with. 

Each event Sheer Edge is involved with, we work meticulously in every aspect and do not leave a stone unturned, here are a few examples of event support we have provided over the years; 

Back in 2022 we planned and executed a Go Green business convention. We took this event from the planning stages right through to the event delivery on live day.  

Planning and putting together strategies with the client. At this event, we were asked if we could help pull together the financial side of things and help recruit all suppliers, along with merchandise and outside catering. The client was new to this, and it was their first large event.  

We guided them to make the right business decisions that would have a positive impact on the event, from providing CAD plans to adhere with, planning the layout of the event along with including health and safety aspects, risk assessments and contractor insurances, right down to helping them select the right food and beverages for such an event.  
 
On the day, there were some last minute changes, and decisions that we had to make for the health and safety of attendees and to ensure the smooth running of the event, these decisions were acted upon rapidly from our on the day event manager, without anyone noticing, real time problem solving is something that comes second nature to us when running events.  

In 2023 and 2024 we have helped support another client to project manage an awards ceremony, being involved from selecting the right venue right through to selecting suppliers, budgeting and on the day event management, the planning of this event has required a lot of attention not only in the pre-planning but during the live event. As with most event planning, not every event aspect is clear cut and easy, sometimes you need to respond to issues and its always important to act fast and resolve them!  

This event is particularly unique, currently being hosted at a heritage site. There have been numerous occasions where rapid decisions were necessary to ensure all attendees had a comfortable experience (the British weather isn’t always sunny, even in July, as we all know!). 

Ensuring the event venue, client, and external suppliers are all on board with the plans and comfortable with the decisions that need to be made is crucial. Constant communication is key in any event planning and management. As with all the events we work on, hard work and extensive pre-planning are essential for success. With the right steps in place, including an appropriate budget, venue, expertise, and knowledge, any event is possible. 

Conclusion 

Here at Sheer Edge, our commitment to problem solving any challenges that arise in both pre-event planning or during the live event itself means that our clients’ know their event is in safe hands. Our proactive approach, comprehensive planning, and ability to adapt to changing circumstances is always at the heart of what we do, ensuring that we deliver exceptional events every time. By understanding our clients’ needs, managing every detail meticulously, and being prepared for the unexpected, we turn challenges into opportunities, creating memorable and impactful experiences for our clients and their attendees. 

Get in touch today if you feel we could help support you and your team with your future events;

hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176

The post Why Problem Solving Is Essential For Event Success appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

You want to achieve…   
• Maximum enjoyment  
• Guests comfort  
• An engaging atmosphere  
• Your reputation to achieve the above, here are some helpful tips and considerations to think about to achieve your summer event success.

Good venue selection  

If you can, opt for a fun, colourful and vibrant venue, that will complement the time of year and your theme, perhaps a secret garden, a venue with a private beach, a park or a venue with hectares of land, a restaurant with a nice terrace, or a unique hotel that will give you and your guests that special summer feeling.

Preferably the venue should have outdoor space, so your guests can enjoy the glorious summer weather, and indoor space also, for some shade and the great British wet weather contingency plan. Make sure you have plenty of seating indoors and out, and the venue is accessible for all guests. Having a contingency plan for the weather as we know best the “Summer” weather can be very unpredictable, so make sure you have a backup plan in case of rain and extreme heat.  

Put out ponchos and umbrellas for the potential rain, and ensure you have enough shaded areas for the extreme heat in case of a heatwave. If your event is solely outdoors, maybe consider hiring a gazebo or tipis for that shade and shelter for the rain and sun. You want your event to run smoothly come rain or shine, so ensure you are prepared for every eventuality. 

Engaging activities and diverse entertainment  

Make use of the outdoor space you have, lawn games, live music, fairground stalls, make use of the venues outdoor activities if they have any, it’s always worth asking as some venues have their own games they can put out. How about a live caricature artist for your guests, a magician or even circus acts. If your venue is near water, maybe consider some water activities, kayaking, canoeing or paddleboarding with a professional team to support with the delivery of this.

Food and plenty of fluids!

Staying hydrated and having plenty of water stations is a must, you want your guests to be refreshed and raring to go.  

Set up some stations with iced water, fans, misting water. Choose a menu containing light and fresh dishes, such as salads, grilled foods, fresh fruit, sorbets and ice creams. Keep the food flowing; it is important to eat plenty and stay hydrated so as not to feel sluggish or unwell in extreme heat.  

For an alternative

Adequate staffing  

Summer events need more staffing than normal, this is to ensure that each member gets regular breaks, to sit, eat and drink in the shade. It also enables more hands to carry out the tasks; to complete them quicker so they are not working or standing in the hot weather for too long. It is important just as with your guests to provide your team and staff with shelter, food and fluids. 

A comfortable environment  

Make sure all your guests have everything to hand, food is best served to them, so maybe opt for canapes, or a bowl of food. Bring the drinks to the guests, if this is not possible, as mentioned above set up some “Hydration Stations” around the venue. Ensuring that amenities are within easy reach and not too far away to walk or access is helpful. Plenty of chairs is very important, in the heat nobody will want to stand for too long, they want to rest or have a place they know they can sit down if they wish to. Safety, as with any event, is of paramount importance.  

