“I Have Never Seen Anything Like It” Nick Hewer, on the Acumen Business Convention 2026
28th May 2026
Author EditorPosted on Categories Networking & Events
The 2026 Acumen Business Convention welcomed 300 delegates from across Sussex and beyond. From the moment guests arrived, the atmosphere was electric with conversations flowing while ‘zebra waiters’ and ‘zebra dancers’ brought Acumen’s signature flair to this business community gathering for a day unlike any other.
Sixteen years on, the convention continues to break the mould, bringing together entrepreneurs, founders and decision-makers for a day filled with inspiration, entertainment and authentic connection.
Held at the Grand hotel in Brighton, the Acumen Business Convention was organised entirely in-house by the Acumen team and planned by a core team of five: Daniel Richards the driving force behind the event, Alvin Ittoo who also served as compère, Ben Rose and Gabi Devlin who each ran a Speakers Arena while ensuring the day ran seamlessly and Penina Shepherd who also opened the event on the day.
Inspirational Speakers Take to the Stage
One of the highlights of the 2026 convention was its exceptional line-up of speakers, each bringing insight, humour and valuable business experience to the audience.
Opening the event, Penina Shepherd, CEO & Founder of Acumen Law, reflected on the ‘AI tsunami’ facing both the business community and society more widely, describing reactions to the unfolding AI revolution as falling into three camps — the ‘tsunami group’, the ‘hype group’ and the ‘zen group’.
The Convention Keynote Nick Hewer, Lord Sugar’s right-hand man on The Apprentice and a successful entrepreneur, took the stage with the first comment being “This convention is extraordinary, I’ve never seen anything like it!” Much the extra compliment, coming from someone who has more than four decades in business and television!
Nick captivated the audience with stories from combining dry humour with sharp commercial insight and honest reflections on leadership and entrepreneurship.
“The Convention Keynote Nick Hewer, Lord Sugar’s right-hand man on The Apprentice and a successful entrepreneur, took the stage with the first comment being “This convention is extraordinary, I’ve never seen anything like it!”
Much the extra compliment, coming from someone who has more than four decades in business and television!”
Matt Turner MBE, CEO of Creative Pod, delivered a thought-provoking talk on branding, innovation and authenticity in an increasingly crowded digital landscape. In an unscripted moment during his presentation, he invited Penina onto the stage to taste what appeared to be a tin of dog food, only later revealing it was actually crushed marshmallow and Mars bar.
Rob Starr MBE shared the inspiring story behind the Star Trust, described as “an accidental charity”, supporting young people by helping them take important first steps towards their ambitions. His message centred on perseverance, positivity and believing in people, values that have become synonymous with both his business, SEICO Insurance & Mortgages, and his extensive charitable work.
Mike Lawrence, MD of Global WealthMap, explored the relationship between wealth and wellbeing, speaking about what happiness truly means and how success should be measured beyond financial achievement alone.
Mike Turner, co-founder of Bird & Blend Tea Co., shares the honest story behind building a thriving retail and e-commerce business with a fiercely loyal community. From packing tea in a spare bedroom, to having 30 retail stores (and counting!) across the UK, he reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped the brand you see today, and lessons learned along the way
“Sixteen years since its launch, the Acumen Business Convention continues to redefine what a business event can be. As the curtains closed on another unforgettable convention, the biggest takeaway was simple: genuine human connection remains one of the most powerful drivers of business success.”
The audience was also moved by Marcos Jarvis, who spoke powerfully about overcoming Stage 4 cancer. Now cancer-free, Marcos runs Warrior’s Breath, helping others build resilience, reconnect with themselves, and find strength through challenge.
The breakout sessions featured local heroes such as Deborah Worley of Ark Movies production, Andy Clements of EDF Small Business Team and Garry James of the Foundry. They all shared their extraordinary journey, alongside a Legal Pub Quiz run by the Acumen heroes Ben Rose (Partner & Head of Litigation), Fiona Wheeler (Employment Solicitor) and Gabi Devlin (Corporate & Commercial lawyer).
More Than Just a Business Event
Throughout the venue, the atmosphere reflected the spirit of Acumen itself: vibrant, welcoming and unapologetically different. Delegates connected over coffee, continued conversations during lunch and over scrumptious Greek food from Nostos Catering celebrated new partnerships long into the evening.
Live entertainment included an unexpected ‘singing waiters’ and, of course, some zebra dancers, ensuring the day felt engaging, energetic and memorable from beginning to end.
Sixteen years since its launch, the Acumen Business Convention continues to redefine what a business event can be. As the curtains closed on another unforgettable convention, the biggest takeaway was simple: genuine human connection remains one of the most powerful drivers of business success.