The Future of Business

The Future of Business Conference will explore innovative topics and insights from the worlds of tech, sustainability, people, the work environment and regeneration.  

Opened by our keynote speaker, David Smith, economics editor of The Sunday Times, David will open by reflecting on the economy over recent years and giving his predictions for the future. His industry expertise, acumen and insight offer a unique perspective on our economy.

The conference will be hosted by presenter and former BBC Breakfast business correspondent Declan Curry. He will host and facilitate five panel discussions on some of the core topics set to shape the future of business.

Delegates can expect active discussions, interaction, expert panels and high-level networking opportunities. 

Five Panels. Five Topics.

  • AI & Tech for the Future
  • ESG: Adopting ESG (environmental, social, governance) for business growth
  • Place: Regenerating our town centres for the future
  • People: The Future Workforce
  • Skills for Future Growth
Book your place
View Agenda

Be Inspired with Thought-Provoking Panels

“The ultimate networking and thought leadership event of 2023”

Conference Speakers & Hosts

David Smith

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Keynote Speaker: David Smith

Economics Editor, The Sunday Times

David Smith has been economics editor of The Sunday Times since 1989. He is also chief leader-writer, assistant editor and policy adviser. David is the author of several books, including Free Lunch: Easily Digestible Economics; and Something Will Turn Up: Britain’s Economy Past, Present and Future. He is a visiting professor at Cardiff and Nottingham Universities and has won a number of awards. 

Declan Curry

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Conference Host: Declan Curry

Journalist and Broadcaster

Declan Curry has been a journalist and broadcaster for almost 30 years. He is a business commentator for LBC News, and a former presenter & reporter for BBC Television, radio and online in UK & globally.

Five Panels. 25 Experts and Thought Leaders 

Claire Whittaker

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Claire Whitaker CBE

CEO, NED, Placemaker

Southampton Forward

 

Adam Greenwood

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Adam Greenwood

Tech entrepreneur | Founder 

The Human Tech Agency

 

Adam Greenwood

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Michelle Jacques

Tech Consultant | Mentor | STEM Ambassador

REACH plc

 

Dr Gareth Sherwood

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Dr Gareth Sherwood

CEO

YMCA Bournemouth

 

Karen Parkinson

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Karen Parkinson 

Head of HR

Keith Spicer Limited

 

Matt Desmier

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Matt Desmier

Strategist | Advisor | Mentor | Raconteur | Troubadour

Bournemouth University 

 

Denz Ibrahim

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Denz Ibrahim

Head of Retail & Futuring

Legal & General

Denz Ibrahim

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Debbie Oldfield

Designing-out Crime Officer 

Dorset Police

Lord Mark Price

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Lord Mark Price

Founder of WorkL,  Chairman of FairTrade UK. former MD of Waitrose

 

Andrew Radcliffe

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Andrew Radcliffe

Co-founder | Managing Director

Spyrosoft

 

Dr. Deborah Taylor

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Dr. Deborah Taylor

MBA Director & Senior Leader Apprenticeship Programme Leader | BU Business School

 

Howard Gunstock

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Nicola Newman 

Project Lead

Dorset Local Skills Improvement Plan

 

Matt Hammond

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Matt Hammond

CEO and Founder

Talk Think Do

 

 

Emily Fripp

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Emily Fripp

Director

EFECA

 

Adam Walker

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Adam Walker

Co-Founder & Entrepreneur

FOUNDRY

Adam Walker

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Cllr Jill Haynes

Portfolio Holder

Dorset Council

 

Jake Moore

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Jake Moore

Global Cybesecurity Advisor

ESET

 

Matt Hammond

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David Smith

Economics Editor

The Sunday Times 

 

Philip Sayles

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Philip Sayles

Principal & CEO 

Bournemouth & Poole College

 

Gary Neild

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Gary Neild

CEO 

Blue Sky Financial Planning

 

Howard Gunstock

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Howard Gunstock

Eco-Champion and Chief Kelper 

Carbon Kapture

 

Tom Alder

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Tom Alder 

Partner – Planning

Lester Aldridge 

 

Kevin Barnett

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Kevin Barnett 

Partner 

Lester Aldridge

 

What’s Included?

Within your ticket you get full entry to the conference and panel discussions. You’ll also receive:

  • Coffee and pastries on arrival
  • Morning and afternoon refreshments
  • Buffet lunch with hot and cold buffet options
  • Delegate pack including conference guide and delegate list
  • Extensive networking opportunities

Premier Festival Partner

Lester Aldridge

Festival Partners