Especially important for summer events, think about sun protection, first aid points, if you have a large event with hundreds of people, hiring independent first aiders such as St Johns Ambulance is well worth the investment. Alcohol and heat react quite quickly, so if your event involves alcohol, make sure guests get home safely, perhaps arrange transport so the guests are not driving themselves, its well-known we get dehydrated very quickly in the heat, so by having just one alcoholic drink this could have a serious effect on somebody.

Finally, remember to have a fun day! Get in touch today if you feel we could help support you and your team with your future events;

hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176

The post Top tips for running a summer event appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

Here are some key considerations to help you make the best choice. 

Understand your objectives 

The first step in choosing the right team building activity is to clearly define your objectives. What do you hope to achieve? Are you looking to improve communication, encourage collaboration, enhance problem-solving skills, or simply have fun and relax? Your goals will guide you in selecting an activity that aligns with your desired outcomes. 

Know your team 

Understanding the dynamics and preferences of your team is crucial. Consider factors such as the size of your group, their physical abilities, and their interests. For instance, a high-energy adventure activity might not be suitable for a team with varying fitness levels, whereas a creative workshop might appeal to a diverse group. You could always have 2 or 3 activities running alongside each other, a high energy one, a logic and skills task and a more informal relaxing team build like yoga, wine tasting, meditation and wellbeing.  

Budget and time 

Budget and time are important constraints to consider when planning a team-building activity. Determine how much you are willing to spend and how much time you have available. Some activities, such as a weekend retreat, require a significant investment of both time and money, while others, like a half-day team build, are more cost-effective and easier to fit into a busy schedule. Be realistic about what you can afford and how much time your team can commit. Remember it doesn’t have to cost a fortune to have a great time, you will find that most activities are priced as the activity itself and not per head, so it is worth exploring different pricing options.  

Company culture 

Choose an activity that aligns with your company culture and values. If your organisation prides itself on innovation and creativity, opt for activities that encourage creative thinking and problem-solving, such as “Lock Box Challenge” or “Masterminds”. If teamwork and collaboration are key values, consider activities that require working together towards a common goal such as “Soapbox Derby or “Crystal Maze”. Ensuring the activity reflects your company culture will make it more relevant and impactful for your team. 

Where? And when? 

The environment in which the activity takes place can greatly influence its success. Decide whether you want an indoor or outdoor activity and consider the logistical requirements of each option. Outdoor activities, like assault courses or scavenger hunts, can be invigorating and refreshing, but they also depend on weather conditions. Indoor activities, such as tabletop games or cooking classes, offer more controlled environments and can be conducted year-round. Sometimes your venue choice will be the deciding factor for your team building activity, if you have already booked your venue, you need to ask them what activities they would accept on their grounds or inside their venue, don’t assume that there won’t be any restrictions. If you have not already booked but know what activity you would like, you will need to find a venue that is suitable for this – Don’t forget Sheer Edge can always help you find that perfect venue. 

Seek out professional help 

If you’re unsure about how to choose the right activity or how to organise it, consider seeking the help of an events agency who is experienced and organising events like this, Sheer Edge, has years of planning team building experiences, we can provide valuable insight, suggest what we think is best for you and your teams, and take your next team event to a whole new level! 

NEVER be afraid  

It is always everyone’s prerogative to play it safe and do what they think is best, however, sometimes thinking outside of the box is just as rewarding, with our help we can help guide you into the unknown realm of different experiences, to really push you and your team out of your comfort zones. We have always had great feedback from clients that have tried something they have never imagined their team to do, something that didn’t really fit in with the “company culture”.  

Below are some ideas that Sheer Edge would suggest you consider; 

• Puzzle solvers: These require teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills as teams work together to solve mysteries, our most popular would have to be CSI investigate, show off your skills and find the killer. 
• Workshops: Creative or skill-based workshops can be both educational and enjoyable, offering a break from the usual routine. 
• Outdoor Adventures: Activities like high ropes courses, or scavenger hunts can boost morale and foster a sense of teamwork. 
• Volunteer Work: Organising a team volunteer day can enhance teamwork and give back to the community, aligning with corporate social responsibility goals. 
• Team Sports: Friendly competitions in sports like it’s a knockout, sports day, or even bowling can be great for building team spirit and healthy competition. 

Our top 5 favourite team builds; 

• Enrichment projects with zoos and animal sanctuaries 
• Paint and Sip 
• Diamond Heist 
• Interactive Bingo 
• CSI Investigate 

For all your team building needs, get in touch with the Sheer Edge team today, we love a creative challenge! Hello@sheeredge.co.uk or call us: 0330 223 3176 

The post Choosing the right team building activity for your business appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

Every aspect of the event experience, from personalized attendee journeys to streamlined operations, is now under scrutiny. As event planners, marketers, and attendees, it’s crucial that we understand how AI technologies are not just enhancing events but redefining them.

But what should you consider when looking to incorporate cutting-edge technologies, such as AI, into your event delivery? There’s no doubt that AI can revolutionize the way in which events are planned, executed, and managed. From streamlining logistics to enhancing attendee experiences, the possibilities are vast.

