Programme
Sibson Foyer
An opportunity for delegates to connect, meet fellow participants and begin the day's conversations.
Sibson Lecture Theatre 3
Opening remarks and introduction to the summit from the Vice-Chancellor.
Sibson Lecture Theatre 3
We are delighted to welcome Rupal Patel to deliver our keynote speech. After a thrilling career at the CIA, Rupal has launched an award-winning business, become a bestselling author and an internationally recognised leadership expert.
Sibson Lecture Theatre 3
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 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.
Sibson Foyer
Sibson Lecture Theatre 3
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.
Sibson Lecture Theatre 3
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.
Sibson Foyer
Relax and enjoy a Kentish buffet lunch and juice provided by Biddenden Vineyards, bringing a real taste of Kent to the Summit experience.
Sibson Lecture Theatre 3
Drawing together the insights, challenges and opportunities identified throughout the day, the closing session will explore what "Reset Kent" means in practice and consider the actions required to shape the county's next chapter.
Choose from one of the following interactive sessions:
- Working with Kent Business School
- Experience Kent Moot Court
- Kent on the big screen
Sibson Foyer/Courtyard
Join fellow delegates, speakers and contributors for an informal networking reception to end the day, kindly sponsored by Biddenden Vineyard.
Getting around
The event is taking place from 8am - 4pm in Sibson Building on our Canterbury campus (view on Google Maps).
The venue is approximately a 35 minute walk from Canterbury West station. There are also frequent 401 and Uni1 buses from Westgate Towers (< 5 minute walk from the station) to campus which take approx. 10 minutes.
If you are arriving by car, please park in Giles Lane Car Park - Giles Ln, Canterbury, CT2 7NB (view on Google Maps) - allowing 10 minutes to walk from here to Sibson. Parking is free of charge.
How to connect to WiFi
If you need a quiet space to take a call or meeting during the day, please ask a member of the team to direct you to our Delegate Room.
Work with us
Whether you're looking to grow your skills, network, reputation or business, our University at the heart of Kent and Medway's community is the place to start. There are many ways you can work with us to solve your problems and get ahead, inlcuding:
- Talent development recruitment
- CPD and corporate training
- Professional degrees
- Apprenticeships
- Research and innovation
- Facilities and venue hire
- Community engagement
- Corporate sponsorship
Speak to one of our team today or contact businessrelationships@kent.ac.uk to find out more about how we can work with you.
Support for the Summit
Thank you to Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, the Federation of Small Businesses and the Institute of Directors for supporting the Summit as event partners.
Special thanks also goes to:
- ROMAX for printing our name badges
- Biddenden Vineyards for providing the sparkling wine and fruit juice
- Fenwick for the goodie bags
- Macknade for the seasonal local fruit at breakfast
- Currys Business and ICT Reverse for supporting the Tech Amnesty
- Visual Line for videography.
And to the many speakers and delegates here today - we couldn't deliver this event without you.
Stay in touch
Interested in hearing more about our business events and local partnerships?