Headline Sponsor: The Local Skills Improvement Plan

Milton Keynes (MK) is one of the UK’s fastest-growing urban economies, known for its innovative infrastructure, business-friendly environment, and strategic location within the Oxford-Cambridge Arc. As the city continues to evolve into a leading hub for technology, logistics, and sustainability, it is imperative to convene key stakeholders to align on strategy, investment, and future development.

This summit will bring together policymakers, investors, business leaders, academics, and entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities and challenges surrounding the region’s continued economic expansion. It will serve as a platform to share insights, foster partnerships, and shape policy direction to ensure long-term, inclusive growth.

Event Aims:

  • To highlight and evaluate the current and projected economic growth trends in Milton Keynes.
  • To foster collaboration between public and private sector stakeholders.
  • To attract investment and promote Milton Keynes as a destination for business, innovation, and sustainable development.
  • To address the opportunities presented by Universal and the Oxcam partnership.
  • To reinforce the importance of the Local Skills Improvement plan to ensure the right skills in the right places as we grow.
MK Business Summit | Register Your Interest

Date: Friday 13th February 2026

Time: Arrival from 08:30 for informal networking over a breakfast and hot drink.

Summit will begin at 09:30 until 12:00

Venue: MK Dons, DoubleTree by Hilton MK, MK1 1ST

Agenda:

08:30 – 09:25 – Coffee & Connect – Networking

09:30 – Summit opens

09:35 – Welcome from Louise Wall, CEO – Milton Keynes & Northamptonshire Chamber

09:40 – Speaker 1 – Callum Anderson MP for Buckingham & Bletchley

10:05 – Panel hosted by Steve Robinson Audit and Business Advisory Partner, Mercer Hole

Panellists:

  • Sally Alexander – Chief Executive, MK College
  • Gidon Freeman – Vice President-External Affairs at Universal Destinations and Experiences
  • Oliver Waters – Co-founder & CPO, TrackZero
  • Councillor Shanika Mahendran – Planning & Placemaking, MK Council
  • Debbie Lewis – Accelerator Community Manager, Natwest

10:50 – Break

11:05 – Speaker 2 – Professor Keith Schofield, Head of the OU Business School, The Open University

11:30 – Speaker 3 – Jonny Haseldine, Head of Corporate Governance & Business Environment Policy, British Chambers of Commerce

11:55 – Closing Statements – Anna Clarke, President Milton Keynes Chamber of Commerce

12:00 – Close.

Fully Booked