Here are some aspects to consider when planning to integrate AI support mechanisms within your event delivery:

Tailored Experiences:

One of the primary areas where AI can make a significant impact is in data analysis. Advanced algorithms can crunch vast amounts of data to provide valuable insights into attendee preferences, helping you tailor your events to specific demographics. This data-driven approach allows for more personalized experiences, from customized event agendas to targeted marketing strategies.

AI enables a new level of personalization for event attendees. From suggesting sessions to networking opportunities, AI crafts an event experience that feels unique and individual for each attendee.

Operational Efficiency and Cost Reduction:

Event planning involves intricate logistics, and AI can be a game-changer in this aspect. Machine learning algorithms can analyze historical data to predict attendance numbers, helping you optimize venue selection and resource allocation. This predictive capability minimizes the risk of over or underestimating requirements, ensuring a smoother execution of your events.

Interactive Elements:

AI-powered chatbots are another asset in event management that may bring more value than many people would usually consider. Integrating a chatbot into your event website or app can provide instant assistance to attendees, answering queries about schedules, locations, or any other important information. This not only enhances attendee experience but also frees up your team to focus on more important tasks. Another interesting and popular interactive option is interactive kiosks, which can provide instant support and information, elevating the participant experience.

Security Powered by AI:

Facial recognition technology is gaining popularity in event security and access control. By implementing AI-driven facial recognition systems, you can streamline the check-in process, enhance security measures, and provide a seamless experience for attendees. This technology adds a layer of sophistication to your events while ensuring a secure and efficient entry process.

Automated Coordination:

AI-driven tools can handle scheduling, logistics, and even real-time problem-solving, freeing up human coordinators to focus on more strategic tasks.

For large-scale events, managing crowd flow is a critical aspect. AI-powered analytics can monitor crowd movements, helping you identify congestion points and optimize the layout for better flow. This not only improves the overall attendee experience but also contributes to the safety and security of the event.

Hybrid and Virtual Streaming:

Hybrid streaming and virtual attendance have become integral parts of the event landscape, especially in the wake of global events impacting travel. AI-driven solutions can enhance virtual experiences by providing real-time language translation, generating automated transcripts, and even facilitating virtual networking opportunities. This inclusivity ensures that participants from around the world can engage with your event seamlessly.

Smart Content Creation:

In the realm of content creation, AI tools can assist in generating engaging and relevant material. Whether it’s writing blog posts, creating social media content, or designing promotional materials, AI can analyze trends, understand audience preferences, and suggest content ideas that resonate with your target demographic.

Sustainable Event Solutions:

By predicting attendee numbers more accurately, AI can help to support a reduction in waste, thereby supporting sustainability efforts within the event industry.

AI technology is transforming the events industry, offering opportunities to improve efficiency, create unforgettable experiences, drive innovation, and attune to attendees’ needs more than ever before, all while maintaining a keen eye on sustainability and safety.

It’s time for the event industry to fully embrace AI and unlock its potential to create events that are more engaging and efficient. Embracing AI and technology in event management opens a world of possibilities.

From data-driven decision-making to enhanced security measures and immersive virtual experiences, these tools can elevate your events to new heights.

As a tech-savvy event operations manager, integrating these innovations into your workflow will not only streamline your processes but also position your events at the forefront of the industry.

The post Embracing the Future – How is AI Transforming the Event Industry appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.

Are you a business that has pulled all your events the past few years? Most have started to panic and are trying to justify the need for running an event. We are here to tell you why still running an event is a great investment for your company.

• Networking opportunities – For your attendees and for the staff that are part of the event. For the majority networking is the only reason they attend events, they get to share experiences, learnings, make new friends and they leave these events fulfilled. For the team – planning an event is an all hand on deck project, during this planning stage, relationships can be formed, ideas can come together, and the team will feel a little more united.
• If you don’t- someone else will
  More often than not this will be your competitor. Build your event year after year, get a greater attendee portfolio and don’t stop. When you have something good going- it’s important to keep that alive, if your event was to fall off the calendar this will open a gap for your competitor to fill.
• Target your core audience – What a great way to get all your target audience in one space, not to sell to them but to learn from them and talk to them about their needs and wants. If you were to sit in the office and call each person or email them to find out what they want to see, what they would like to gain from your company – this would take you a considerable amount of time, running an event for your target audience eliminates all the unnecessary time.  
• Increase engagement – It is important to not forget your team when it comes to events, the most important investment for you is your team members. Boosting their morale and appreciating them is the best investment you could ever have. You don’t just have to run business events, you could plan a team event for your staff members, create a safe and fun environment to improve the company culture, create new working relationships and importantly build their self-confidence.

Brand visibility and exposure – your product needs to STAND out from the rest and people need to remember you, creating and executing a memorable event will do just that.         Once you have the one event under your belt your social media and marketing will be soaring – you will have genuine comments, testimonials from REAL people testifying just how good your brand is, and how you recognise your customers needs.

The post Why are holding events a great investment for your company? appeared first on Sheer Edge Corporate.