Lunch & Learn: Year-end reset: Business, IT, finance and HR planning

Our December ‘Lunch & Learn’ session will be held at Grosvenor House in Basingstoke on Wednesday 10th December at 12:30pm!

We’ll cover a range of topics, including business advice, IT, finance and HR planning for SME owners.

We’ll be joined by three speakers who will share insights to help SMEs prepare personally and professionally for a new year.

When: Wednesday 10th December, 12:30-1:30pm

Where: Grosvenor House

If you're not based at Grosvenor House, please ensure you sign in at reception.

💫 Shaun Ramazannezhad - Financial Planner from McMillan Financial Advice Limited and Principal Partner Practice of St. James's Place

In this focused 20-minute session, Shaun will show you how to use the new year as a powerful opportunity to reset, refocus, and future-proof both your business and personal finances.

His talk, “New Year, Same Business… New Priorities,” will break down practical steps to build resilience, protect what you have worked hard to create, and align long-term business ambitions with personal financial goals.

You will walk away with clear, actionable insights on safeguarding your business from unexpected risks, strengthening employee retention and wellbeing through effective benefits, and understanding why every strong business strategy needs an equally strong personal financial plan behind it.

💫 Simon Newton from Riven Associates

In this end-of-year wrap-up session, Simon will help you take a practical look at the three core areas every business should review before heading into the new calendar year: IT, Business, and Finance. The session will highlight simple but powerful actions to ensure your systems, strategy, and numbers are aligned for a stronger start to the year ahead.

His talk will explore key IT considerations - including the systems you rely on, opportunities to leverage AI, and the importance of a clear tech strategy.

From a business perspective, Simon will cover customer focus, new business planning, and contract readiness.

Finally, he will break down essential financial checks around profitability, the quality of management information, and the forecasting needed to plan with confidence.

💫 Marc Bishop from SME HR Consultancy

In this focused lunch-and-learn session, Marc will look at the upcoming Employment Rights Bill.

His talk will begin with a clear, concise overview of how the Employment Rights Bill is likely to affect SMEs - from updated worker-status rules to stronger day-one rights and limitations on zero-hours arrangements. You will learn what these changes mean for your people processes and the simple steps you can take now to stay compliant.

By the end of the session, you will understand the key changes ahead and feel confident taking practical steps to start the new year well-prepared.

Lunch will be provided. Please note booking is essential to confirm numbers.