book your next Business Academy webinar

 

We’ve got a great line-up of free Business Academy webinars next week, covering everything from Making Tax Digital and cyber security essentials, to learning about the opportunities in Mexico on the back of the CPTPP. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to grow, there’s something here to spark new ideas and help you take your next step. 💡Starting a business 💼Running and growing a business 🌍️Selling overseas 🖥️Digital skills Explore our full events calendar

Starting a business

Mindset and ideation Tuesday 16 June | 10:00 - 11:00 Explore the power of a growth mindset and how this can help you develop your business.

Running and growing a business

Making the most of your Board Tuesday 16 June | 11:00 - 12:00 Most businesses fail to fulfil their full potential because of leadership. A Board is there to help leaders deliver, learn how to make the most of it. Cyber security essentials for sole-traders, micro and small businesses Thursday 18 June | 11:00 - 12:00 Explore the everyday cyber risks faced by small businesses and how to mitigate them. Making Tax Digital: Understand what it means for your business Thursday 18 June | 13:00 - 14:00 Understand what Making Tax Digital means, who it applies to, and how the requirements are changing the way your business records, manages, and submits tax information.

Selling overseas

Making the most of CPTPP: A guide to the Mexican market Monday 15 June | 16:00 - 17:00 Explore how the UK’s CPTPP membership, including its entry into force with Mexico on 22 June, can create new opportunities for your business.

Choosing your next export market: A data-driven approach Thursday 18 June | 14:00 - 15:00 Ensure you are prioritising the right export markets for your business with a data-driven approach. Managing agents and distributors (part 2): Developing a successful long term relationship Friday 19 June | 10:00 - 11:00 Understand how to work effectively and positively with agents and distributors when selling overseas.

Digital skills

Converting followers into customers Monday 15 June | 10:00 - 11:00 Find out how to reap the rewards of good social engagement by turning likes into paying customers.

Choosing the right social media platforms for your audience Wednesday 17 June | 10:00 - 11:00 Explore the social platforms that could help you reach your target customers, and more importantly, the right ones for your business and its growth.

LinkedIn: The ultimate lead generator Friday 19 June | 11:00 - 12:00 Get help, advice, and strategies for effective lead generation using LinkedIn in international markets. ℹ️ Remember that if you can't join a live event, as long as you sign up you will have access to a recording of the session in your business.gov account for up to 4 weeks after.

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‘OutConnect 2026 – Building Proud Businesses’ 29th June

 

 

OutBritain, the UK’s first LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce, invites you to join ‘OutConnect 2026 – Building Proud Businesses’ which is taking place at Sky HQ in Isleworth, west London on the afternoon of Monday 29th June. Organised by OutBritain and proudly hosted by Sky, this exciting mini conference will bring together LGBTQ+ businesses, corporate partners, procurement leaders, and changemakers for an afternoon focused on connection, collaboration, and real commercial opportunity. The event is free to attend and you can register online here: https://luma.com/vmirsezf

OutConnect is designed to create meaningful conversations between LGBTQ+ suppliers and organisations actively looking to build more inclusive supply chains, partnerships, and business relationships. Whether you are looking to grow your network, gain insight into corporate procurement, or connect with organisations committed to economic inclusion, this promises to deliver.

Throughout the afternoon, they’ll explore topics including:

• The evolution of supplier inclusion

• What corporates are looking for from SMEs with regards to social impact

• The role of ERGs in inclusive sourcing

• How inclusion can translate into long-term commercial impact

There will also be dedicated networking opportunities to connect with corporate representatives, partners and LGBTQ+ founders and professionals.

📍 Sky Group Headquarters, Isleworth, west London

📅 Monday 29th June 2026

🕐 1:15pm – 7:00pm (formal proceedings run from 2pm to 5.30pm and will be followed by networking)

The conference is free to attend, however spaces are limited and demand is expected to be high, so OutBritain encourage early registration. Register online here: https://luma.com/vmirsezf

 

Invitation to HIM – A New Play at the Union Theatre for Pride Festival

 

/https://uniontheatre.biz/show/him/

Performances

• Dates
  10 June 2026 - 12 June 2026
• Times
• Performances on 10th and 12th at 7pm

Tickets

• Full Price£22
• Concession £20
• Nimbus carer assistant card holder £0

Running Time

• 90 minutes

HIM.

