Highlights From the 2026 Business Retreat and Why You Should Attend in 2027

Running a business can be incredibly rewarding, but it can also be demanding.

As business owners, we spend so much of our time looking after clients, supporting our teams and planning for what's next that taking time to switch off often ends up at the bottom of the priority list. That's exactly why I wanted to create an annual Business Retreat – an opportunity to step away from the day-to-day, spend time with other business owners and simply enjoy a couple of days away.

This year's retreat took us to The Coniston Hotel Country Estate & Spa, where eight business owners from a range of different industries came together for two days of relaxation, new experiences and great conversations.

We kicked things off with coffee, pastries and plenty of introductions before heading out for a round of clay pigeon shooting.

For some, it was completely new. Others had done it before, but regardless of experience, it was a brilliant way to get everyone chatting, laughing and enjoying a bit of friendly competition.

One thing I love about experiences like this is that business conversations happen naturally. There wasn't a meeting room, a presentation or an agenda. Instead, discussions flowed as we walked between activities, shared lunch and enjoyed the day together.

Topics ranged from how AI is changing businesses to CRM systems, marketing, work-life balance and the everyday challenges that come with being a business owner. It was refreshing to hear different perspectives from people working in completely different sectors, yet facing many of the same challenges.

After lunch, everyone had the chance to unwind with access to the spa before we came back together for dinner at The View Restaurant. By the end of the evening, it felt less like a networking event and more like a group of friends who happened to all run businesses.

After a full Yorkshire breakfast, we headed out for the Land Rover Experience.

It was the perfect way to finish the retreat. The course challenged us, gave us something completely different to experience and, once again, sparked plenty of conversations along the way.

Following lunch, everyone headed home with new ideas, new contacts and, hopefully, a little more energy than when they arrived.

While the activities were fantastic, they weren't really what the retreat was about. The real value came from bringing together business owners who genuinely understand the highs and lows of running a business. There are very few opportunities where you can have honest conversations with people who know exactly what it's like to make difficult decisions, navigate uncertainty and juggle the many responsibilities that come with leading a business.

Those conversations don't always happen in formal meetings. More often than not, they happen over breakfast, during a walk, while relaxing in the spa or over dinner. Sometimes the best ideas come when you're not actively looking for them.

One of the biggest takeaways from the retreat was a reminder that taking time away from your business isn't time lost, it's an investment.

Stepping back gives you the chance to think more clearly, recharge and gain fresh perspectives. Spending time with like-minded people reminds you that, although every business is different, many of the challenges we face are shared. It's also a chance to build genuine relationships, not just professional connections. That's something I believe is becoming increasingly important in business.

Join Us Next Year

A huge thank you to everyone who joined this year's Business Retreat and made it such an enjoyable couple of days. It was fantastic to spend time with such a great group of business owners, and I'm already looking forward to doing it all again.

Planning for next year's retreat is already underway, and bookings are now open.

If you're a business owner who would value two days away from the office, meaningful conversations with like-minded people, unique experiences and the opportunity to return to your business feeling refreshed and inspired, I'd love for you to join us.

Sometimes the most productive thing you can do for your business is simply take a step away from it.