UoG Business Exchange 2026 to showcase opportunities for growth, talent and innovation

Businesses are being invited to join a key event at University of Gloucestershire exploring how employers can address skills shortages, boost productivity and drive future growth through talent, innovation and collaboration.

Under the theme Connecting Talent, Skills and Growth, the University of Gloucestershire Business Exchange 2026 will bring together employers, business leaders, future student talent, public sector partners and strategic stakeholders.

The event will provide employers and partners with a series of opportunities to discuss business challenges and explore how workforce skills and innovation can support growth.

The University of Gloucestershire Business Exchange 2026 takes place on Thursday, 12 November (2pm to 6pm) at the University’s Business School at Oxstalls Campus in Gloucester.

The programme features an Employer Leadership Panel including Edd Gallier, Head of Learning and Development at Leonardo Hotels, and Brian Lewis, Director at Origin8tive.

Attendees will hear a series of Employer Success Stories, showcasing collaborations that have delivered impact through talent development, skills and innovation. Speakers include Liz McGovern, Vice-President (People and Culture) at Red Carnation; Caroline Summers, Managing Director at Paperback Shop; and Dan Boon, Early Skills and Development Lead at Gloucestershire County Council.

A roundtable discussion entitled Future Skills, Talent and Economic Growth will feature Angela Edwards-Stead, founder of C2S; Lynette Barrett, Chief Executive of National Star, and Andrew Hunt, founder and CEO of Holiday Architects.

The Business Exchange will mark the official launch of the University of Gloucestershire Apprenticeship Awards 2027 celebrating and showcasing successful apprentices, staff and employer partners.

Places at the Business Exchange 2026 are free but must be reserved in advance.

Dame Clare Marchant, DBE, Vice-Chancellor of the University, said: “Our business community plays a vital role in shaping the future of our students, our region and our economy. Through partnerships with employers, we can connect talent and innovation and create collaborations that make a real difference.

“I look forward to welcoming you to what promises to be an engaging and valuable event, and to continuing to strengthen the University’s relationships with businesses across Gloucestershire and beyond.”