Kent and Medway Business Summit
Kent and Medway stands at a turning point
It's time for change.
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 Kent is heading next.
What is Kent?
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.
Economy
The Bank of England will kick off the question of what is really driving today's economic reality - and how can Kent influence it?
Devolution
Political broadcaster, Iain Dale, will be asking for your contributions on what devolution means for Kent businesses - and how can we shape it?
Identity
Jemma Fairclough-Haynes will be leading the conversation around identity alongside Hugo Fenwick and other successful business leaders, as we discuss who is Kent - and what do we want to be?
Have your say in our expert-led sessions
For almost 10 years the Summit has been bringing together influential voices from across the county and beyond. But in 2026, the summit is evolving into something more ambitious. Hosted across our Canterbury campus, the format will offer a more interactive and immersive 'unconference' experience designed to encourage conversation, exploration and participation, with contributions from the likes of Iain Dale and Hugo Fenwick.
Iain Dale
Iain Dale is an LBC Radio presenter, host of the podcast 'Where Politics Meets History' and author of over 46 political books.
Rupal Patel
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.
The Bank of England
Hear an economic update from the institution whose job it is to maintain UK monetary policy and financial stability.
Jemma Fairclough-Haynes
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.
Hugo Fenwick
Bringing over thirty years in the department store sector at Fenwick Limited with roles spanning across trading activities, retail operations and property.
Richard Peretti
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.
Jason Nurse
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.
Help reshape Kent
Sponsor the Kent and Medway Business Summit and position your organisation at the heart of the conversations shaping the county's future. Connect with business leaders and demonstrate your commitment to regional growth.
Our partners
