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 the Speakers

• 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 the session speakers, the panel will include 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.
Start the morning with informal networking over breakfast and connect with fellow business leaders from across the region.

8:30 – 8:45am

Welcome & Opening Remarks

• Alun Francis, CEO, Blackpool and The Fylde College.
• Richard Slater, Chairman, Lancashire Business View
   

08:45 – 10:20 Expert-Led Sessions
08:45 – 09:00

Cyber Security: What Your Business Needs to Know.
Seriun – Key cyber threats facing SMEs and practical steps to strengthen security.

09:00 – 09:20

How Sustainability Can Save Your Business Money (Fireside Chat).
Trident Utilities – Practical strategies to reduce costs through sustainable practices.

09:20 – 09:40

Changes in Employment Law: First Day Rights, What You Need to Do.
Napthens Solicitors – Key employment law updates and actions required for compliance.

09:40 – 10:00

How Effective Leadership Supports Increased Productivity.

CMI (Chartered Management Institute) – Leadership approaches that drive measurable productivity gains.

10:00 – 10:20

AI: How Can This Benefit Your Business and What Should You Be Doing Now?
Seriun - Practical AI applications for SMEs and how to get started.

10:20 – 10:30 Break

10:30 – 10:55 

Panel Debate & Audience 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.

10:55 AM - 11:00 AM

Closing Remarks and Next Steps
Key takeaways and an invitation to continue conversations and collaboration.