Join us for a business networking breakfast at the iconic All England Lawn Tennis Club, enjoying fresh pastries, breakfast baps, coffee and tea while connecting with local SMEs, larger employers and partners for a morning of connections, insight and opportunity.

📍 All England Lawn Tennis Club
☕ Pastries, breakfast baps (egg, bacon or tofu), tea and coffee included
🤝 Networking plus an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the AELTC Club

This popular breakfast event combines high quality networking with a focused panel discussion and a behind-the-scenes tour of one of the world’s most iconic sporting venues.

Panel Discussion

The business and economics of sport in the borough – connecting the local supply chain

At the heart of the morning is a 30-minute moderated panel discussion exploring how local SMEs can access and benefit from supply chain opportunities created by major employers and large-scale activity across the borough.

As the Borough of Sport, Merton attracts global attention to Wimbledon each year. Behind the scenes, major events and organisations rely on a wide and diverse ecosystem of local suppliers, contractors and services. Many SMEs already play a role, often without fully realising the wider opportunities available.

This session will focus on practical insight, real examples and clear routes in, helping businesses understand how to position themselves for both event-driven and year-round opportunities.

Panel Speakers

Catherine Edser – All England Community Tennis Centre

Simon Foulkes – Rainbow Productions

Ulrika Hogberg – All England Lawn Tennis Club

Jackie Watkins, CEO – Tooting & Mitcham United Football Club

James Woodroof – AFC Wimbledon

Agenda

8.15am
Arrival, registration and breakfast networking
Pastries, breakfast baps, tea and coffee served

9.30am
Welcome from Merton Chamber of Commerce

9.35am
Panel discussion
Connecting Local Supply Chains: Opportunity, Access and Growth in Merton

10.05am
Audience Q&A

10.15am
Behind-the-scenes tour of the All England Lawn Tennis Club

10.45am
Close

What the panel will explore

• How SMEs can spot supply chain opportunities early
• Preparing for procurement and supplier engagement
• What buying local looks like in practice
• Managing seasonal peaks and growth
• How non-sport sectors including retail, catering, construction, logistics, creative and professional services can benefit from major events and anchor institutions

Panel contributors will include representatives from major local employers, alongside SME voices and sector specialists.

Who should attend?

SMEs and independent businesses across all sectors
Businesses interested in supplying to larger organisations or events
Companies planning for growth, diversification or seasonal demand

🤝 Sponsored by Hartley Fowler Chartered Accountants