Summit Schedule

RESET Kent and medway

Your schedule for the Kent and Medway Business Summit on Thursday 17 September 2026.

Book your place at the Summit

8:00 - 9:00 | Arrival breakfast & networking

An opportunity for delegates to connect, meet fellow participants and begin the day's conversations.

9:00 - 9:15 | Welcome to Reset Kent and Medway

Opening remarks and introduction to the summit from the Vice-Chancellor.

9:15 - 9:45 | Sibson LT3

We are delighted to welcome Rupal Patel to deliver our keynote speech.

Rupal Patel

After a thrilling career at the CIA, Rupal has launched an award-winning business, become a bestselling author and an international speaker.

Discover more about Rupal

From CIA to CEO

Rupal's will touch on the challenges of navigating uncertainty and punching above your weight to experience growth and opportunity while acknowledging the power of leveraging community.

Meet Rupal

9:45 - 10:35 | Sibson LT3

Economy

From inflation and interest rates to innovation, investment and consumer confidence, businesses are navigating an increasingly complex economic landscape. This session brings together national economic insight and real-world business experience to explore the forces shaping growth in Kent and beyond.

Featuring an economic update from Patrick Campbell at the Bank of England and contributions from business leaders and delegates, the discussion, led by Chief Executive of KICC, Tudor Price, will examine how businesses can respond to changing conditions, seize new opportunities and build resilience in uncertain times. Delegates will have the opportunity to join the conversation through a facilitated Q&A exploring the challenges and opportunities facing Kent's economy today.

10:35 - 11:05 Refreshment break & networking

11:05 - 11:55 | Sibson LT3

Democracy

After the announcement that Local Government Reorganisation is being paused, what does this mean for Kent and Medway’s businesses, communities and economic growth? Political commentator and broadcaster Iain Dale hosts a Summit edition of Cross Question putting your questions to political leaders and stakeholders, including:

Cllr Vince Maple, Leader of Medway Council
Andrew Metcalf, Chair of Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce
Deborah Turner, Chartered Surveyor and Co-Founder of Breakthrough Women
Susie Warran-Smith CBE DL, Former founder (sold to EY), Non-Executive Director, author and frequent media commentator.

11:55-12:05 Comfort break

12:05 - 13:00 | Sibson LT3

Identity

What story does our region tell about itself? How do identity, confidence and place influence growth, investment and talent?

This interactive session will explore how Kent and Medway can strengthen its sense of place and position itself for the future. The conversation will be led by Jemma Fairclough-Haynes and featuring contributions from business leaders, alongside participant-led breakout discussions and audience feedback.

13:00 - 14:00 Lunch and networking

Relax and enjoy a Kentish buffet lunch and juice provided by Biddenden Vineyards, bringing a real taste of Kent to the Summit experience.

14:00 - 14:30

Conference reflections

Drawing together the insights, challenges and opportunities identified throughout the day, the closing session, chaired by Kent Business School Lecturer, Dr Joel Montgomery, will explore what "Reset Kent" means in practice and consider the actions required to shape the county's next chapter. With reflections from Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Georgina Randsley de Moura.

Afternoon tours and networking

14:30 - 15:15

Choose from one of the following interactive sessions:

Got a business challenge? Let's explore it together.

Join academics from Kent Business School for an informal round-table conversation about the ways we could work with your business.

Whether you’re looking for fresh thinking from students, exploring innovation or funding opportunities, developing your people or tackling a specific business challenge, come along and start a conversation. Our academics bring expertise across areas including HR, finance, sustainability, marketing, strategy and skills.

Take a walk across campus to discover Kent Law School and its outstanding teaching and community facilities. Visit our purpose-built Moot Court, where students develop their advocacy and courtroom skills in an authentic mock courtroom environment and learn about Kent Law Clinic, our award-winning pro bono legal service supporting people who live and work across Kent.

During the visit, hear from Professor Lisa Dickson, Head of Kent Law School and meet members of our Clinic solicitor team to learn more about the School's innovative approach to legal education, research and public engagement.

Wander over to the Gulbenkian, the University's resident Arts Centre, to see the spaces and hear more about the variety of activity that takes place throughout the year. The tour will end with a special screening of "Kent at 60" in the Gulbenkian Cinema.