The UK’s Small Business Commissioner, Emma Jones, will be our guest speaker at TBE Show 2026, being held at the University of Bath in September.
The Office of the Small Business Commissioner (OSBC) is an independent public body established by Government to tackle overdue payments and poor payment practices in the private sector. It supports small businesses to get paid quickly and on time, works with larger organisations to improve payment behaviours, and helps raise payment standards across the UK.
Emma was appointed Small Business Commissioner in June 2025. She began her career at Arthur Andersen after studying Law and Japanese, working across multiple UK offices and establishing the firm’s Inward Investment practice. In 2000 she launched her first business, Techlocate, which she sold to Tenon plc just 15 months later at the age of 27.
Inspired by this experience, she founded Enterprise Nation in 2005 to support the growing number of start-ups and small businesses. The company went on to become a major SME membership community, reaching more than 800,000 businesses a year. Emma also co-founded StartUp Britain in 2011 and has been an influential voice in shaping enterprise policy. She later served as SME Representative for Crown Commercial Service from 2016, championing small business access to public-sector opportunities. Her contribution to enterprise has been recognised with an MBE in 2012 and a CBE in 2021.
Emma said, “I’m delighted to be speaking at the TBE Show on the work we are doing to make life easier for small firms by getting money moving faster around the economy, whilst also making effort across wider Government to ensure SMEs gain access to relevant contracts and support.”
Anita Jaynes, Founder of The Business Exchange, said, “Having Emma Jones join the TBE Show this year will be immensely valuable for our attendees. Not only does she have a wealth of knowledge and experience to impart from her own experience of business, she also fully understands the challenges smaller businesses in the private sector face.
“We’re looking forward to welcoming her to the event at the University of Bath in September and we’d encourage anyone keen to harness her in‑depth knowledge to make sure they book their tickets as soon as possible.”
TBE Show 2026 at a glance
Powering Progress: Strategies, Partnerships and Purpose for Long-Term Success
Turning Vision into Action
Join the South West’s business leaders, innovators and changemakers for a day of connection, insight and growth on Thursday 17th September 2026.
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.
Designed for ambitious B2B professionals, entrepreneurs and professional services firms across Bath & Somerset and Swindon & Wiltshire, the event offers opportunities to build networks, sharpen thinking, raise brand visibility and uncover new commercial pathways.
Why attend?
- Network with 300+ attendees and 50+ exhibitors
- Learn from expert-led sessions and panel discussions
- Connect with regional leaders and innovators
- Discover practical tools to turn vision into action
- Build brand visibility and explore new opportunities
Event schedule
Networking Breakfast & Panel Discussion – 8:30am–10am
The Expo – 10am–1pm
The expo will officially open at 10am, showcasing over 50 businesses from across the region. Organisations are invited to exhibit.
Networking Lunch – 1pm–1:45pm
A lively networking lunch for all exhibitors and delegates. Guest speaker to be announced.
Conference – 2pm–4pm
A fast-paced two-hour marathon of insight and information to help you and your organisation power progress.
