A Guide to What's On

Following on from last year’s success, the event will broadly focus on themes of sustainability and digital transformation, with specialised speakers, a major exhibition hall, and a host of networking opportunities. Here’s a guide to what’s on.

CambsB2B South, hosted by Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce, is back and like last year will help local business people collaborate, gain valuable insights, advice and inspiration from experts throughout the day.

The event will take place on Wednesday 13 November at the Imperial War Museum in Duxford. This year’s theme — Sustainability and Digital Innovation — highlights 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.

During the one-day event, there will be a fully booked B2B exhibition hall, the opportunity to hear from leading industry speakers, the ever-popular Chamber speed networking and more.

If a business wants to connect with other businesses, educators, and supportive agencies across the region, then these are the dedicated events to help.

The Green and Digital Zone will be found on the exhibition floor, where key issues facing employers can be discussed and brainstormed.

Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce:

“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 1000 visitors supporting by 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.”

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Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority, (Platinum Sponsor) CEO, Rob Bridge added,

“The focus on green and digital innovation is not just timely—it’s essential. CambsB2B 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% 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.”

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Zoe Brennan, Events & Training Manager, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce:

“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 lineup 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.”

Business Leaders Breakfast: 8.00am – 9.45am

Sponsored by Barclays

Panel Host

Charlotte Horobin – Chief Executive Officer, Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce

Charlotte became CEO of Cambridgeshire Chambers of Commerce in July 2023.

Previously Charlotte joined Make UK, formerly the Engineering Employers’ Federation, in 2013. Her role has encompassed responsibility for a fast-growing membership representing manufacturing, engineering and technology related industries across the Midlands and East of England. Charlotte is a Trustee of WMG Academy for Young Engineers, Board Director for the West Midlands Growth Company, Midlands Engine Partnership Board Member and leads Make UK’s engagement across the West Midlands Combined Authority and Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority.

Charlotte attained her undergraduate degree at The University of Leeds and completed her Masters at The University of Nottingham in Biomedical Sciences. She is also a Senior Industrial Fellow within the Advanced Services Group at Aston University.

Panel

Kieran Dent – Agent, Bank of England

Kieran became Agent for the South East and East Anglia in 2023. Prior to joining the Bank’s Agency network, Kieran was, for many years, a senior economist within the Bank’s Monetary Analysis area, working on the Bank’s UK forecast and monetary strategy teams. Kieran joined the Bank in 2011, starting out in its Financial Stability area, working on the design of the Bank’s concurrent stress test of the UK banking system, and issues concerning the UK banking sector more generally.

Kieran studied Economics at SOAS and Birkbeck, both part of the University of London. He began his career with a brief stint at the Department for Transport. Outside of work, Kieran enjoys watching football and his main hobbies are cycling, hiking and rock climbing.

Andrew Pakes – Labour & Co-operative MP for Peterborough

Andrew Pakes is the Labour and Co-operative Member of Parliament for Peterborough, serving since the 2024 General Election. He is the Co-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Apprenticeships. Before entering Parliament, Andrew was the Deputy General Secretary of Prospect union representing a diverse membership across science, technology and engineering jobs. He is a former member of the OECD’s Expert Panel on AI and interested in digital technology, skills and the future of work.

Michaela Eschbach – CEO, Cambridge Wireless

Michaela has an impressive track record as a Founder and Director, both in the not-for-profit and for-profit space.

As co-founder of Form the Future CIC, Michaela drove strategic direction and operations for this multi-award-winning organisation which connects young people with career opportunities. As Managing Director of Founders4Schools, Michaela led the operational, financial and cultural transformation of this ed-tech charity.

Michaela is known for her passion and dedication in successfully driving companies through growth and challenges.

She was winner of the Cambridge News ‘Cambridge’s Most Influential Businesspeople Award’ in 2017 and was included in the EU-Startups’ Top 100: Europe’s Most Influential Women in the Startup and Venture Capital Space in 2023.

Richard Kenny – Executive Director for Economy & Growth, Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority

Richard is a lifelong advocate of devolution and has led strategy and delivery at multiple levels for local government, including working for two city councils focused on the comprehensive regeneration of two major core cities, led two inclusive economy and place portfolios for two county councils, and contributed to one of the biggest devolution deals in the country.

His work is also deeply embedded in other sectors that are the key partners of Combined Authorities, especially universities and senior business leadership teams, but also central government, health, policing, colleges and regions.

Steve Ainsworth – Head of Mid Corporate, Eastern Region – Barclays

Stephen is Head of Mid Corporate, Eastern Region, leading teams to support clients across Cambridgeshire, Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Essex and East Anglia.

