Organisers of the Kent and Medway Business Summit taking place in January have confirmed two key headline sponsors.

The event, which is due to take place at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus on Friday, January 14, will be the first major networking event of the year.

Organised by the Kent Business School, some 300 businesses, policy makers and academics are set to attend.

This year's focus will be on sustainable innovation and the drive for net zero carbon emissions.

And this week it has confirmed accountancy firm Kreston Reeves and law firm Thomson Snell & Passmore will sponsor the event.

Delegates will hear up-to-the-minute regional updates on major projects and developments including contributions from the Bank of England; the leader of Kent County Council, Roger Gough; the deputy chief executive of Medway Council, Richard Hicks; and Kate Willard, a Thames Estuary envoy.

The summit will include a panel discussion on sustaining more environmentally friendly businesses as well as the chance for delegates to join collaborative workshops to help create a road map for the region’s sustainable economic future.

Key topics will include place-making for the cultural and creative sector, retaining a skilled workforce in the region and challenges in productivity.

Professor Marian Garcia, dean of Kent Business School, said: “We are delighted to welcome our two headlines sponsors to the Kent and Medway Business Summit.

“Their support, and that of our other sponsors, makes it possible to host this regionally significant event which comes at a crucial time in our region’s future. The summit will offer the opportunity to collaborate on building a strong, sustainable future for Kent and Medway.”

Tickets for the event, now in its fifth year, cost £40 and include refreshments and buffet lunch. For more details and to book click here.

The event is led by Kent Business School with partners the Federation of Small Businesses, the Institute of Directors and Locate in Kent. Media partners are the Kent Messenger Group - publisher of this website.

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