The pandemic caused a revolution in events, inspiring some highly unusual collaborations and partnerships. After a tumultuous two years, where it initially lost over £200,000, the Rebel Business School is primed for a big 2022

For a business that, prior to 2020, ran large, in-person events, the Rebel Business School is not a likely candidate for success during the past two years.

However, after initially losing six figures worth of business at the start of the pandemic, being forced to furlough staff and even briefly considering closing, it bounced back with a new business model and a Queen’s Award for Enterprise to boot.

From Monday January 24, Rebel will play host to hundreds of small businesses attending its free, online course, eager to learn new ideas, solve problems and network with one another.

The event, which runs from 10am to 3pm every week day for a fortnight, covers all aspects of running a business, from sales and marketing to launching websites to tax and legals.

It’s free due to sponsorship from local councils including Camden, Milton Keynes and North Yorkshire and the Guinness Partnership housing association.

Rebel Business School CEO Simon Paine says the pandemic made Zoom the norm and his business has taken advantage.

“Zoom has changed everything for the events industry. Two years ago, the idea of doing a video conference was still alien for most people but now it’s just accepted as the norm.

“For us, this is great because it means we can be accessible to so many more people and there’s no limit on how many can attend.”

Paine says small businesses should be ready to take advantage now that the pandemic appears to be on the wane.

“There’s a lot more confidence out there and a lot of pent up energy. It’s time to put it to good use and see 2022 as a time to start growing. A lot of what we do is build confidence in people and try to inspire them on to the next stage of their business.

“We’ve had some amazing people come through who have built some lovely small businesses. Joanna van Blommestein, otherwise known as the ‘Bra Boss of Kent’, is one great example and she credits us for inspiring her to start up.

“We’ve quite literally had butchers, bakers, lots of cookie makers, artisan sausage makers, chocolatiers, yoga teachers, a bra fitter and possibly a candlestick maker.”

Paine likes to share his business woes as a way to inspire others to overcome their own problems.

“All business owners have to overcome struggles. Two years ago, we lost £200,000 of business overnight as Covid restrictions stopped all our events. It was very tough, but we’ve bounced back and are now better than ever.

“Everyone can do the same and we’ll gladly show you how.”

You can book a free place via the Rebel Business School website: https://therebelschool.com