---

• WRITTEN BY Natalie Ekberg
• DIRECTED BY Simon Fielding

Overview

When Jane unexpectedly falls pregnant with Charlie, she agrees that he will raise the child with his new partner, Osmond. But, over time, their genuine yet imperfect agreement begins to crack under the weight of lingering doubt, buried resentment and conflicting loyalties.

Darkly funny, emotionally charged and painfully honest, HIM explores the fragile truths and lies we construct to protect ourselves and the people we care about most. Because some decisions shape a lifetime. And some debts will never truly be repaid.

Big Gay Brunch Saturday 4th of July Actor's Church Covent Garden

 

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The Big Gay Brunch Returns to Covent Garden for a ‘Camp Village Fête’ This Pride Saturday

LONDON, UK — As London prepares for its most vibrant weekend of the year, The Big Gay Brunch announces its highly anticipated return to the heart of the West End. On Saturday, 4 July 2026, the stunning gardens of The Actors’ Church in Covent Garden will be transformed into a ‘camp village fête,’ offering a stylish and relaxed alternative to the hectic Pride parade route.

Supported once again by Shaftesbury Capital, and this year also by Covent Garden’s The Yards and Westminster City Council, the event kicks off at 11:00 AM, welcoming the LGBTQ+ community and allies for a morning of "Big Gay Energy," high-end glamour, and community spirit.

A Chilled Sanctuary in the Heart of Pride

Set within the historic grounds of St. Paul’s Covent Garden (The Actors’ Church), the event swaps the crowded streets for a lush garden setting filled with classic garden games, music, and local artisans.

Highlights of the 2026 Edition:

·        The Glam Station: Get Pride Ready with professional glow-ups from the cosmetic icons at Charlotte Tilbury.

·        Queer Makers Market: Shop a curated selection of goods from local LGBTQ+ creators and independent businesses.

·        Star-Studded Hosting: A fabulous headline host (to be announced) will keep the energy high throughout the afternoon.

·        World-Class Raffle: Guests can win West End Theatre experiences, including tickets to hits Magic Mike Live, The Hunger Games, and Harry Potter, plus dinner for two at the legendary theatre haunt, Joe Allen.

Supporting 50 Years of Community Care

Beyond the brunch and bubbles, the event serves a vital purpose. All proceeds from the day’s raffle will benefit London Friend, the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity. Celebrating more than 50 years of service, London Friend provides essential health and mental wellbeing support to the community, making this a celebration with a heartbeat.

"The Big Gay Brunch is about more than just a party; it’s about creating a space where our community can celebrate together in a beautiful, historic setting while giving back to the organisations that keep us safe and healthy," say the event organisers.”

 

 

Event Details

·        What: The Big Gay Brunch

·        When: Saturday, 4 July 2026 | From 11:00 AM

·        Where: The Actors’ Church (St. Paul’s), Bedford St, London WC2E 9ED

·        Tickets: Entry is free

Media Contact: Josephine Buchan

Email: josephinebkf@gmail.com   Tel: +44 7525 835854

About London Friend: Established in 1972, London Friend is the UK’s oldest LGBTQ+ charity. They support the health and mental wellbeing of the LGBTQ+ community in and around London, offering counselling, support groups, and the UK’s only dedicated LGBTQ+ drug and alcohol service, Antidote.

About The Actors’ Church: St Paul’s Church, commonly known as the Actors' Church, has a long-standing association with the theatre community. Located in the heart of Covent Garden, it remains a focal point for the performing arts and community gatherings.

 

Tickets available at: https://actorschurch.org/whatson/big-gay-brunch/

 

For more information, please contact: 

Josephine Buchan, Producer: Josephinebkf@gmail.com / +44 (0) 7525 835 854

or

Sarah Millar at sarah@sarahmillar.co.uk

 

Member Highlight - James Hazlett-Beard

 

Name: James Hazlett-Beard

 

Bio: 

After 15+ years in the fashion and advertising industry, founding an agency and partnering with clients including Lisa Rinna, Prada, and Vogue, James shifted his focus from empowering clients on set to transforming the leaders behind them. 

Now a neurocoach and consultant, James helps changemakers clear the subconscious barriers holding them back. By leveraging the power of neuroplasticity (the very method he used to create his own breakthroughs), James facilitates profound mindset shifts, freeing clients from limiting beliefs, self-sabotage, imposter syndrome, and more. 

He creates gentle, powerful, and lasting change, allowing clients to move forward with a deeper sense of inner alignment, resilience, and personal power.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jameshazlettbeard

Website: https://www.expansion-works.com