He has been with Barclays since 2005 and held coverage and leadership roles within the Investment Banking and Corporate Banking divisions, in a variety of sectors including TMT, Hospitality & Leisure, and Business & Professional Services. Prior to joining Barclays, Stephen worked in the defence sector for 12 years.

Stephen holds an MA from Cambridge University, a PhD in Theoretical Physics from Bath University and an MBA (distinction) from Manchester Business School.

How to book – Register your place here > https://afx.one/44dbe1ac

Green Growth: 11.00am – 12.00pm

This is a panel debate, featuring a range of perspectives on what green growth and being a sustainable business means.

Sponsored by Stagecoach East.

Panel Host

Alex Hughes

Chair of the Board of Trustees – Green Jobs Foundation

Alex has recently taken over the Directorship of the Green Jobs Foundation, bringing his experience in entrepreneurship and community-focused initiatives. He’s worked extensively in creating educational and employment pathways for young people, particularly focused on East of England. He’s also had the privilege of being involved in multiple startups and scaleups, employing over 150 people in those businesses he has started and more recently built the first Citizen Hub in the UK, the reimagination of what a Job Centre could look like in the future. His skills are in facilitating and convening citizens and businesses to drive socioeconomic change.

The Green Jobs Foundation is dedicated to mitigating climate change-driven employment risks by raising awareness of and access to green jobs. Through collaboration with job seekers, businesses, NGOs, and governments, the foundation aims to deepen knowledge of green job opportunities and support a more equitable and sustainable future. Its mission focuses on providing access to the right jobs, using the right skills, in the right places, at the right time, ensuring that no one is left behind in the green transition.

Katie Pallatt-Taylor – Sales Manager, Gen Phoenix

Katie Pallatt-Taylor joined Gen Phoenix in 2021 after graduating from Loughborough University, where she studied Material Innovation and Design, with a year in industry at the online clothing retailer ASOS, where she worked in responsible material sourcing and development.

In her first position within Gen Phoenix, as NPD project manager, she successfully led significant projects in the consumer markets, including with renowned global brand Dr Martens. Building on the sell-out success of their new product developments, Gen Phoenix has since established strategic partnerships with Dr Martens, Tapestry, and JLR.

In her role in Project Management, Katie’s expertise extended beyond consumer applications. She also facilitated the development of innovative solutions in their other sectors, including aviation, automotive, mass transport, and public seating.

Recently, Katie transitioned to a sales role within the mass transport division, where she leverages her technical knowledge and project management experience to provide customers with exceptional support and expertise.

With a passion for sustainable design and innovation, Katie is committed to driving advancements in material technologies and fostering strong relationships with clients in her industry.

Christophe Ughetto – General Manager, Novotel Cambridge North

Christophe Ughetto is the General Manager of Novotel Cambridge, where he champions the principles of positive hospitality. He focuses on creating an inclusive and welcoming environment for both guests and staff, emphasising exceptional service and community engagement.

He is committed to enhancing the guest experience through personalised service while promoting sustainable practices within the hotel.

His leadership fosters a culture of positivity and innovation, making Novotel Cambridge a leader in the hospitality sector for both its service and sustainability efforts.

Peter Collins – Engineering Manager, Stagecoach East

Peter Collins has been with Stagecoach for 26 years, rising from Apprentice Electrician to Engineering Manager for the Peterborough and Fenstanton depots.

Peter was named Engineer of the Year 2024, a testament to his exceptional service. One of his most significant achievements was spearheading the launch of Cambridgeshire’s first fleet of electric buses. Peter played a key role in designing and implementing the infrastructure for 32 electric buses in Cambridge, a major step in Stagecoach’s commitment to sustainability and green transport.

Panel Sponsor

Stagecoach East

Stagecoach are the sponsors of our Green Growth panel.

In 2023, Stagecoach East invested £7.2m in the ZEBRA project, in partnership with the Cambridgeshire and Peterborough Combined Authority, to enable a fleet of 30 fully electric vehicles in Cambridge – this added to their 2 existing EV buses. They have now covered many thousands of miles with zero tailpipe emissions. The buses also use state-of-the-art batteries that use regenerative braking to re-charge every time the bus slows down. They will have one of their electric buses showcased outside the exhibition hall at the event.

Digital Transformation: 1.15-2.15pm

Panel debate exploring how technology is being utilised to boost competitiveness.

Keynote speaker

Peter Heneghan – Founder, The Future Communicator

Peter Heneghan is a distinguished AI and communications expert with a rich background in prestigious roles at BBC News, Channel 4, BuzzFeed, and 10 Downing Street. Heneghan played a pivotal role in transforming the UK Government’s digital communication during the COVID-19 pandemic through tech advancements and audience-centric campaigns.

