Proud to support the Kent and Medway Business Summit

Kreston Reeves was proud to be the headline sponsor of the 2021 Kent and Medway Business Summit that took place on Friday 15 January 2021. More than 300 delegates from across the Kent and Medway community joined the virtual event to enjoy 5 hours of collaboration, inspiring speakers and networking.

Organised by the University of Kent, Federation of Small Businesses, Institute of Directors and Locate in Kent, the event brought together key policymakers with large and small businesses to create and share a vision for the region.

Speakers included Kent County Council leader, Cllr Roger Gough, Deputy Chief Executive at Medway Council, Richard Hicks and CEO at Locate in Kent, Gavin Cleary.

They all shared an exciting future for Kent and Medway with news on inward investment, support for jobs and business plus the bid for Medway to be the UK City of Culture 2025.

At a national level, the summit heard from speakers including Prof Anand Menon, regular Radio 4 contributor and director of UK in a Changing Europe, who spoke about the UK’s new political relationship with the EU, and its impact on business.

Director of Policy from the Institute of Directors, Dr Roger Barker, gave insights into the latest from the Government’s response to COVID-19.

The final keynote of the day was given by global tech pioneer, Rana el Kaliouby, who spoke about Emotion and AI and its impact on society and businesses.

In addition to the keynote speeches, delegates took part in workshops on innovation and productivity in the region’s food and drink sector, the future of our town centres and high streets, the development of digital skills in the region and creation of a sustainable infrastructure.

Using the virtual platform, Remo, delegates were able to move freely across three ‘floors’ of a digital conference centre, interacting and networking.

Professor Marian Garcia, Dean of Kent Business School which leads on planning the summit, said: “The past year has been extremely challenging for a number of sectors, so was important that the Summit provided a platform at this pivotal time for businesses to come together with policymakers to create a shared vision for Kent and Medway.

“It was inspiring to hear the work our local authorities and agencies are doing to ensure the renewal of the region and to see the clear passion and resilience of the business communities.

“Thanks to our Summit partners and sponsors whose support made the event possible.”

Andrew Griggs, Senior Partner at Kreston Reeves, commented: “The Kent and Medway Business Summit was a great event and we were delighted that we could support their first virtual summit. With all the economic, social, technological and political changes and challenges we are experiencing, it’s important that businesses remember to talk to and support each other, continue to look for opportunities, remain agile, adapt and innovate. They must continue to look ahead and plan for the future.

“We are proud  to work alongside Kent and Medway businesses to help them reach a brighter future and support our local business community.

“Kent and Medway is home to many resilient, successful, innovative and inspirational businesses and it was fantastic to connect with them on this new virtual platform”.

Supporting sponsors were Kayo Digital, Canterbury AI, British Business Bank and Southeastern Railway.

For full list of agenda and speakers go here: http://kenthospitality.kent.ac.uk/Register/DocumentStore/Agenda.pdf