Chartered Director Conference 2025 Futureproof your skillset
In today’s rapidly evolving business landscape, building a truly sustainable business requires more than just financial stability—it demands a holistic approach that integrates ecological responsibility, strong governance, and a people-first mindset; all while embracing technological advancements like AI and cyber resilience. The challenge lies in balancing these critical elements to successfully lead in a way that adapts to evolving risks and opportunities.
This conference brings it all together, equipping Chartered Directors with the insights and practical tools needed to lead and uphold strategies for sustainable success. From navigating the complexities of digital transformation to embedding sustainability into your core operations, join us to learn how to align purpose, performance, and innovation for a business that thrives—today and in the future.
Attendees will have the opportunity to access exclusive behind-the-scenes collections at Kew Gardens, offering inspirational learning from a world heritage site and leading centre for plant science, conservation, and education.
What to expect:
Speakers: Thought leaders and experts will explore the critical trends driving future business success, helping you stay ahead of the curve. Sharing insights on sustainability, digital transformation, and the ever-changing business landscape.
Anna Leach, Chief Economist, IoD - Shifting sands: navigating an uncertain economic outlook
Dr. Duncan East CEnv FIEMA, Head of Sustainability, Marwell Wildlife - Climate change isn’t in the future; it’s happening today impacting businesses on a daily basis. How you record, report and mange this risk will have a significant impact on your ability to manage cost, access finance and retain staff. Dr Duncan East will highlight the importance of understanding your impact on nature and nature’s impact on you and in doing so showcase how operating sustainability will make your business more resilient to the future shocks that are coming your way.
Interactive content:
Professor Andy Neely, OBE, FREng, FAcSS will lead a strategy-focused session exploring the transformative impact of AI. We will demystify key AI concepts, examine the latest trends shaping markets, and discuss the leadership imperatives for responsible adoption. Through real-world examples and a hands-on group exercise, participants will map the specific opportunities and risks AI presents for their sectors. This workshop is designed to equip directors with the insights needed to guide strategic decision-making, foster innovation, and ensure robust governance in an AI-driven landscape. No technical background is required — just a forward-looking mindset.
Networking Opportunities: Meet like-minded business leaders and innovators who share your vision of a resilient and forward-thinking future.
Access to Exclusive Kew Collections: A unique opportunity to explore Kew’s behind-the-scenes back-catalogues with a choice of private tours through their economic botany library, the worlds largest fungarium collection, or the the ancient Herbarium library housing priceless botanical science research.
This event offers 5 hours of certified CPD
A Summer buffet lunch will be served and refreshments throughout the day.
PLEASE NOTE - A separate London and South Summer Social event will follow the conference in the same venue, when booking please let us know if you would like to stay for this event, there is no extra charge if you are attending the day conference. The evening social will be open to all members and guests, if you would like to invite a guest to join you for the evening, please buy a member guest ticket separately on the IoD London and South Summer Social event page.
Speakers
Anna Leach, Chief Economist, IoD
Anna is Chief Economist at the Institute of Directors and has held this role since June 2024. She also sits on the steering committee for the Royal Economic Society Women in Economics Network, which seeks to support the career development of women in economics, where she’s responsible for partnerships. She is also on the steering group for the Pissarides Review into the Future of Work and Wellbeing.
Before joining the IoD, Anna was Deputy Chief Economist at the CBI, leading workstreams across macroeconomics, surveys and consulting and she has also worked in the Government Economic Service, in HM Treasury and DWP.
Dr. Duncan East CEnv FIEMA
Dr. Duncan East is Head of Sustainability for Marwell Wildlife, a conservation charity dedicated to restoring nature, promoting sustainable living and catalysing change. Marwell has active conservation programmes around the world and as well as operating Marwell Zoo in Hampshire, UK which welcomes over 500,000 visitors each year. Duncan has 25 years’ experience in sustainability including ISO14001, low carbon technologies and renewable energy projects, water saving, sustainable and ethical purchasing and climate change mitigation and risk assessment. Duncan is chair of the Winchester Sustainable Business Network and of the BIAZA Environmental Impact and Sustainability working group.
Professor Andy Neely, OBE, FREng, FAcSS
Previously Senior Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Enterprise and Business Relations at Cambridge, leading innovation, commercialisation, and startup activities across the university. Andy was also Vice-Chair of Business Board, NED at Cambridge Enterprise and Cambridge Innovation Capital, and played a pivotal role in launching a city-wide initiative to define and nurture innovation strategy. He is a Senior Independent Director at the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, founder of bleeta.ai and co-founder of Anmut, a data valuation specialist.
Andy created the Cambridge Service Alliance at Cambridge University and the Centre for Business Performance at Cranfield University. Authored over 100 publications and was awarded an OBE for services to research and university-industry collaboration. Currently he is working on AI and its practical application in organisations.
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