National Railway Museum, York
Wednesday 7 October 2009.
Join as at the National Railway Museum for the most prestigious business event of the year. The perfect opportunity to network with 500 business people from across Yorkshire and the Humber.
Tickets are selling fast and it if you want to book individual tables you can do so.
Find more details here or download the booking form.
Jonathan Shipton (left) has been seconded as assistant regional director to the CBI's Yorkshire and Humber office.
Jonathan brings over 13 years experience from Grant Thornton's Leeds corporate finance team in advising clients on fund raising, management buy-outs, company disposals and acquisitions.
"I am delighted to be working with the CBI. The secondment gives me a great opportunity to use and develop my skills to help members with a wide range of business issues. I'm really looking forward to working with Andrew and the CBI team, at a time when all businesses are facing significant challenges."
CBI regional director Andrew Palmer said: "Jonathan's experience and skills in financial services will play an important part in ensuring we help the government to target its support where it will have the most impact.
"Like the manufacturing sector a decade ago, this is a period of rapid change – and the winners will be those that adapt and seize new opportunities."
One of the leading difficulties is ensuring business access to finance: "We have started a monthly survey to monitor the reality and welcome views from all businesses in the region.
"It is really important to find affordable ways for businesses to keep investing in skills and we want to encourage businesses to tap into the resources and expertise in universities and colleges to address some of this."
GT managing partner Jonathan Riley said: "Jonathan Shipton is one of our most able and respected directors. We have always seen the CBI as a critical part of ensuring the region is heard by government and know that Jonathan will hit the ground running in helping address the current business challenges."
Andrew Palmer is among 30 ambassadors recruited by regional mininster Rosie Winterton to support the region.
Their business knowledge and experience will be used to help other businesses in the downturn as well as to support the region’s inward investment plans.
Their first act was to write an open letter to all regional media, urging businesses to continue investing in skills through the downturn and to use the free business support available.
The letter highlights business leaders success in coming through previous recessions and the pooling of their experiences to identify the top priorities for Yorkshire and Humber's businesses.
Read the open letter.