Doncaster, What's Next? Business Conference 2026

In Doncaster, greatness isn’t measured by national headlines—it’s judged by whether people feel the benefits: better services, fairer wages, stronger communities. While the story of decline is easy to tell, it isn’t inevitable. Doncaster’s history proves that we can adapt, innovate, and thrive. But a better future won’t just happen—it takes leadership grounded in reality, not nostalgia.

This year’s Doncaster Chamber Annual Conference brings together business leaders, educators, policymakers, and innovators for a day of honest conversation, practical insight, and bold ambition.

What to Expect

Join us for a powerful day of debate and direction. Hear from civic and business leaders who are shaping Doncaster’s economic future. Explore what it takes to build a high-wage, high-skilled economy, attract new investment, and strengthen our role as a gateway for trade, innovation, and opportunity.

The conference features inspiring keynotes, expert panels, and focused breakout sessions across digital, life sciences, and defence. Expect challenging ideas, fresh perspectives, and practical takeaways for your organisation and for Doncaster’s next chapter.

Hosts 
Dan Fell MBE - CEO Doncaster Chamber of Commerce
Jill Wood - MD Signum Facilities Management 
Gemma Peebles - CEO Harrison College 
Mike Wilkinson - MD ClickView 
Sian Booth - Head of Policy & Partnerships Doncaster Chamber of Commerce 

Keynote Speakers
David Richards MBE - Co Founder Yorkshire AI Labs
Jim Farmery - Director of External Affairs production Park 
Lord Kulveer Ranger 

In Conversation With 
Damian Allen - CEO City of Doncaster Council 
Mayor Ros Jones, - Mayor of Doncaster 

What's Next for Workforce?
Wanda Elliot - HR Director Unipart 
Adrian Turnpenny - Principal Club Doncaster Sports College 
Liz Mossop - Vice Chancellor Sheffield Hallam University 

What's Next for Investment & Trade 
Steven Lynch MBE - Director of International Trade British Chambers of Commerce 
Luke Fermor - Global Fulfillment Manager Woodland Group 
Traiq Shah OBE - CEO Vigo Group 
Katherine Hammond - CEO & Head of Paid Service SYMCA 

What's Next for Digital Doncaster?
Tracey Johnson - Project Director Tech SY 
Lubna Thomas - Director Worldwide Business Strategy at Microsoft 
Guy Kramer - MD Cyber Intelligence & Advisory 
Tim Mason - CEO Ensiovision

Target Audience

This conference is for those determined to turn ambition into action—business leaders, educators, investors, policymakers, and partners who believe Doncaster’s best days are still ahead. Whether you’re driving skills development, leading innovation, or shaping local policy, this is your opportunity to connect, collaborate, and help move Doncaster from good to great.

To find out more about this year conference Click HERE 

Part of City of Doncaster Council's Business Insight Programme