CBI Business Summit – People, Place, Planet

From the race to net zero to addressing social and regional inequalities, discover how to drive progress on today’s biggest business challenges – and see how firms in the north can grasp the huge opportunities on offer.

Why you should attend:

The inaugural business summit will focus on three areas that offer firms both the most significant challenges and incredible opportunities – people, place and planet. And how businesses in the north are best placed to tackle these issues and reap the rewards.

You’ll get practical advice on how to get ahead of the race to net zero; how to address the critical imbalance of opportunity in the UK; and how to see the tangible benefits of devolution. Enjoy a mix of high-level networking opportunities, insightful discussion and lively debate, and discover how your business can get – and stay – ahead of the curve.

Confirmed speakers include:

Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
Dame Carolyn Fairbairn, Director General, CBI
Andy Haldane, Chief Economist, Bank of England
Julian Richer, Founder, Richer Sounds
Fiona Devine, Dean, Manchester Business School
Sanjaya Ranasinghe, Technical Director, WiredScore
Hywel Rees, Chief Executive, Leeds Bradford Airport

Featured sessions:

Place

11:30 What is ‘levelling up’ and how could it lead to shared prosperity?

Government has prioritised additional regional spend though questions of funding remain, and the devolution journey to areas in England has not been straightforward. This session will review the journey to unlock regional growth so far, consider how devolution should be a part of reigniting the regions and consider what steps the UK should take to ensure we can see the benefits experienced in the cities and regions of our neighbours.

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12:20 Connectivity is key

Effective connectivity for both urban and rural areas is imperative for a productive UK economy that can compete successfully globally. This quick-fire interview session will discuss the importance of infrastructure to the rebalancing of the economy and the way in which business can play its part in achieving progress.

People

14:00 How can business help to improve social mobility in the UK?

Social inequality affects not only specific individuals but the whole community. For the UK to thrive socially and economically, both government and business must step up to ensure people from all walks of life have the same opportunity to succeed. Understand the issues, ideas and solutions surrounding the critical imbalance of opportunity in the UK – and see how this specifically affects businesses and people in the north.

Planet

15:00 From industrialisation to decarbonisation – the role of the north in the race to net-zero

As the most industrial area of the UK, the north is well-placed to lead the way to decarbonisation. There is a huge appetite to change and increasing funds available, but how can business put the pieces of the puzzle together to help the UK meet the net-zero target? Discover how you as a business leader can make a real difference towards a sustainable UK, and how your firm can play a key role in creating good, green jobs close to home.

15:40 How to change behaviour without changing minds?

Half the battle of moving towards a sustainable economy is changing people’s behaviour – whether those people are employees, customers or suppliers. How can business help to change behaviour whilst managing supply and demand? Find out the role you and your firm can play in changing the attitudes of your supply chain, without impacting your prosperity.

Conference programme:

09:00     Registration

10:00     Welcome & Introduction

10:05     Opening address & Q&A 

10:30     Politcal address & Q&A

11:00     Coffee break – Networking and Exhibition Showcase

11:30     Debate: Levelling up: Is devolution enough? 

12:20     Interviews: Connectivity is key

13:00     Lunch – Networking and Exhibition Showcase

14:00     Debate: How can business help to improve social mobility in the UK?

14:40     Coffee break – Networking and Exhibition Showcase

15:40     Keynote address: How to change behaviour without changing minds?

16:10     Closing remarks

16:15     Networking reception and Exhibition Showcase

Ticketing information:
The CBI Business Summit welcomes business leaders from all organisations, including those that are not members of the CBI.

If you have any questions:
Please contact the CBI Events team on CBIevents@cbi.org.uk.

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