Ealing (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Ealing’s annual Festival of Business attracts over 400 visitors and dozens of local firms, celebrating the borough’s thriving entrepreneurial community and spirit.
Sixty guests, 41 exhibitors and 450 participants attended the stakeholders’ brunch to start the day. Deputy Lieutenant for Ealing Richard Kornicki, UWL’s senior deputy vice-chancellor for education and student experience Sara Raybould, Ealing Council leader Peter Mason, Ealing North MP James Murray, and Chief Secretary to the Treasury were among the speakers. During the session, UWL and Ealing Council signed a formal agreement.
Berkeley Homes, a real estate developer exhibiting its Green Quarter development, and Raise Design Ltd, a company located in Ealing that manufactures small sit-stand desks intended to encourage more active working habits, were among the exhibitors.
Among those attending was Sapna Pieroux from InnerVisions ID, who said:
“I run a brand consultancy, am author of Let’s Get Visible! and speaker, but I was there to promote my two new ventures: BrandVisions.AI – an AI brand consultant which is being built – and The NotWorkers karaoke networking(!). I had a fair bit of interest in the AI product, sold a few books, had a few interesting conversations and have a lot of business cards to follow up on.”
Fergus Crockett, founder of Developing Business Performance, added:
“Thanks so much to the West London Chambers of Commerce. The West London Festival of Business was an amazing opportunity for local businesses to promote their services and connect with each other. Super atmosphere in the room and it was fabulous to meet so many students with great questions and an eye on the future. I had great fun running my first live group coaching session ‘Unlocking your Potential for Growth’ with around 20 people, and the feedback was fantastic.”
Seminars and networking sessions ran throughout the day, beginning with “AI Made Simple”, led by Peter McKenna of Ealing-based WSI Digital Advisors, and concluding with an “Ealing Meet the Buyer” event hosted by Branduin Fit to Bid.
Alan Rides, chief executive of West London Chambers, said:
“Having worked for some major Ealing companies, it is a pleasure to return to Ealing as the CEO of the Chamber of Commerce. Exhibitors were extremely positive, and good business was conducted on the day. Additionally, our ‘Meet the Buyer’ seminars were fully attended, with excellent feedback from small companies eager to engage with larger organisations. Our Chamber is here to support local business growth through expert advice and strategic introductions.”
Sally Smith, the Chamber’s chief operating officer, added:
“West London Chambers is enjoying getting to know Ealing and beginning to understand its diverse business community. Our roots as a Chamber of Commerce go back to 1908, and we are here for the long haul. The more we get to know you and your business, the more we can do to help. We are here for you.”
How does Ealing plan to support the growing entrepreneurial community at the festival?
The council has formalised partnerships with educational institutions like the University of West London( UWL) to connect scholars and graduates with original businesses, fostering development and invention.
Through events like the jubilee, the council promotes networking, knowledge- sharing, and collaboration among original enterprises, which helps startups and SMEs find openings for expansion and cooperation. Ealing Council supports developments like Berkeley Homes’ herbage Quarter, promoting sustainable business capitals that give marketable and office spaces for entrepreneurs.
The council facilitates access to backing, business advice, and training programs designed to help entrepreneurs thrive in a competitive request.
