Heading 1

Robert Cross,
Space Applications International Lead,
UK Space Agency

Join the UK Space Agency for an insightful session exploring how space plays a vital role in driving economic growth, innovation, and global partnerships. This session will provide: An Introduction to the UK Space Agency – Our mission, key initiatives, and role in the UK's thriving space sector. Space Data and Services in the Global Economy – How satellite technology and space-enabled services support industries from finance and agriculture to transport and climate monitoring. Unlocking Space for Business, Investment, and Government – Opportunities for organisations to engage with the UK space sector, including funding, partnerships, and policy developments. Whether you're a business leader, investor, or policymaker, discover how space can empower your sector and how the UK Space Agency is supporting the future of space innovation.

Julie Holt-Jones, Founder,
Space4Sight

The global Space economy is expected to grow to $1.8 trillion by 2035. The Space industry is vibrant, and opportunities abound. From communications, navigation, timing to earth observation the applications are wide and spread across the defence, civil and commercial sectors. Looking further afield to the Moon, and deep Space, supporting technologies are enabling things that were once dreams real possibilities. Lunar bases, asteroid mining, space based solar power, commercial space stations, and manufacturing in Space.
‍
But there are also risks; Space debris, malign actors, a lack of 'Space Law' all adds to the feeling of the 'Wild West'. The loss of access to space services, could severely disrupt global trade and economic activities, potentially costing the global economy billions of dollars.
‍
This session will look at the advancements, the possibilities and the hazards, and will explore how international collaboration is the key to success.

Allyson Stewart-Allen, CEO,
International Marketing Partners Ltd.

In the on-demand, impatient and competitive US market, the key to your personal and business performance there relies on your international collaboration, teamwork and engagement abilities.Negotiating, influencing and communicating with Americans in order to build long-lasting and profitable relationships requires in-depth knowledge of the business culture so you avoid expensive mistakes while localising your offerings.This keynote session will provide you with insights that help you adapt your approach to the world's largest economy with practical advice and examples of the good, the bad and the ugly.Whether you encounter the US business culture in person or from your desk, knowing its business culture preferences allows you to succeed in the fast, noisy, crowded, transactional and diverse United States.

Nikki Samant-Jones,
Chief Revenue Officer,
Country Navigator

‍Chris Heyes,
Director,
UK India Business Council (Guest)

India is one of the world’s fastest-growing markets, but for UK business leaders looking to expand, commercial success hinges on more than just legal or financial planning. In this fireside chat, Country Navigator’s Nikki Samant Jones and UKIBC’s Chris Heyes explore why cultural due diligence is the missing – and often overlooked – factor for UK-India partnerships. Learn how to embed cultural due diligence into your India entry strategy, understand common friction points, how to build leadership, communication, and team alignment that drives long-term growth.

Richard Chatten,
Commercial Director,
ABN Australia
‍
An insightful session on navigating the complexities of establishing and operating a business in Australia. This presentation will cover key regulatory considerations, business structures, and market entry strategies for international companies – particularly those expanding from the UK. Attendees will gain valuable insights into Australia's business environment, legal and tax compliance requirements, and the importance of governance roles such as resident director and public officer. With over 200,000 entities formed since 1976, ABN Australia brings deep expertise in supporting overseas businesses across various sectors. Whether you're looking to export, set up a subsidiary, or partner locally, this session will equip you with practical guidance and resources to succeed in one of the Asia-Pacific's most resilient and opportunity-rich economies.

Martin Warner
Founder,
warpSpeed
‍

Jack Wu
Managing Partner,
Acadia Advisory Group

In today's interconnected world, expanding your business from local to global markets is both an exciting opportunity and a complex challenge. Join us for the session "From Local to Global: Market Entry Strategies for China and Beyond," where industry experts will share invaluable insights on successfully navigating the intricacies of entering the Chinese market and other key Asian economies. Participants will learn about essential market research techniques, cultural considerations, and regulatory requirements that can impact your entry strategy. We will explore various entry modes, including partnerships, joint ventures, and direct investment, while highlighting real-world case studies of successful brands. This interactive session will equip you with practical tools and strategies to effectively position your products, understand consumer behavior, and build a sustainable presence in China and beyond. Whether you're a startup or an established business, this seminar will provide the knowledge you need to thrive in the global marketplace.

