Bibby Financial Services is to hold an exclusive event for accountants, solicitors, financial advisers and finance brokers in London next month, focusing on how they can help UK SMEs get in shape for the future.

The Fit for the Future conference, which takes place on October 30 at The Brewery on Chiswell Street, includes a key note speech from Dragons’ Den investor, Richard Farleigh.

Chris Hardy, head of sales for London and the South East at Bibby Financial Services, said: “Following the economic downturn, businesses in the UK are leaner and tougher than before. Across all sectors we have innovative, pioneering businesses striving to flourish, but many of them need a helping hand to make the step-up from survival to growth.

“Accountants, solicitors and financial advisers are all vital to the success of the UK’s army of SMEs, but often their expertise and knowledge is not fully utilised. We have developed an event agenda specifically for these professionals as we believe there is a great opportunity to enhance their offering to SMEs, which will in turn benefit the wider economy over years to come.

“The conference will showcase funding solutions to help SMEs with cash-flow to enable them to grow. Furthermore, hearing from voices of experience, such as Richard will offer real insight into how today’s business advisers can offer support for tomorrow’s growth businesses throughout the country.”

In addition to Farleigh, professional negotiator, Clive Rich, economist Dennis Turner and Shiona Davies, editor of the government-backed SME Finance Monitor, will each be presenting.

Paul Scrivin Wood of ABL Resourcing, a corporate finance consultancy based in West Sussex, said: “This event is a great opportunity for business advisers to network and develop professional connections to increase the services they offer to SMEs in London and the South East.”