BIG South London Business Innovation and Growth Summit
11:00 - 18:30 | 29 November 2022 | Kingston University's Townhouse, KT1 2EE
Calling all businesses in South London!
The Business Innovation Growth (BIG) Summit and Showcase will bring together stakeholders from across higher education, local authorities and businesses to discuss how innovation can be developed to support jobs, skills and economic development across South London.
The event will demonstrate the breadth of innovation already taking place in South London, and the opportunities created by its leading clusters and discuss the next steps for further growth. We’ll explore how businesses can develop and thrive through working with higher education institutions, what institutions can learn from businesses and what is needed to support collaboration and generate opportunities, as well as what role the local authorities have in developing innovative ideas and projects further.
Make sure you are part of the conversation shaping our region’s economic future.
Sign up for the Innovation Showcase.
Innovation Showcase
Open To Visitors From 11am
The Showcase will feature an exhibition of innovation from across our five South London boroughs: Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton. We’ll hear case studies of established research projects, SMEs transforming their supply chains and innovators working on collaborative R&D projects, all of whom have received the support of the BIG South London programme.
The Innovation Showcase offers the opportunity for businesses, organisations and innovators to make new contacts, reach a wider audience and be inspired.
Innovation Summit
The BIG South London Business, Innovation & Growth Summit is a free-to-attend event, inviting businesses and stakeholders from across Croydon, Kingston upon Thames, Merton, Richmond upon Thames and Sutton. Delegates will hear from keynote speakers and join discussions demonstrating the breadth of innovation already taking place in South London, the opportunities created by its leading clusters and discuss the next steps for further growth and how this can support local businesses.
Summit Agenda
Professor Helen Laville, Provost at Kingston University will deliver a speech welcoming attendees to the event.
1:25 – 1:40PM Innovation Opportunities: Institute Of Cancer Research (ICR)
Professor Paul Workman will deliver a keynote speech highlighting the opportunities of the life science sector in the UK and the role of the ICR in driving that innovation in South London and further, alongside his own personal experience working across academia and business.
1:40 – 2:25PM What Role Does Higher Education Play In Creating Thriving Communities?
Universities and other higher education institutions are powerhouses for knowledge, innovation and skills. But how does this translate into economic development and social mobility for the areas in which they are based? How can they support local businesses and ensure that their communities can be given the right skills for future jobs? How can they become community hubs, sharing their expertise not just with academics but everyone? Join our panel discussion to learn what some of South London’s major universities are doing to deliver placemaking, innovation and prosperity to their communities and the wider region.
Speakers Include: Diana Beech, Chief Executive at London Higher. Rosemary Nunn, Executive Direction at University of Greenwich. Richard Keogh, Vice-Provost at University of Roehampton. John Spindler, Cheif Executive at Capital Enterprise.
2:25 – 3:45PM Breakout Sessions
With six breakout sessions to choose from, you’ll be able to explore some interesting topics with a panel of expert speakers. Choose from:
The Future Of Work with Diana Sterk, Vibushan Thurukumar and Carole Squires.
Ideas Forum – Internet of Things and its Opportunities for South London with Andrew Parsons
How Can South London’s Innovation Clusters Deliver For The Wider Community and Economy with Paul Kirkbright, Conrad Thomson and David Randall.
Sector Focus: Creative with Robin Hutchinson and Kristian Aspinall
Sector Focus: Contruction
Sector Focus: Life Sciences and Healthcare with Joop Tanis.
3:45 – 4:00PM Business Evolution Through Cluster Innovation
Syma Cullasy-Aldridge will deliver a keynote address to highlight the work that the CBI have been doing in the UK to support and invest in cluster development, what they have learnt and the opportunities this can present.
4:00 – 4:45PM Delivering Essential Skills For Tomorrow’s Workforce
The world is changing, new challenges are being faced and there will be an increasing need for new skills to be acquired to ensure that future projects and ambitions can be reached and that everyone in society has the opportunity to learn, develop and have a good job. How is South London working together to ensure that it supports the skills agenda? What are the skills needed in the region to help support its development and growth, whilst creating opportunities further afield? How can the innovation sector support?
Speakers include: Paul Kirkbright, Facilitator at South London Partnership. Peter Mayhew-Smith, Group CEO at South Thames College. Professor Helen Laville, Provost. Tony Lewin, Principal at Southwark College.
4:45 – 5:00PM Climate Change Innovation
Leading representatives will take part in a fireside chat to discuss climate change, the innovations needed to help mitigate it and the role businesses can play. Speakers include Professor Richard Templer from CCCI.
5:00 – 5:30PM Innovation Awards 2022
Announced By: Cllr. Gareth Roberts, Leader, Richmond Borough Council and Cllr. Andreas Kirsch, Leader, Kingston Borough Council. Speakers include Cllr. Gareth Roberts, Leader, Richmond Borough Council and Cllr. Andreas Kirsch, Leader, Kingston Borough Council
5:30 – 5:45PM Summit Closing and Drinks Reception
Clare O’Connor, Director at SLP wrap up the BIG Innovation Summit.