You don't need to be a multinational to trade internationally. This session is about how HBBA GLOBAL with its international membership benefits, help you to do market entry in the UK, Canada and Hungary, standing on three fundamental pillars: • high-level networking • strategic advisory services • and knowledge leadership Secondly, we will discuss how mid-sized companies can grow beyond their home market, avoid the common traps, and build a smart export strategy that works -- even in a world of tariffs, red tape, and uncertain politics. It's about company expansion, improved profits, brand recognition, increased value and growth. British, Canadian, Hungarian, and international markets, effectively "Breaking Boundaries, Building Bridges."

Laurent Strauss,
Cybersecurity Strategist, OpenText

As organizations navigate an increasingly complex data landscape, the concept of data sovereignty--where data is subject to the laws and governance structures of the nation where it is collected--has emerged as a critical concern. This session explores how robust data access governance, comprehensive data governance frameworks, and modern security strategies work together to support data sovereignty. Attendees will gain insight into best practices for ensuring compliance and protecting sensitive information. Join us to discover how governance and security are not just safeguards, but strategic enablers of digital autonomy.

Chaired by:
Steven Lynch MBE
Chair,
IoD China Group

Panelists:  
Jeff Astle, Managing Director, IOD & WMA International
John McLean OBE, Chairman, China UK Business Development Centre
Winnie Seow Mei, International Markets Lead, Hawksford UK Services Limited

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the UK's trade relationship with China has become increasingly complex, especially for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The UK government's 'Invest 2035' industrial strategy aims to provide stability and encourage investment in high-growth sectors such as green technology, artificial intelligence, and healthcare. However, SMEs face significant challenges, including regulatory hurdles and fragmented support systems, which complicate market access and trade operations.

This panel will delve into the evolving trade landscape with China, focusing on how UK SMEs can navigate these challenges and capitalize on opportunities presented by 'Invest 2035'. Discussions will address the specific obstacles SMEs encounter, such as complex regulatory environments and limited access to comprehensive support and information. The goal is to provide actionable insights and recommendations to help SMEs thrive in this dynamic context.

By fostering a collaborative dialogue among industry experts, policymakers, and business leaders, this session aims to shed light on practical strategies for the UK to successfully engage with the Chinese market amidst post-pandemic uncertainties and policy shifts.

Shabir Djakiodine
Chartered Accountant & Partner, Euro Accounting

Expanding internationally offers businesses access to new markets, diversified revenue, and global visibility. However, it also presents challenges such as legal complexity, cultural adaptation, talent acquisition, and regulatory compliance.
‍
This session explores the core opportunities and risks of global expansion, providing strategic insights for companies ready to grow beyond borders. Using France as a study case, we'll examine the steps involved in establishing a business abroad--from company formation and employment regulations to taxation and cultural integration.
‍
France, as one of Europe's largest economies, offers a skilled workforce, strong infrastructure, and government-backed incentives for foreign investors. Yet success requires understanding local expectations, navigating bureaucracy, and building trust with partners.
Through this session, attendees will gain a practical roadmap to internationalisation, supported by real-world lessons from the French market. Whether you're taking your first global step or refining your expansion strategy, this session will equip you to scale with confidence.

Fiona Clouder
CEO, ClouderVista,
The Ambassador Partnership

In a time of shifting geopolitics combined with the triple crises of climate change, pollution and biodiversity loss, the critical minerals needed for economic growth, energy security and the energy transition have become a focus for attention. This also creates new opportunities for international partnerships and trade and investment. Urgency of action, linking governments, businesses and communities, is critical.

Clive Bonny
MD
Strategic Management Partners

EU Intellectual Property Office report one in three businesses suffer IP infringement. Independent trade bodies advise 20% of enterprises on Amazon suffer copycat cloning. They are copied by resellers and online platforms themselves. 24% report being de-ranked after Amazon launch competing products. 39% fail to resolve such disputes successfully. FSB reports 35% of non-exporting sme's want to grow overseas but have real concerns with £12 billion pa UK global trade being lost to counterfeit products. Clive's presentation covers how to ensure affordable protection at home and abroad. He includes how to leverage registered trademarks, designs, international licensing and confidentiality agreements. Clive's professional qualifications as a certified IP advisor, qualified mediator, Fraud Advisory Panel and CIPD member trained in background vetting by UK School of Government enable him to share examples of good and poor practice for IP searches, stakeholder vetting and accelerated dispute resolution.