Future Forward Business & 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.

• 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

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.

In addition to our session speakers, our panel includes 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.

Info: Start the morning with informal networking over breakfast and connect with fellow business leaders from across the region.

Welcome and Opening Remarks

Info: Cyber security essentials to keep your business safe - Seriun

How sustainability can reduce operational costs – Trident Utilities

Leadership approaches that drive productivity - CMI

Key employment law changes and what you must do now - AfterAthena

Practical AI applications for SMEs – Seriun

Info: 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.

Info: We wrap up with key takeaways and an invitation to continue conversations and collaboration.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Lancashire Energy HQ • Blackpool & The Fylde College, Squires Gate Lane, Blackpool, United Kingdom

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App