Dorset Business Festival - Business as a Force for Good Conference Tickets

Business as a Force for Good
9 October, Hilton Hotel, Bournemouth
Being a force for good is no longer just good for society, but a smart business strategy. The day-long conference includes inspirational panels, spotlight speakers and plenty of time for Q&As and networking. Discover the rationale, insights, approach and realities on becoming more purpose-led in your organisation.
The event will be hosted by broadcaster Declan Curry, with keynotes from the world-leading speaker, changemaker and climate change consultant, Benita Matofska, and the political strategist, leading policy-maker and president of The Jobs Foundation, Lord Matthew Elliott.
Four panels, made up of experts, leaders and influencers in their specialists will share their experience and insights, as well as spotlight sessions.
Panels include:

Why be a force for good? Embedding Environmental and Social Responsibility for Growth

Think ESG is just about good PR? Think again. Businesses committed to environmental and social practices reap real rewards: attracting investors, winning customers, and retaining top talent. Plus, they avoid legal pitfalls by staying ahead of environmental regulations and proactively managing HR issues. Ignoring ESG hurts your brand, limits funding options, and drives away skilled employees – or it has the potential to in the future.

Our panel will explore how a focus on ESG focus can strengthen your bottom line and sure-up your company’s future.

Forget the myth that sustainability hurts profits. Our panel of experts will share how a focus on sustainability can shape your bottom line and strategic growth. We will explore some of the keys to the circular economy model, such as smart design for product longevity, sustainable material choices, and viewing waste as a potential resource and how it can attract consumers, enhance brand reputation, and save money.

Business as a problem solver: Leadership – innovation – Ethics

Businesses have a unique capacity to solve problems through ethical leadership, innovation and the way they prioritise and use resources. Organisations like yours can create a more sustainable and equitable future for all.

This panel looks at how businesses can move beyond being bystanders and become active solutions to solve pressing environmental, ethical, and social challenges. As well as inspirational stories and practical takeaways, the panel of experts and entrepreneurs will explore the challenges and rewards of ethical leadership.

Gen Z – Alpha and Beyond: Their future in our hands

The next generation of talent is here, and their expectations are evolving. Are you prepared to meet their demands for social and environmental responsibility? This panel explores the challenges and opportunities of our future workforce, and what businesses can do to align their values with the aspirations of younger generations, seeking purpose-driven careers.

As well as exploring strategies to attract and retain top talent, we will explore the future skills landscapes and how businesses need to evolve to meet tomorrow’s workforce.

Panellists Include: Nuno Almeida (Nourish Care Systems Ltd), Ruth Andrade (Lush), Lisa Morelli (4Couture), Seemin Suleri (Prima), Melanie Collins (Department for Education), Rosie Radwell (Marsham Court Hotel), Lisa Watson Cook (Lester Aldridge), Gareth Sherwood (YMCA Bournemouth), Leila Willingham (Liz Lean PR), Gary Neild (Blue Sky Financial Planning Ltd), Phil Sayles (Principal & CEO).

The Dorset Business Festival is supported by Premier Festival Partner, Lester Aldridge, and Festival Partners, Blue Sky Financial Planning Ltd, Bournemouth and Poole College, Dorset Council, ElectriX and YMCA Bournemouth.
The event begins at 8.30am for registration, coffee and pastries. During the day, delegates will enjoy coffee and refreshments and a two course buffet lunch with hot and cold options. The event will close by 4.30pm.
If you have any special dietary requirements, please let us know when you book.
Accessibility: This event takes place in ‘Phoxtrott’ on level one. There is a lift on site. If you have specific accessibility needs, please contact [email protected]

Transport: Parking is free on site on a first come first served basis. Additional parking is available at the car parks in the area. The Hilton Hotel is well served by public transport.
For our events we are encouraging our guests to car share to reduce our carbon footprint for events. If you would like to be added to the Car Sharing List for this event, please email Kat on stating where you will be travelling from.

Host or Publisher Dorset Chamber