Northern Ireland business gets set for the future at 2016 Responsible Business Summit

BUSINESS leaders gathered at Belfast Waterfront Hall on Wednesday 5 October for ‘Tomorrow’s World’ Responsible Business Summit.

The event, sponsored by Ulster Bank, was Business in the Community’s third major conference in Northern Ireland. It explored the challenges and opportunities that businesses will face in ‘Tomorrow’s World’, and looked at how local firms can plan responsible and sustainable approaches to meet those challenges.

Hosted by Financial Journalist and Broadcaster, Declan Curry, the event featured over 40 leading speakers and thinkers from a wide range of backgrounds. The day began with an exclusive CEO Breakfast Forum, delivered in partnership with the CBI. Over 80 Chief Executives attended to explore the ‘Question of Trust’ ahead of the main conference. More than 250 delegates were then given an insight into the key trends and megatrends predicted to impact on business in the next decade and beyond through a mixture of plenary and workshop sessions.

Business in the Community’s Deputy Managing Director, Gillian McKee said: “In a world that is constantly evolving, it is vital that local organisations are ready and able to grasp opportunities as and when they arise. Anticipating the future isn’t easy, particularly as technological developments and changing business models continue to transform the business landscape at a tremendous rate.

“This Summit provided the perfect platform for business people to discuss and debate the prospects and challenges that lie ahead, and consider how they can adapt to be sustainable and thrive in the future.

“Events like this are the ideal opportunity for businesses to come together and learn, not only from leading-edge thinkers and speakers, but also from each other. I hope everyone found the event valuable and inspiring.”

Richard Donnan, Ulster Bank’s Head of Northern Ireland, said: “We’re very pleased to support the Responsible Business Summit as a forum for engagement, new ideas and lively discussion about how business can innovate, adapt and thrive in a changing environment.

“It’s a great opportunity for businesses to understand that a large part of their license to operate comes from their local communities, and the need to genuinely listen and engage in dialogue so that they can sustain themselves over the long-term.”

The Summit was supported by a range of leading organisations, including ASDA, Belfast Harbour, Diageo and Carecall.

Business in the Community also partnered with the NI Chamber of Commerce on the Summit to help reach a broader base of business opinion and ensure the delivery of its corporate responsibility and sustainability messages to a wider audience.

For more information on the Responsible Business Summit, visit www.RBSummitni.com