• Swindon & Wiltshire Events
• Thursday July 31 2025

Balloon Fiesta panel to discuss what makes South West so attractive to entrepreneurs

Some of the regions top business leaders will be taking part in a panel discussion about the South West, and why it is so attractive to entrepreneurs.

In partnership with accountancy firm Albert Goodman, the Balloon Fiesta Business Breakfast will be held on the opening morning of the high-profile extravaganza.

The business event will offer two panel discussions.

Under the theme ‘Beyond the Horizon: celebrating the South West and embracing global opportunity’, the first panel will bring together voices from successful local enterprises to explore what makes the South West such an attractive base for ambitious entrepreneurs.

Panellists include Neil Johnston, partner, Albert Goodman; Ben Hardy, executive director, Bristol International Balloon Fiesta; and Martin Thatcher, owner and director of Thatchers.

The second panel will turn the focus outward, looking at how South West businesses can be supported to export, trade internationally, and grow on the world stage.

Contributors include Sean Clarke, managing director, Aardman Animations; Richard Lowe, founder, Hewlett Rand; Dr Yildiz Tugba Kara, founder, Society 5.0 Institute and Chair IoD Türkiye International Trade Working Group; and Catherine Stephenson, head of international trade services at Business West.

The event which is hosted in partnership with IOD South West will run from 5.30am to 9am on Friday, August 8 set against the magical backdrop of the Fiesta’s first mass ascent.

The event is sponsored by Origin Workspace and Woven Films and is also supported by membership organisations, Business West, Bristol Junior Chamber of Commerce, Bristol & West of England China Bureau, Tech West England Advocates and the Royal Aeronautical Society.

The event is ticketed, with standard entry priced at £30 per person. Members of partner organisations will benefit from a discounted ticket price of £20.

Businesses can also purchase a group ticket package, with 10 tickets available for £200.

For more information or to book tickets, visit https://www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk/get-involved/business-breakfast

Image: Bristol International Ballon Fiesta / Paul Box