Bibby Financial Services (BFS), is to host its flagship business conference in London next month, bringing together small and medium sized enterprise owners with professional advisors including accountants, finance brokers and financial advisers.

The Fit for the Future: Financing Business Aspirations event will take place at London Zoo, Regent’s Park on 13 November. Last year, the event attracted 200 business professionals and SME owners.

The speaker line-up next month features business figures such as Evening Standard financial editor and author, Anthony Hilton and World Cup winner and former England rugby player, Will Greenwood.

Greenwood said: “From my own experience, running a business isn’t easy and it’s hugely important to have the right support network around. This is a great opportunity to meet with other owners, entrepreneurs and business experts in the South East, and to discuss the challenges that are regularly faced by SMEs.”

Bibby Financial Services’ UK chief executive, David Postings, will offer insight into the business funding market, including the challenges facing businesses today and the key to success.

Paul Cunningham, managing director for Bibby Financial Services in the South East, said: “London has returned to its position as a breeding ground for innovation and entrepreneurship and small business owners are seeking to take advantage of this.

“Across all sectors the South East has ambitious and pioneering businesses striving to flourish, but many of them need a helping hand to make the step-up to sustainable growth.”

“This event will help signpost SME owners towards guidance on subjects such as cashflow, finance, investment and supplier relationships.”