Sky News’s lead politics presenter, and our host for today, will welcome delegates to conference. 

The Director General will set out what the BCC wants to see from Government to Deliver Growth and how the Chamber Network is helping British businesses grow across the UK and oversees. 

Keynote:  Senior Government Minister (Labour Party), followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge 

NatWest Delivering Growth:  Robert Begbie, CEO Commercial & Institutional, NatWest, in conversation with Michael Hayman MBE DL, Chair, British Chambers of Commerce.

Keynote:  The Rt Hon. Sir Mel Stride MP, Shadow Chancellor of the Exchequer, (Conservative Party), followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge 

Panel Discussion: Business Delivering Growth. 

Moderator: Sophy Ridge

Panellists: 

• Ciarán Quilty, Senior Vice President International, Intuit, 
• Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Heathrow
• Nikki Flanders, Managing Director, SSE Energy Customer Solutions  

[Business Leader TBC] Delivering Growth, in conversation with Michael Hayman MBE DL, Chair, British Chambers of Commerce 

Keynote: The Right Hon. Sir Ed Davey MP, Leader, Liberal Democrats, followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge 

Breakout 1:  Delivering Growth through AI Adoption  

Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, compete and grow. This session will examine AI adoption can unlock productivity gains across sectors. 

• Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, Chief Executive, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
• Dame Chi Onwurah MP, Chair, Science, Innovation and Technology Committee,
• James Kuht MBE, Founder and CEO, PAIR
• Leigh Thomas, Vice-President EMEA, Intuit.

Breakout 2:  Delivering Growth through Trade  

Building robust and adaptable supply chains is essential for maintaining economic stability and capitalising on international trade opportunities in an era of geopolitical uncertainty. Strengthening trade relationships and diversifying supply networks ensures business continuity whilst supporting long-term economic growth. 

• Paul Britton, Chief Executive, Thames Valley Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
• The Rt Hon Nick Thomas-Symonds MP, Paymaster General and Minister for the Cabinet Office (Minister for the Constitution and European Union Relations)
• (TBC) Ceri Morgan CBE, HM Trade Commissioner for Europe
• Soren Nikolajsen, Managing Director, Government & Industry Engagement: Defence and Trade, NatWest
• Mike Bagshaw, Founder, I.T.S. (International Taste Solutions Ltd)

Breakout 3:  Delivering Growth through Supply Chains 

Strategic investment in supply chain capabilities is fundamental to building resilient, efficient operations that can withstand disruption and seize emerging market opportunities. Channelling capital into modern logistics, technology and supplier networks strengthens competitiveness whilst laying the groundwork for sustainable, long-term economic growth. 

• Ashley Shorey-Mills, Supply Chain Director, Suffolk Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
• Sam Ulyatt, Chief Executive, Crown Commercial Agency
• Paul Doherty, Procurement Director, Heathrow
• Mark Dolman, Managing Director, Portable Space 

Breakout 4:  Delivering Growth through Skills  

Developing a highly skilled workforce aligned with evolving market demands is crucial for driving productivity gains and maintaining economic competitiveness. Investment in education, training and lifelong learning equips individuals and organisations to thrive in a rapidly changing economic landscape. 

• Corin Crane, Group Chief Executive, Coventry & Warwickshire Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
• Debbie Abrahams MP, Chair, Work and Pensions Committee
• Rt Hon Chloe Smith, President, CIPD  
• David Roberts, Executive Chairman, Evtec Group Holdings Ltd.

Breakout 5:  Delivering Growth through Infrastructure Investment 

Modern, reliable infrastructure forms the backbone of economic competitiveness, enabling efficient movement of goods, services and people whilst attracting investment. Accelerating infrastructure development and digital connectivity creates the foundation for sustainable growth and enhanced regional prosperity. 

• John McCabe DL, Chief Executive, North East Chamber of Commerce (Moderator)
• Lord Stockwood, Minister for Investment, Department for Business and Trade and HM Treasury, 
• Joanna Averley, Chief Planner, Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 
• Nigel Milton, Chief Communications and Sustainability Officer, Heathrow, 
• John Sayers, Managing Director, Hodgson Sayers. 

Breakout 6:  Delivering Long Term Growth – 2030s Prosperity Alliance 

Sound fiscal policy that balances investment with sustainability creates the conditions for both business confidence and economic resilience. A well-designed fiscal framework can stimulate innovation whilst ensuring long-term economic stability. 

• Shevaun Haviland CBE, Director General, British Chambers of Commerce (Moderator)
• Rick Haythornthwaite, Chair, NatWest.

Keynote:  The Rt Hon. Robert Jenrick MP, Treasury Spokesperson, Reform UK  

Followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge  

Panel Discussion:  Delivering Growth through Chambers 

• Sophy Ridge (Moderator), 
• Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive, Aberdeen Chamber of Commerce
• Katie Keenan, Chief Executive, British Chamber of Commerce, Dubai
• Douglas Ure, Chief Executive, Business West
• Suzanne Wylie OBE, Chief Executive, Northern Ireland Chamber of Commerce. 

Keynote:  Zack Polanski AM, Leader, Green Party of England and Wales, followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge 

Keynote:  Zack Polanski AM, Leader, Green Party of England and Wales, followed by Q&A with Sophy Ridge