Organisers surveyed the 50 businesses taking part in the revolutionary new event, which is taking place at Elms Cambridge BMW tomorrow and is the largest ever gathering of its kind in the area. Poll respondents felt the ability to evolve and create long-lasting relationships with the local market is the most important factor in driving sustainability.
Kirsten Corrigan, UNITE organiser and founder of Cambridge brand communications agency Method, said: “We know that collaboration is common in Cambridgeshire but were surprised that such a large proportion of the companies taking part in our Summer Business Forum have been involved in non-financial agreements for mutual gain. These results show that our local business community is acutely aware of the benefits of working together, and we will be nurturing that mindset at our groundbreaking event.”
Big Issue founder John Bird, BT futurologist Dr Nicola Millard and Sky Rainforest Rescue Manager at BSkyB, Sarah Anderson, are among the heavyweight keynote speakers at UNITE, which is open to all and free to attend. Cambridge-based food writer and broadcaster Tim Hayward, who recently saved much-loved cake shop Fitzbillies, will also be sharing his experiences at the Summer Business Forum.
Professor Lester Lloyd-Reason from Anglia Ruskin University and Carole Randall from the Low Carbon KEEP programme will be joining representatives from other key local organisations, including the Cambridge Building Society, St John’s Innovation Centre, the Wildlife Trust, University Centre Peterborough and Streets Accountants.
Local businesses are welcome to take advantage of the free and extensive expertise on offer at UNITE, which will focus on a Think Tank ideas exchange. Key issues for businesses of all sizes will be discussed, including social media, technology, increasing profitability, social enterprise, and skills & development.
To find out more about the UNITE Summer Business Forum, please visit www.sbfunite.co.uk
________________________________________________________