Meaningful Business Summer Conference: Meaningful Places
Event details
This year's theme, "Meaningful Places", explores how businesses, public institutions, universities, and communities can work together to create stronger, more inclusive, and socially impactful local economies.
As conversations around social value, inclusive growth, community wealth building, and sustainable economic development continue to evolve, organisations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate not only economic impact, but their contribution to the places in which they operate. This conference will bring together business leaders, policymakers, academics, and practitioners to explore how meaningful partnerships can drive positive change across York and North Yorkshire and beyond.
Through a series of keynote presentations, interactive discussions, and panel conversations, delegates will examine the role of business in shaping place, creating social value, supporting community wellbeing, and contributing to long-term economic resilience.
Confirmed Speakers
- Rob Wolfe (Chy Consultancy) – Exploring the role of business in creating social and economic value, and examining how social value and procurement can support inclusive growth across York and North Yorkshire.
- Paddy Schmidt (PwC) – Sharing insights from the Good Growth for Cities report, exploring what makes a successful place and how economic and social outcomes are interconnected.
- Robin Sundaram (Strategy and Sustainability Adviser) – Examining how businesses can engage in place-based initiatives, build effective partnerships, and drive collective action for long-term community impact.
- Chris McKinnon (Siemens Energy) – Reflecting on Hull's regeneration journey and the role that business can play in place-making, skills development, and sustainable regional growth.
- Professor Kiran Trehan (University of York) – Closing the conference with reflections on how organisations can work together to translate ideas into meaningful impact for places and communities.
The event will also feature a panel discussion bringing together all speakers to explore what a meaningful place looks like, how we nurture inclusive growth, and the distinctive role that business can play in creating lasting social and economic value.
Key Themes
- Meaningful economic development and community wealth building
- The role of business in creating social and economic value
- Inclusive growth and reducing inequality
- Social value, procurement, and regional development
- Business-led regeneration and place-making
- Skills, sustainability, and long-term economic resilience
- Cross-sector collaboration for meaningful places
- Good cities, regional resilience, and socio-economic wellbeing
Alongside expert speakers, attendees will have the opportunity to contribute their own perspectives through facilitated discussions designed to identify practical actions and new opportunities for collaboration.
Who Should Attend?
This event is designed for:
- Business leaders and SMEs
- Public sector professionals
- Local authorities and policymakers
- Universities and educators
- Social enterprises and charities
- Procurement and economic development professionals
- Community organisations and civic leaders
Reserve Your Place
This event is free to attend and includes complimentary refreshments and a networking lunch.