Conference Series: Urban Revival

Live session

Speakers

• 
  Tony Danker Director-General, CBI ​

Live session

This discussion will address:

• What do we know about the shift to flexible working?
• How can businesses successfully engage their employees to achieve a healthy and productive workplace fit for the future?
• How will greater flexibility in where, when and how we work impact cities, towns and rural areas?

On-demand content

• Based on the shifting needs of people and firms, what will town and city centres look like post-pandemic, and in 10 years’ time?​
• How dependent are people on face-to-face interactions whether shopping, socialising or working, and how will this impact the built environment?​
• What can be done with currently vacant commercial space? Is there too much? What new opportunities exist?​
• How might the changing use of space affect investment into commercial property?

Speakers

• 
  Melanie Leech Chief Executive, British Property Federation​
• 
  Richard Morris CEO, IWG UK

Live session

This discussion will address:

• Should technology on the high street be embraced or feared?​
• Has consumer behaviour shifted away from what people would traditionally expect to find on the high street?​
• What technologies will be the most transformational to urban life including retail and hospitality?​
• Do potential societal implications for consumers such as the use of personal data outweigh a more tailored experience?​

Speakers

• 
  Sophie Birshan Head of Industry, Retail, Google
• 
  Felicity Burch Director of Innovation, CBI

On-demand content

Pair 1: In Discussion with

• What does the future of the UK economy look like in 10 years’ time?​
• How will the role of towns and cities evolve as we emerge from the pandemic?​
• How can UK towns and cities innovate and compete internationally? What are our advantages and disadvantages?​

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Pair 2: What enables places like Silicon Valley to lead internationally? ​

• ​Are clusters like California’s Silicon Valley and Detroit’s Motor City still relevant? What should the UK prioritise?
• What are the benefits of agglomeration for cities, towns and rural areas? How can places identify and build upon their strengths?​
• What is needed to have the right mix of ingredients in the right place at the right time?

Speakers

• 
  Professor Greg Clarke Chair of Connected Places Catapult, Global Head of Future Cities and New Industries, HSBC Group

Live session

This discussion will address:

• How should we address the inequitable impact of the pandemic? How can we become bolder and more ambitious moving forward?​
• What are the changes required for communities to become more equitable i.e. reducing living costs and providing opportunities across all areas?​
• What is the role of businesses in delivering the ‘levelling up’ agenda? How can business leaders account for the unique strengths and weaknesses of towns and cities?

Speakers

• 
  Deborah Cadman OBE Chief Executive, West Midlands Combined Authority
• 
  Andrew Carter Chief Executive, Centre for Cities
• 
  Catherine Lewis La Torre CEO, British Business Bank

Live session

Speakers

• 
  Lord Karan Bilimoria CBE, DL President, CBI

Live session

This discussion will address:

• What is the shape of future business routes and how will this impact airports, freight and public transport systems etc.?​
• How will transport hubs such as airports need to evolve to meet both consumer expectations and be COVID-19 secure?
• How will the case for investing in transport infrastructure need to evolve given changes in pattern and demand? How might housing and working preferences impact these decisions?​

Speakers

• 
  Maria Machancoses Director, Midlands Connect

On-demand content

Speakers

• 
  Michael R. Bloomberg Founder, Bloomberg LP & Bloomberg Philanthropies; 108th Mayor of New York City

Live session

• What is the impact of buildings found in towns and cities on emissions and environmental performance?
• How do we improve the sustainability of the built environment? Is the UK equipped to lead and win the race?​
• What can be achieved locally within communities to address the international imperative?

Speakers

• 
  Tracy Black Scotland Director, CBI

On-demand content

Pair 1: Collaborative regeneration​

• ​What is the role for business within the communities they serve?​
• How can local people and businesses shape their neighbourhoods, high streets and communities?
• In a challenging fiscal environment what is a sustainable funding model?​

Pair 2: How can UK places lead internationally?​

• ​Does the UK have what it takes to lead on innovation, data and the low carbon agenda? What may be missing?
• What is needed collectively across government, business and communities to ensure UK cities are leading internationally?​
• What are the biggest challenges and opportunities our towns and cities face?

Speakers

• 
  Nadim Ahmad Deputy Director of CFE, OECD
• 
  Chris Gourlay Founder and CEO, Spacehive
• 
  Bruce Katz Co-Founder, New Localism Advisors
• 
  Chris Smith Executive Director of Business Growth, Thirteen

Live session

This discussion will address: 

• How are other regional and city leaders putting towns and cities at the heart of the economic recovery?
• What strategies have proved most successful abroad?​
• What powers are required at the local level? Is there a role for greater collaboration and agility?​

Speakers

• 
  Hazel Chu Lord Mayor of Dublin