Plan your year: The South West’s unmissable business events for 2026

Wednesday 28^th January – Monday 16^th February

Rebalance celebrates Bath as the UK’s number one wellbeing city, offering a diverse and inclusive programme so there’s something for everyone. This year’s focus is on events in Bath’s incredible historic venues, encouraging locals and visitors alike to explore, try something new, and dip their toe into wellness.The festival aims to promote health and wellbeing while supporting Bath BID levy payer businesses during the quieter winter months by bringing people into the city.This year’s headliner is the well-known fitness and lifestyle guru, Joe Wicks.

Find out more: www.welcometobath.co.uk/rebalance-bath-2026

Bath Dragons 2026 Competition Launch

Tuesday 11th February 

Bath’s entrepreneurial scene is set to shine brighter than ever with the return of the Bath Dragons competition in 2026. Following the success of last year’s inaugural event, the competition promises to be bigger, more ambitious, and packed with opportunities for local businesses to showcase their ideas, connect with experts, and accelerate growth.This year’s winner will be rewarded with a substantial cash prize as well as a £20,000 business support package, giving them access to expert advice across tax, accountancy, business financing, legal strategy, and PR. The initiative is designed to provide entrepreneurs with the tools, guidance, and confidence to turn ideas into thriving businesses.

To find out more and to book your space at the launch email: press@tbesw.co.uk

Celebrating 5 Years of TBE’s Most Inspiring Women

Thursday 12th March

Join us for a powerful evening as we honour the incredible women shaping our region.We’ll be celebrating the women voted by you in TBE’s Most Inspiring Women lists 2026—covering Bath & Somerset and Swindon & Wiltshire—plus all those recognised over the past five years since the initiative began.It’s a chance to meet these amazing women, hear their stories, and connect with others driving change in our community.To mark this milestone, we’re inviting back every woman who’s featured in previous lists for a special celebration and presentation.

Find out more: tbebathandsomerset.co.uk/event/celebrating-5-years-of-tbes-most-inspiring-women

Curious Minds

Thursday 12th – Saturday 28th March

Curiosity opens doors. It sharpens our attention, expands our empathy, strengthens our resilience and connects us to one another.

For two weeks, writers, poets, film makers, musicians, creatives, thinkers, performers and everyday question-askers gather across Bath to share stories, spark conversations and discover ideas that lift us out of our usual patterns.

Find out more: www.curiousmindsfestival.co.uk

Mastering email marketing with Bathcomms and Mailchimp

Wednesday 25th March

TBE Awards open for entry

Monday 13th April

Bath Digital Festival

Tuesday 19^th – Thursday 21^st May

Bath Digital Festival (BDF) returns in May with three days of big questions, bold thinking, and open experimentation.

This year, the festival is built around one simple idea: What if? It’s more than a theme—it’s an invitation to challenge assumptions, explore new possibilities, and help shape what comes next. Attendees can expect practical insights, creative collisions, and real conversations, from live demos and hands-on sessions to founder stories, showcases, panels, and unexpected moments in between.

BDF is for the curious—for those building the future, questioning the present, or testing something new. Whether you’re a founder, student, team lead, or simply someone with a better question, you’ll find your place at BDF.

Find out more: techspark.co/bdf-2/

TBE South West Charity Conference & Expo

Thursday 11th June

The 8th annual TBE South West Charity Conference & Expo returns to Bath Racecourse on Thursday 11th June 2026.The day is being brought to you in partnership with founding sponsor Milsted Langdon.Expect 500+ attendees, 100+ breakfast delegates and 50+ exhibitor stands. As word has spread about our unique event, we’re attracting attendees from across the country, showcasing the South West as a true leader in the Third Sector.

Find out more and book tickets here: tbebathandsomerset.co.uk/event/tbe-south-west-charity-conference-expo-2026/

Leadership Dialogues

Wednesday 1^st July

Leadership Dialogues is returning to Bath for its third year in 2026, on Wednesday 1st July. Building upon its core principle as using Leadership as a Force for Good, the event brings together delegates from all walks of life to discuss how we are all leaders in our own way and can apply the five pillars of intentional leadership in many day-to-day situations to help drive positive change.

Through individual accountability, this can benefit communities, organisations and society as a whole. The event serves as a platform to create meaningful connections and insightful discussion, through keynote speeches, talks and interactive workshop sessions.

Leadership Dialogues 2026 will be an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and become inspired by a collective vision of leadership that puts purpose and integrity at its heart.

Find out more: www.leadershipdialogues.co.uk

TBE Show

Thursday 17th September

Join the South West’s business leaders, innovators and changemakers for a day of connection, insight and growth on Thursday 17th September 2026 at University of Bath School of Management.

TBE Show 2026 will explore what it takes to build a business with staying power—one that’s agile, visible and ready for the future. From strategy and brand to partnerships and sales, we’re powering progress together.Whether you’re looking to grow your network, sharpen your thinking, build your brand profile or boost sales, this event is designed for ambitious B2B professionals, entrepreneurs and professional services firms across Bath & Somerset and Swindon & Wiltshire.

Find out more and book: tbebathandsomerset.co.uk/event/tbe-show-2026/

SWBF Economic Briefing

Thursday 15th October 

South West Business Finance (SWBF) will host its annual Economic Briefing Seminar on Thursday 15th October at Cumberwell Park in partnership with Mark Berrisford-Smith, independent economist and former Head of Economics for HSBC UK Commercial Banking. Back by popular demand, Mark will provide an invaluable insight into the current state of the UK economy.

To register your interest, email: enquiries@swbf.co.uk

TBE Big Breakfasts

Make your networking count this year and join us for our TBE Big Breakfasts at Cumberwell Park in Bradford on Avon and Lydiard Park in Swindon.

All our breakfasts begin with networking over coffee, we then sit down for breakfast at tables arranged to introduce you to the right people. After we have enjoyed the breakfast, it’s time for our 20-minute guest speaker slot.Our events attract guests from across the areas we serve Bath & Somerset and Swindon & Wiltshire with around 80 attendees at each breakfast. We challenge you to find a bigger or better local networking breakfast.

When:

• Thursday 15^th January, Cumberwell Park
• Thursday 5^th March, Cumberwell Park
• Thursday 23^rd April, Lydiard Park
• Thursday 2^nd July, Cumberwell Park
• Thursday 8^th October, Lydiard Park
• Thursday 2^nd December, Cumberwell Park

Book tickets: tbebathandsomerset.co.uk/events