Spear-heads Connect & Collab Expo 2026

Where businesses, entrepreneurs, and innovators come together to connect, collaborate, and grow.

The Connect & Collab Expo is the ultimate networking and business growth event for the Tees Valley and beyond.

This one-day expo brings together entrepreneurs, SMEs, industry leaders, and support organisations for a mix of:

✅ Exhibition Stands – Meet businesses from across multiple sectors.
✅ Expert Talks – Learn from industry experts on topics such as finance, funding, AI, marketing, wellbeing, and more.
✅ Networking Opportunities – Build meaningful relationships through structured sessions and informal meetups.
✅ Knowledge Pods – Book in 1:1 time with specialists to explore tailored support for your business.

Whether you’re looking to grow your network, discover new opportunities, or showcase your brand, the Connect & Collab Expo is designed to help you do just that.

Expert Talks
10am - PR Mastery with Charlotte Nichols of Harvey & Hugo
11am - Finance & Funding Essentials with Craig Jiggins of TBP - Trusted Business Partner
1 pm - Websites & SEO with Jonathan Saunders of Colewood Digital

2pm AI & Software Tools with Christian Green of Green Nexus

Spotlight Keynote Speaker - Ian Kinnery - Between 1pm - 2pm - Legends Lounge

Few have a track record for growing businesses like Ian, a European Business Coach of the Year winner with over three decades of experience starting and scaling his own businesses. He has spent the past 21 years helping leaders and founders grow themselves and their organisations, with highly customised coaching solutions that guarantee results.

Ian's keynote address will show business leaders how to remove the bottleneck in order to unlock serious growth.

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Knowledge Pods (booking required)

Finance & Funding – Sharon Braithwaite - Barclays Eagle Labs

Law & Legislation - Helen Lyne - Pneuma Legal

Accountancy – Bev Goodall - Abacus Bean

Business Strategy – John Forth - IS THIS YOU?

Marketing Strategy - Helen Stewart - Colewood Digital

For more information and booking details, please contact Lynsey on: events@eleven87.co.uk