Economic uncertainty, political upheaval, shifting identities, skills shortages, infrastructure pressures and changing public expectations are all colliding at once. Yet too often, we discuss these issues in isolation.
Join us on Thursday 17 September to stop talking about the challenges — and start reshaping what comes next.
This is not another day of passive panels and predictable speeches. Expect a dynamic, participant-led event built around discussion, movement, debate and collaboration — bringing together business leaders, policymakers, educators, innovators and entrepreneurs to ask the big questions about where the region is heading next.
Our industry & political experts will be exploring three big themes exploring what is really driving the current economic reality - and how we can influence it in Kent and Medway.
An update from the Bank of England will be followed by a discussion led by Chamber Chief Excecutive, Tudor Price, on what is really driving today's economic reality - and how can Kent influence it?
Political broadcaster, Iain Dale, will be asking senior political and business leaders your questions on how pausing local government reorganisation may impact Kent businesses and economic growth.
Jemma Fairclough-Haynes will be leading the conversation around identity alongside other successful business leaders, as we discuss who is Kent - and what do we want to be?
Iain Dale is an LBC Radio presenter, host of the podcast 'Where Politics Meets History' and author and editor of over 50 political books.
After a thrilling career at the CIA, Rupal has since launched an award-winning business, become a bestselling author and an internationally recognised leadership expert.
Patrick is one of the Bank of England's Agents. Hear an economic update from the Bank of England, the institution whose job it is to maintain UK monetary policy and financial stability.
Jemma is an employment law expert and business leader with more than a decade in business. She is the CEO and Founder of Orchard Employment Law, a multi-award-winning consultancy.
Bringing over thirty years in the department store sector at Fenwick Limited with roles spanning across trading activities, retail operations and property.
Dr Jason R.C. Nurse is a Reader in Cyber Security in the Institute of Cyber Security for Society and the School of Computing at the University of Kent. He also is a Research Member at the University.
Sarah is Non-Executive Chair of Grow in Kent, bringing more than 30 years of leadership experience across tourism, heritage and commercial development, including 15 years at Warner Bros.
Dr Joel Montgomery is a Lecturer in Leadership and Student Experience Lead at Kent Business School. His research and practice focus on skills articulation, employability and graduate readiness.
Richard Peretti is an award-winning Creative Director and the founder of Kent-based production studio Polyplay. With more than 20 years’ experience he has worked with big name brands.
Kris is Chief Executive of Spadework, an award-winning Kent charity supporting adults with learning and other disabilities, people living with dementia, carers and those navigating bereavement.
Missy Omotosho is a Financial Conduct Authority professional, conference host, public speaker and Founder of Kent & Canterbury Black Women Forward.
Tudor Price is the Chief Executive at Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce which is the official Chamber for Kent and Medway and part of the British Chambers of Commerce network.
Michael is Chief Executive of Kent Cricket, one of the county’s most recognised sporting brands, with a reach across communities, businesses and partners throughout Kent.
Toyin is the Founder of The Wonder Lab Project, an award-winning STEM education initiative based in Medway, Kent, dedicated to inspiring children and young people through hands-on science and more.
Steve is Head of the Economy group at Kent County Council. He oversees the Kent & Medway Economic Framework, the Get Kent & Medway Working Plan and the emerging Kent & Medway Local Growth Plan.
Karl is a lecturer at Kent Business School, where he leads the Centre for Philanthropy and teaches on the MA in Philanthropic Studies. He has 25+ years’ experience of working with charities and more.
Lydia McKeown is a Chartered Marketer, entrepreneur and Founder of We Do Marketing, a Kent-based strategic marketing agency helping ambitious businesses turn marketing into measurable growth.
David Atkinson is COO of Veetee Foods. After a career with P&G, Premier Foods, Hain Celestial and Tata Consumer he joined the Varma family this year to support their continued growth of the Veetee Foods and Rice business based in Medway, including their expansion in the USA.
Vince is Chair of the Kent and Medway Economic Partnership, a Board Member of Transport for South East and a director at VA Rail, a strategic rail consultancy that works for all parts of the UK Rail Industry and has undertaken projects in France, Netherlands, Sweden and support for Japanese rail companies.
Dr Marek Grzes is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computing at the University of Kent. His research and development are focused on AI and its applications.
Hulya Erdal is a professional chef, culinary educator, business lecturer, coach and hospitality specialist with more than 20 years’ experience spanning the hospitality, catering, education and training sectors. She is currently co-founding The Bridge CIC.
John Parkinson is Chief Executive Officer of HRGO Recruitment, where he has led the group’s digital transformation over the past decade. With a background in software development, he has modernised HRGO by introducing technology while still preserving family values. As part of his commitment to improving the experience of hiring for both clients and candidates, he has led research into the future of hiring with the University of Kent.
Sweena is a senior business development and strategic partnerships professional with 17+ years' experience across professional services, construction, finance, and regional economic development. She is a Director at iKnekt Ltd and Regional Chair of the Institute of Directors (IoD) South East, and sits on the board of the Kent & Medway Economic Partnership (KMEP).
Dr Robert Barker is a Senior Lecturer in Chemistry and Forensic Science. His passion for sustainable chemistry has led him to collaborate with numerous businesses across agriculture and agri-tech to drive innovation that's healthier for us and the planet.
We are committed to delivering this Summit in a way that reflects the University of Kent’s sustainability values. By making thoughtful choices around travel, catering, materials, waste and event delivery, we aim to reduce our environmental impact while creating an inclusive, responsible and positive event for everyone involved.
Got some old tech gathering dust? Bring it along to the Summit.
We’re running a Tech Amnesty with Currys Business and ICT Reverse, with delegates invited to bring unwanted laptops, desktop computers, screens, printers, wires/cables, tablets and mobile phones.
Everything collected will be assessed by ICT Reverse, with reuse prioritised over recycling wherever possible. If something can’t be reused, its component parts will be recycled, with nothing sent to landfill. Any devices containing data will also be securely erased or destroyed using approved processes.
Delegates can drop their unwanted tech off at the Tech Amnesty stand in the Sibson foyer on the day.
