Join us for a special collaborative networking event, bringing together the Chamber community and those of several other leading networking groups across Cambridge. This gathering is designed to connect local professionals, encourage new partnerships, and strengthen the region’s vibrant business community.
Keynote speaker:
Brian Jones, Founder – Atlantic Cedar
Brian works with business leaders to help them compete and grow while navigating the complex intersections between people, technology, and markets. His career spans senior leadership roles in global FTSE 100 companies, including 15 years on executive boards.
Brian’s previous roles include:
- Chief Information Officer at Allied Domecq, Burberry, Scottish Power, and Smiths Group
- Business President at Smiths Detection and Smiths BIS
- Chief Commercial Officer at Smiths Group
He has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, business transformation, and sustainable growth. Passionate about people, service, and leadership, Brian has delivered sessions at London Business School, private companies, and international leadership events.
Panel Discussion
Faye Holland, Partnership Director – Cambridge x Manchester Partnership
Faye Holland is the newly appointed Partnership Director of the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership, a pioneering collaboration between two of the UK’s leading innovation cities designed to accelerate economic growth and advance inclusive innovation.
With extensive experience in the Cambridge innovation ecosystem, Faye has built her career across communications consultancy, innovation and economic development. She founded and led innovation communications consultancy Cofinitive for a decade before successfully selling the business in 2025.
Faye is currently Chair of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce alongside board roles supporting technology innovation and regional growth.
She is passionate about bringing together businesses, universities and regional partners to strengthen innovation ecosystems and drive meaningful economic impact across the UK.
Sylvie Russell, Chief Operating Officer – Cambridge Cleantech
Sylvie Russell is the Chief Operating Officer at Cambridge Cleantech, bringing over 20 years of international experience across SMEs, charities, and multinational brands. She leads the organisation’s operations and strategic delivery, overseeing membership management and partnerships that strengthen one of the UK’s leading Climate Tech ecosystems. Sylvie also manages Cleantech Venture Day, a flagship international pitching event that connects innovators, investors, corporates, and economic development partners to accelerate climate-focused solutions.
In addition to driving major events, she has delivered high-impact accelerator programmes, including Act4Green and the UK–India Tech Startup Programme, which supported cleantech entrepreneurs in scaling internationally. Her strong foundation in international business and management gives her a deep understanding of diverse cultures and working environments. Known for her calm, people‑centred approach, Sylvie is committed to ensuring smooth, efficient operations that enable innovation communities to flourish.
This event is a great opportunity to:
- Meet professionals from across multiple Cambridge networking groups
- Build new relationships and collaborations
- Gain insights from an experienced global business leader