In Spring 2023, he founded The Future Communicator, an innovative agency focused on AI and digital communication strategies. Their clients include a UN agency, The British Chamber of Commerce, a NASDAQ-listed company, and major media and tech players like Virgin Media and Mailchimp. Heneghan noted that many organisations struggle in the “messy middle” of their AI journey, caught between selecting the right AI technology and preparing their employees for this transformation.

To support leaders and their businesses, he launched ‘AI Halo,’ a framework and suite of tools to help businesses no matter where they are on their AI journey. Testament to its early successes, PR Week named The Future Communicator as an “agency to watch in 2024.”

Katy Davies – Managing Director, Cap Air Systems

Katy is the Managing Director of Cap Air Systems, a St Ives Cambridgeshire based SME manufacturer of cable assemblies and PCBs, where she is tasked with growing and transforming the company. After graduating from Cambridge, she started her career at Deloitte before moving to Cambridge family-owned group Marshall, where she held senior finance leadership roles in various sections of the group before moving into operations transformation. She then became MD of CamdenBoss, a Suffolk-based manufacturer of electronic components and enclosures, where she led the turnaround, growth, and diversification of the business.

Katy is a manufacturing sector champion on the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA) Business Board, (also representing the business voice on the CPCA Skills & Employment Committee); an SME Advisory Board member of Enginuity; Industrial Advisory Board member of the UK Women in Manufacturing initiative; the Deputy Chair of NAAME and is also the Chair of the Eastern Regional Productivity Forum.

Her leadership and commitment to positive change have earned her recognition as a Manufacturer Top 100 Exemplar for Inspiring Leadership, as well as featuring in the Wall Street Journal. As a founding Co-Director of the Citizen Hub St Neots CIC, Katy brings her expertise in transformational leadership, workplace culture development, innovation, and manufacturing to the skills and employment sector, trailblasing progressive business and community engagement mechanisms to promote economic and social growth.

Guided by collaboration and a belief in collective action, Katy is dedicated to driving positive social and economic impact through fostering sustainable practices.

Jason Mashinchi – Founder, Cambridge Kinetics

Jason Mashinchi is the founder of Cambridge Kinetics, the company behind Kinabase — software designed to help businesses organise information, save time, and boost efficiency.

Jason has earned a distinction in Industrial Systems, Manufacturing, and Management from the University of Cambridge, and has a first-class degree in Computer Science. Jason combines his technical expertise and managerial skills to drive innovation in business productivity solutions, delivering results for a wide range of organisations.

Hollie Church – Senior Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Specialist, Illumina

Hollie supports Illumina’s internal and external CSR efforts across Europe and Middle East, whose core focus areas include Expand Access to Genomics, Empower our Communities, Integrating Environmental Sustainability, Nurture Our People and Operate Responsibly.

Hollie also set up a new ERG group called UNIQUE, short for ‘Embrace Your Uniqueness’, who are focused on making workplaces inclusive for all unique abilities, such as neurodiversity. As someone who struggled at school, Hollie is determined to drive change and ensure everyone has equal opportunities to succeed, with businesses needing to have the right infrastructure set up to support all staff.

Juan Antonio Martinez Leon – Head of Product Analytics and Data Science, Gs’s Growers

As the Head of Product Analytics and Data Science at G’s Growers, Juan is passionate about leveraging data to revolutionize farming. By utilizing Machine Learning and AI, they enhance crop maturity and availability forecasting, ensuring their produce meets the highest standards.

Previously, Juan led the ERP Software Development team at G’s, focusing on optimizing order-to-cash and supply chain processes. His efforts facilitated a seamless cross-border transition post-Brexit, integrated IT systems with major UK retailers, improved internal compliance controls, and automated critical processes such as order import and invoicing.

In addition to his professional achievements, Juan holds a PhD in Industrial Technologies, specializing in Neuro Control. This academic pursuit has fuelled his curiosity and drive to innovate within the agricultural sector.

Short Timetable of Events

Business Leaders Breakfast: 8:30am – 9:45am

Start the day with an exclusive breakfast, featuring networking and insights from top local leaders.

Green Growth Panel (Sponsored by Stagecoach East): 11:00am – 12:00pm

Explore how sustainable practices can drive growth, featuring experts from various industries.

Speed Networking: 12:30pm – 1.00pm

A fast-paced networking session to connect with potential partners, clients, and collaborators.

Digital Transformation Panel: 1:15pm – 2:15pm

A discussion on leveraging technology for competitiveness and business transformation.

Speed Networking: 2.15 – 2.45pm

A fast-paced networking session to connect with potential partners, clients, and collaborators.

Exhibition Closes and Drinks Reception: 3:00pm – 5:00pm

Wrap up the day with drinks and networking, celebrating new connections and shared learning.

A Guide to What’s On