Panel debates to shine light on key issues at Bondholder Spotlight

A series of panel debates are set to take place at Marketing Derby’s first ever Bondholder Spotlight expo, which will tackle the pressing issues facing businesses.

Inclusivity in the workplace and how to deal with the rising cost of doing business are among the major topics that will be tackled by panels at the day-long event, which will take place at the Reach Events Centre, on Pride Park, on Thursday 13 October.

Backed by headline sponsor Smith Partnership, Bondholder Spotlight aims to profile and celebrate the 350-plus businesses and organisations who make up the Bondholder community, who together support Marketing Derby’s efforts to promote and attract investment to Derby and Derbyshire.

It also aims to demonstrate to other businesses and organisations the benefits of being a Bondholder.

‘Creating an Inclusive Culture’, hosted by Dr Joanne Bishton, head of equity, inclusion and wellbeing at the University of Derby, will discuss inclusivity in the workplace and how employers can improve and better understand solutions to potentially perceived barriers.

To be signed by BSL interpreter and coach Sarah Gatford, the panel will be made up of Martin Austin, managing director of Nimbus Disability and The Access Card, Deborah Garlick, founder of Henpicked, Neil Hogan, from Arcadis Consulting and Sarah Markham, founder and chief executive of Calm in a Box.

Another panel debate that is set to take place is called Weathering the Storm: Mitigating the impact of energy price hikes for businesses.

Hosted by Bev Wakefield, director of Vibrant Accountancy, it brings together a group of experts, including Robert Buckley, head of relationship development at Cornwall Insight, an independent energy, research and consulting firm, which has carried out detailed research into the topic.

They will be joined by Tom Erskine, business development director at Scenariio, which helps businesses save money on energy using smart technology, and Darren Jukes, global finance industrials leader at PwC.

For more information about Bondholder Spotlight and to book your free place visit here .

Invites have now been sent out to Bondholders. Anyone who has not received their invitation should contact Lindsey@marketingderby.co.uk.