Future Forward Business and Skills Summit

Join us at the Future Forward Business & Skills Summit, a high‑impact morning designed for business leaders, HR professionals, and decision‑makers who want to stay ahead of the rapid changes shaping today’s workplace.

Hosted at the Lancashire Energy Headquarters, this summit brings together industry experts to explore the biggest opportunities and challenges facing organisations in 2026 and beyond.

Across five focused sessions and a dynamic panel debate, you’ll gain practical insights into sustainability, employment law, leadership, artificial intelligence, and the Growth & Skills Levy — all with a clear emphasis on improving productivity, reducing costs, and developing the workforce of the future.

This is a chance to learn, connect, and leave with actionable strategies that can make an immediate impact in your organisation.

Who Should Attend

• Business owners and directors
• HR and people leaders
• Operations and productivity leads
• Training, development and skills specialists
• Anyone responsible for workforce planning, innovation or organisational strategy

About our Speakers

Sessions
Seriun is an award-winning IT support, telecoms and cyber security Managed Service Provider based in the North West, who have been digitally transforming client businesses since 2003 with their range of innovative, bespoke solutions.

Trident Utilities specialise in partnering with organisations to help them minimise their carbon footprint whilst also reducing energy consumption and costs through a range of holistic energy solutions.

The Chartered Management Institute (CMI) is one of the UK’s leading management organisations dedicated to improving the leadership skills of managers across the UK and setting the benchmark for good management practice.

AfterAthena, a part of the Napthens Group of companies, specialise in advising clients on issues relating to employment law, HR and health and safety issues with practical proactive guidance to protect people and businesses.

Panel

In addition to our session speakers, our panel includes representatives from:

• Cogent Skills - a not-for-profit charitable organisation specialising in skills development in the science and technology sectors.
• Lab Creative – an award winning SEO and AI SEO agency.
• Addison Engineering – provides hands-on engineering life cycles support services to a range of process led-industries.
• Affordable Windows – one of the UK’s leading suppler of aluminium and PVCu windows and doors.

Agenda

08:00 AM - 08:30 AM

Breakfast , Networking and Welcome
Alun Francis, CEO, Blackpool and The Fylde College , Richard Slater, Chairman, Lancashire Business View
Start the morning with informal networking over breakfast and connect with fellow business leaders from across the region. Welcome and Opening Remarks

08:45 AM - 10:20 AM

Expert‑Led Sessions

 Cyber security essentials to keep your business safe - Seriun How sustainability can reduce operational costs – Trident Utilities Leadership approaches that drive productivity - CMI Key employment law changes and what you must do now - AfterAthena Practical AI applications for SMEs – Seriun

10:30 AM - 10:50 AM

Panel Debate and Q&A: Skills for the Future
Join a live panel discussion exploring the skills, technologies and leadership capabilities businesses need to thrive in the years ahead — followed by an audience Q&A.