Last week, our Managing Director Suzanne Caldwell and Marketing Manager Joe Sanders attended the British Chamber of Commerce (BCC) Global Annual Conference at the QEII Centre in London.
The conference brings together business leaders from across the UK, and the globe, to discuss the key challenges to build a better future for business, the economy, and people in our local communities.
It’s an opportunity to hear from senior politicians and other notable public figures on current issues facing business and to network with colleagues and other members from across the Chamber network.
After a welcome from Baroness Martha Lane Fox CBE, the morning keynote was delivered by Shevaun Haviland, Director General of the BCC. Shevaun’s speech highlighted the key asks for the next government as outlined in the BCC’s ‘Future of the Economy’ manifesto including:
– An industrial strategy with green innovation at its heart
– A better plan for skills
– Business rates reform
– Improving EU relations to cut costs for business
– An AI Champion for small and medium-sized enterprises
The two political speakers on the day were Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade Jonathan Reynolds and Secretary of State for Business and Trade Kemi Badenoch. Both speakers outlined their own party’s plans for the next government and took questions from journalist Rachel Sylvester.
The rest of the day consisted of four panel discussions on the following topics: People and Work, Global Britain, Digital Revolution, Green Innovation, and Local Economy of the Future. The conversations were full of interesting takeaways and recommendations for the next government including ways of reforming skills; promoting health and wellbeing in the workforce; opportunities around AI as well as cybersecurity risks posed by AI; how the UK can attract and retain global investment.
Suzanne said: “The BCC conference provided valuable insights and fresh perspectives on tackling challenges particularly regarding digital innovation. Hearing from industry leaders in these areas is invaluable as we work to support businesses and drive growth in Cumbria. We’d highly recommend that our members join us at next year’s conference, not least for the great networking opportunities on offer.”
Check out the highlight reel from the conference below.
