EMC Annual Dinner

East Midlands Chamber of Commerce Annual Dinner

More than 400 business leaders from across Derbyshire, Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire attended a black-tie gala dinner at Heathland Grove in Derbyshire on June 30.

Deputy Chief Medical Officer for England Sir Jonathan Van-Tam was the keynote speaker for the event, offering thoughts on the importance of authenticity. Sir Jonathan was a regular fixture at televised press conferences during the Covid-19 pandemic, and is regarded as one of Britain’s most high-profile scientists.

“Too many scientists believe it’s their job to be erudite and scientific in terms of their communication,” Sir Jonathan said. “I see it the other way – success is in not talking science and actually turning it into a lived experience for the person who needs the information.”

The Annual Dinner raised funds for three charities that EMC president Lindsey Williams had nominated for 2022 – Focus, Nottinghamshire Wildlife Trust, and Treetops Hospice.

Lindsey also spoke at the event, highlighting the work done by EMC’s young professionals’ network, Generation Next, ahead of its second annual awards – which took place on July 14. She also celebrated the 25th anniversary of the Enterprising Women’s Network.