Kent and Medway Business Summit 2025

Working together to secure a sustainable economy in Kent

The Kent and Medway Business Summit will take place again on Tuesday 13 May 2025 in the stunning Sibson building on the Canterbury campus of the University of Kent, with a headline talk from YolanDa Brown, OBE, DL, Chancellor and entrepreneur.

Sponsored by Leverets and delivered in partnership with the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce, with associates the Institute of Directors and the Federation of Small Businesses, the eighth annual Summit will be bigger and bolder than before with a full day of talks and activities. It will be a space to share ideas and strategies, bringing together businesses, key policymakers and leading academics to encourage collaboration to deliver economic impact in our region.

From practical sessions on how new technology can make your business more productive to direct access to academic expertise and future graduates, it will form the starting point for ongoing connections that can help drive a positive future for Kent.

Professor Georgina Randsley de Moura, Acting Vice Chancellor at the Univesity of Kent, said: ‘We’re really excited for the return of the Kent and Medway Business Summit – and for its new look. As a university we are committed to working with employers to tackle any skills gaps and ensure the future workforce is best placed to face the world of work. This summit gives us a fantastic opportunity for us to engage with our partners and find more ways to help and support them so that together we can secure real, longlasting and sustainable growth for the region.’

YolanDa Brown will take part in a fireside chat to close the event, where she’ll reflect on launching restaurant/venue business

Soul Mama, and becoming world record holder for the most successful crowdfunder in history.

Alongside YolanDa, Anna Leach, Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors, will be delivering a keynote speech. Attendees will also hear from Kent County and Medway Councillors, the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce (KICC).

Tudor Price, CEO of KICC, said: ‘The Chamber is delighted to be partnering with the University of Kent for this year’s Kent & Medway Business Summit. This is such an important event for business leaders at a time of great economic change and uncertainty. Working with the University to help businesses adapt and plan for the future, is of great importance and we’re looking forward to what is shaping up to be a really informative day.’

As well as panel events and talks, there will be a number of workshops giving attendees the chance to share best practice and tackle some of the region’s key business challenges including supporting small enterprises, securing a skilled future workforce and a look at the infrastructure needed to help Kent and Medway thrive – taking into consideration Kent’s unique reliance on transport networks, ports, infrastructure, roads, and resources.

The day will include a networking lunch as well as a unique opportunity to netwalk while exploring the University’s green campus and fantastic facilities – including their new ballistics unit, biotech hub, Gulbenkian theatre, digital and AI tech hub and the Kent Community Oasis Garden.

Rupert Butler, Head of Legal Practice at Lead Sponsor

Leverets said: ‘Leverets is, once again, delighted to be the headline sponsor for the Kent and Medway Business Summit. We are excited about its new format and position in the calendar, which will be an even bigger and better opportunity for connecting and informing Kent’s business community.’

Tickets are now on sale with a discount price available for KICC members. Find out more and secure your place now: https://www.kent.ac.uk/business-summit