Forget politicians, it’s entrepreneurs who will save Britain, says EC founder Botterill at national convention
Forget the politicians or fancy legislation, small business owners were hailed as the “real heroes” of the UK economy, as more than 1,500 entrepreneurs gathered at the ICC Birmingham for the annual National Entrepreneurs Convention last week.
Hosted by Entrepreneurs Circle (EC), the UK’s largest membership organisation for entrepreneurs, the two-day event mixed hard-hitting keynotes, practical workshops and inspirational founder stories — all centred on one clear message: if the UK is going to thrive, it won’t be thanks to politicians or big corporates. It will be down to its entrepreneurs.
Nigel Botterill, founder of Entrepreneurs Circle, said: “It’s not politicians, or big corporations, or anyone else that’s going to turn this country around. It’s entrepreneurs. It’s the men and women running small businesses in towns and cities up and down the UK. They are the ones who will save this country — but only if we step up, buckle down and make it happen. That’s what heroes do.”
The convention featured headline appearances from Joe Wicks, Marcus Sheridan, and Lottie Whyte, the MyoMaster founder and Dragons’ Den star.
Across two days, attendees explored sales, marketing, AI, growth strategies and implementation, with sessions designed to arm entrepreneurs with the tools and mindset to lead from the front.
The flagship National Entrepreneur Awards ceremony, hosted by TV presenter Vernon Kay, drew an audience of 500 entrepreneurs.
Winners across eight categories were celebrated for their innovation, customer service and growth — including the coveted Entrepreneur of the Year title, awarded to pioneering heart surgeon Dr Inderpaul Birdi, whose groundbreaking work in minimally invasive cardiac surgery has set new standards in his field.
Nigel Botterill added: “Inderpaul is a shining example of what true entrepreneurship looks like — visionary, innovative, and committed to making a difference. His work is literally saving lives while building a world-class business. That’s the kind of leadership and impact this country needs.”
The National Entrepreneurs Convention has become the UK’s biggest gathering of entrepreneurs, blending inspiration with practical, actionable strategy. For thousands of founders, it is the annual rallying cry to push harder, think bigger, and implement faster.
To date, Entrepreneurs Circle (EC) has supported almost 100,000 business owners across the UK with practical advice, resources and community. The Convention is its flagship annual event.