About this Event
About the Event
The Business Peak District Annual Conference brings together Peak District businesses to explore the value of effective business collaborations as a way of optimising performance and opening up new market opportunities.
At recent Business Peak District networking events and in the ongoing members’ survey, our member businesses have clearly identified effective business collaborations as a key area of current interest.
The Annual Conference has been designed directly in response to that feedback.
Keynote presentation
The keynote presentation entitled “The Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Business Collaborations”, will be delivered by Professor Mark Gilman of the University of Derby.
Professor Mark Gilman is Professor of Economics at the University of Derby and a Director of the Regional Economic Observatory. After an 18-year career in engineering, he returned to education as a mature student, earning a Master's degree and PhD from Warwick Business School.
Today, Mark is a recognised expert in SME growth, leadership and organisational performance, combining world-class research with practical interventions that have helped thousands of business owners and leaders improve growth and productivity. His work spans academia, policy and practice, and includes leadership roles at major universities and the co-founding of BIG Associates, a successful university spin-out.
BPD Member Case Studies
Feedback received at previous BPD events has shown the value of having members sharing their direct experiences to fellow business owners at our networking events.
With this in mind we, are looking for 6 members who wish to share their stories of effective collaborations with fellow member businesses, that have resulted in positive outcomes. Each case study will be of 5 minutes duration and should ideally cover the original intention of the collaboration, the approach taken to ensure the collaboration was effective, pitfalls to be avoided and successful outcomes.
If you are interested in sharing your story of an effective business collaboration at this year’s BPD Annual Conference, please write to [email protected].
Why Attend?
Many BPD members have expressed a desire for practical tips and advice on the role that effective business collaborations can play in either optimising the performance of their businesses or opening up new market opportunities. They are especially keen from business owners who have successfully gone down this route and so this event focuses on practical tips and advice that can readily be deployed in seeking new opportunities for effective business collaborations.
The timing is critical as effective collaborations can potentially be the difference between success and failure in these challenging times.
Plus, we will be providing refreshments and breakfast baps for all attendees!
What You’ll Gain
- A clearer understanding of the benefits of effective collaborations for your business
- Practical insights from business owners who have engaged in effective business collaborations
- Ideas you can take away and apply, regardless of business size or sector
- An opportunity to explore new business collaborations with fellow Peak District business owners
· Businesses will also have the opportunity to exhibit at the event. Please visit this link to book your exhibition stand.
· Food and beverage businesses will have an opportunity to showcase their products. Please use the [email protected] email address if you would like to explore this opportunity.
Who Should Attend?
- Business owners and directors
- Senior decision-makers
- Representatives of businesses who are curious about the opportunities that can emerge through effective business collaborations
- Organisations looking to stay competitive in these challenging times
About the venue
The Link Centre is a new hub for the people of Ashbourne, it is a welcoming space for community & arts events, and the home of Ashbourne Methodist Church and Cornerstone Coffee House.
The Link Centre supports businesses & charities by offering meeting & conference facilities.
Also within the building is Gateway Lodge, which provides affordable, modern en-suite rooms in a great town-centre location.
The Link Centre is located on Station Road in Ashbourne (DE6 1DR) with all-day parking available at the nearby Ashbourne Leisure Centre/Swimming Pool at a cost of £2. The larger council-run Cokayne Avenue Car Park is located about a 9-minute walk away.
Ashbourne Leisure Centre/Swimming Pool (directly opposite The Link Centre on Station Road) is equipped to handle accessibility needs.
♿ Disabled Parking Bays
- Leisure Centre Car Park: Features 6 designated disabled parking bays.
- Cost: Parking is free of charge across all Derbyshire Dales District Council car parks for vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge.
- Alternative: If those are full, Shawcroft Car Park on King Edward Street has 13 disabled bays.
⚡ Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging
· Shawcroft Car Park is the closest public hub, offering 4 BP Pulse charging devices (7.36kW Type 2). Access and payments are handled via the BP Pulse App or contact-free methods.
· Osprey Charging Station offers rapid charging with 75kW CCS and 50kW CHAdeMO speeds and is located a short drive away at Carnation Way (near Aldi).
🚌 Public Transport Drop-Off Spots
- Station Road Stops: Regular local buses stop directly on Station Road right outside the Leisure Centre and the Ambulance Station.
- Connecting Routes: The primary route serving this immediate stretch is the High Peak Buses Route 114, which connects Ashbourne directly to Derby.
- Ashbourne Bus Station: Located on King Edward Street, the main station acts as the central hub for regional lines like The Swift (to Uttoxeter/Derby) and routes to Matlock or Buxton.
Outline programme
08:30 - 08:50 Arrive & refreshments / networking / exhibition
08:50 - 09:00 Welcome/Introduction & BPD Update (BPD Cahir)
09:00 - 09:30 Keynote speaker – Professor Mark Gilman of the University of Derby on “The Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Business Collaborations”
09:30 - 09:50 Effective Business Collaborations (1): BPD Member Case Studies
09:50 - 10:05 Refreshments
10:05 - 10:25 Effective Business Collaborations (2): BPD Member Case Studies
10:25 - 10:35 A few words from BPD member & principal sponsor
10:35 – 11:00 A few words from BPD members & sponsors
11:00 – 11:15 A few words from the venue provider
11:15 – 11:20 BPD Chair closes the formal proceedings
11:20 – 12:30 BPD Member Engagement/Refreshments/Networking/Advice Sessions/BPD Member & IPD Showcase
Event venue & nearby stays
The Link Centre, Ashbourne, United Kingdom
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