Our guide to CambsB2B South 2024 at IWM Duxford

CambsB2B South, hosted by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, is back following last year’s successful inaugural event, which provided an engaging mix of exhibition and conference.

The keynote at this month’s Cambs B2B South event at Duxford’s Imperial War Museum is Kieran Dent, agent for the South East and East Anglia for The Bank of England.

He will be joined by other speakers including Andrew Pakes, the Labour and Co-operative MP for Peterborough, Michaela Eschbach, Cambridge Wireless CEO, Stephen Ainsworth, head of Mid Corporate, Eastern Region, Barclays, Christophe Ughetto, general manager of Novotel Cambridge, and Richard Kenny, executive director for economy and growth, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority.

The 13 November schedule has been put together by the Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce with support from platinum sponsor Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA). The first event, in November 2023, saw close to 1,000 visitors, and was followed by the first Cambs B2B North in June (in Peterborough).

The one-day events:

- Enable businesses to reach new audiences

- Catalyse trading opportunities

- Share experiences and inspire success

- Discuss local, regional and national issues

- Galvanise the economic community.

This year’s themes – sustainability and digital innovation – highlight two of the most crucial drivers of business growth.

Sustainability plays a key role in the Local Skills Improvement Plan’s (LSIP) priority sectors in Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, with the overall aim of the Department for Education (DfE) employer-led initiative to align education and skills training with the strategic priorities of employers. Digital innovation will look at how to introduce AI capabilities, and issues including cybersecurity.

Zoe Brennan, events and training manager, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Every year, we choose a theme at CambsB2B that speaks to the heart of what businesses need to focus on for future success.

“This year, it’s all about sustainability and digital innovation – two areas we talk about constantly, but often without really diving into what they mean for businesses day-to-day. This year we’ve crafted an exciting line-up of sessions that cater to the diverse needs of our business community.

“We’re excited to have a panel on green growth that will break down what being sustainable actually looks like, and another on the digital revolution, showing how technology is transforming competitiveness. It’s not just theory, it’s practical, actionable advice.

“Ahead of the official opening of the event, we will host a Business Leaders Breakfast, which will be an excellent networking opportunity, bringing together the right people to forge meaningful connections, all whilst hearing more on the future of the economy.”

The event, which is free to attend, is sponsored and supported by many local businesses including cofinitive (gold), Neurobox and Smart Solutions (silver), Korten (bronze), and others including Barclays, Stagecoach, The Welch Group and the Department of Education.

Rob Bridge, CEO of platinum sponsor Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, said: “The focus on green and digital innovation is not just timely – it’s essential. Cambs B2B South gives businesses the tools to navigate today’s challenges while unlocking opportunities for sustainable growth and success.

“With digital employment growing by over 50 per cent in the last five years, outpacing most other sectors, and information technology firms forming the second-fastest growing sector in our region, events like this are crucial in equipping businesses to thrive in an evolving economic landscape.

“As we continue to develop our local growth plan, supporting these sectors is a cornerstone of ensuring long-term prosperity for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough.”

During the one-day event on 13 November, as well as exploring the fully-booked B2B exhibition hall, attendees will hear from the speakers, who will also be on in the main hall for networking sessions. The ever-popular Chamber speed networking will be on hand to ensure everyone has the chance to make new connections.

Charlotte Horobin, chief executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, said: “Each year at CambsB2B, we create different themes to dive deeper into key drivers of business growth, and this year’s focus on sustainability and digital innovation couldn’t be more relevant. These topics aren’t just buzzwords – they are essential to the future of our economy, and CambsB2B is the perfect place for businesses to understand how to integrate them into their operations.

“Last year we saw close to 1,000 visitors attending throughout the day, and we’re hoping for something similar this year. This is a unique event, because it offers more than just conversations; it’s a practical, action-focused space where businesses can connect, collaborate, and unlock new growth opportunities.

“And through our Local Skills Improvement Plan – LSIP – we are working to ensure our local workforce is prepared to meet these future demands. CambsB2B brings all the right players to the table, making it an unmissable opportunity for those who want to stay ahead.”

Faye Holland, chair of Cambridge and South Cambs Chamber, and owner of Cambridge-based business cofinitive said: “CambsB2B South serves as a vital meeting point for businesses of all sizes and sectors from across Greater Cambridge, and further afield to those looking to learn more about doing business in Cambridge.

“As the Budget last week announced that the government would ensure ‘funding for Cambridge to help it reach its growth potential’, so must we encourage our businesses to deliver on this growth in a sustainable and inclusive manner. This includes our businesses leveraging technology to boost productivity whilst ensuring they have their fingers firmly on the pulse of what being a sustainable business means to them, and I am delighted that the Chamber team have put on such a compelling event to discuss these two themes.

Registration details here . Follow the conversation on social media using #CambsB2B.