Conference to focus on regional prosperity post-Brexit

Posted on October 11th, 2017

A major conference next month will help regional businesses gain a better understanding of the challenges facing the economy post-Brexit.

It will also offer an insight into the strategic vision for the East Midlands and how the region could capitalise on leaving the EU.

The East Midlands Chamber* State of the Economy Conference will bring together leading economic analysts, political representatives and prominent regional business-leaders to present a geographical focus on this major national issue.

It will also offer an opportunity for businesses and keynote speakers to influence and convey compelling messages to decision-makers to ensure their voice is heard in shaping Britain’s future.

The conference will take place more than seven months after Article 50 was triggered. But the route Britain will take to leave the EU is still not clear.

Discussions have focused on what the UK will have to pay to leave the EU instead of future trade agreements, the rights of EU citizens in the UK and UK citizens in the EU and access to the customs union and single market.

Doubts about Britain’s long-term relationship with the EU are causing concern among the business community and among global financial institutions which receive frequent conflicting reports about the UK’s status and forecasts.

With an audience of business leaders from across the region, keynote speakers will include Nicky Morgan, MP for Loughborough and Chair of the Treasury Select Committee, and Lilian Greenwood, MP for Nottingham South and Chair of the Transport Select Committee, who will each offer an insight into the political perspective.

Alastair Cunningham, East Midlands Agent for the Bank of England, will discuss UK performance and offer a post-Brexit prognosis, Justin Urquhart-Stewart, of Seven Investment Management, will offer a commentary on Optimising Regional Potential in a Post-Brexit UK and Patrick Magee, CEO of the British Business Bank, will talk about a platform for support.

There will also be two panel discussions. The first, under the title Realising New Opportunities/Providing Tools for Growth, will feature Emma Titmus, of Primary Markets, London Stock Exchange, Dr Nik Kotecha, Chief Executive at Morningside Pharmaceuticals, and Garry Mowbray, Director of Finance at Bombardier Transportation.

The second panel, Making it Happen – Addressing Challenges and Lobbying Government, will feature Jochen Schnadt, Chief Commercial Officer at bmi regional, Paul Harris, Director of Economic Development at Rolls-Royce, Camilla Wigmore, Managing Director at Abacus Lighting, the Chamber’s Nottinghamshire Business of the Year winner, and Tim Pryce, CEO at Icon Aerospace, part of the Rolls-Royce supply chain and winner of the Chamber’s Nottinghamshire Outstanding Growth Award and the British Chambers of Commerce East Midlands High Growth Business of the Year Award.

Chris Hobson
Chris Hobson, Director of Policy at East Midlands Chamber*, said: “This conference, and what will come out of it, is all about business not being passive about Brexit but making sure it takes a central role in negotiations to ensure this region’s strengths are built upon and help shape the vision for what a successful East Midlands economy should look like in a future outside the EU.

“We'll examine the latest research and projections for the regional and national economy and consider what impact there might be as a consequence of an inconclusive General Election and apparently stalled Brexit negotiations, which have heightened political instability and economic uncertainty.

“This event will consider the key opportunities that exist for East Midlands businesses and look at the options available for support that are open to them.”

The event, sponsored by bmi regional with additional support from Turner & Townsend, takes place at Rolls-Royce, Derby, between 1pm and 4pm on Friday 10 November.

Fuller details and booking options can be found at http://bit.ly/2yAtkDH.

Ends

*East Midlands Chamber (Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire)

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