Bristol International Balloon Fiesta Business Breakfast

Set against the magical backdrop of the Fiesta’s first mass ascent, guests will enjoy breakfast refreshments before engaging with two thought-provoking panel discussions. The theme this year will be ‘Beyond the Horizon: celebrating the South West and embracing global opportunity.’

Beyond the Horizon: Celebrating the South West and Embracing Global Opportunity

What used to be one of the most anticipated events in the city’s business calendar, is making a return this summer. The Fiesta Business Breakfast is back for 2025, offering professionals a rare opportunity to network, learn and be inspired alongside a field of fabric and wicker.

The South West is a region defined by creativity, resilience, and ambition — a place where businesses not only take root but thrive. In an increasingly uncertain economic and trading environment, our region’s unique strengths have never been more important, or more full of potential.

At this year’s Business Breakfast, we bring together two dynamic panel discussions exploring the power and promise of the South West business community:

Panel 1: Celebrating the South West as a Place to Start and Scale

We’ll hear from leading local brands about why they chose to build and grow their businesses here, what makes the South West such a compelling base for innovation and entrepreneurship, and why more companies — from across the UK and internationally — should look to our region as a place to scale.

Panel 2: Encouraging South West Companies to Look Beyond the Horizon

As we celebrate local success, we’ll also look outward. Our second panel will focus on how we can inspire and support more South West businesses to export and expand internationally. We’ll hear from organisations helping companies take those steps — including Tech West England Advocates, the Department for Business and Trade, and the Institute of Directors’ International Trade Group — alongside businesses already making their mark in global markets.

• 05:30 - Arrivals

• 06:00 Mass ascent- tea/coffee/pastries served

• 07:00 Panel session commences

• 08:30 Panel session concludes, networking

• 09:00 Session closes

Together, we’ll explore how the South West’s spirit of ambition and collaboration can open up new horizons for businesses across our region — and beyond.