Business Start-up exhibition, 28-29 November, Olympia, London

Opinion is divided as to whether this is a great time to start up a new business or whether you couldn't pick a worse one. Either way, for an increasing number of workers facing actual or potential redundancy it's a subject on many people's minds. So a visit to the Business Start-up exhibition at the end of the month might be a good idea. Tickets are free, so there's a good incentive to start with.

Speakers include some dragons of course: James Caan and Rachel Elnaugh, along with ex-protégée Levi Roots, who got funding for his Reggae Reggae sauce in a Dragon's Den programme. Caprice will be there talking about her lingerie business and Helene Speight will talk about women in business and some of the challenges they face. 

The event is offering 1-2-1 sessions for specific advice, speed networking, free seminars, plus a ‘Midas Touch' opportunity to pitch for funding for your small business.