Business leaders from the likes of Exeter Science Park, Stephens Scown solicitors and Exeter City Futures will be amongst the experts talking about how collaboration can drive opportunity at a South West digital event.

Exeter-based Collaborate South West has today announced ‘Business Summit Live: Collaborating through Adversity’ will take place on Friday November 20 11am.

The summit will focus on how to build on lessons learnt in 2020, share examples of collaborations already making a positive difference in business and the public sector, and look forward to 2021 as organisations develop their longer-term plans.

Panelists include Andrew Hardwick, Managing Director, Exeter City Futures; Dr Sally Basker, Chief Executive Officer, Exeter Science Park; Mark Godfrey, Managing Director, Deer Park Country Hotel; Matthew Dunne, Business Development Manager, Nexa Law; Ben Jordan, Managing Director, Bear Trail and Bear Town; Tom Chartres-Moore, Senior Associate, Stephens Scown; James Court, Business Growth Enabler, Natwest and Drew Ellis, Founder, Like Minds.

Collaborate South West, which launched earlier this year, will also be revealing the initial findings of a regional survey looking at how business leaders and organisations are using collaboration to adapt their offering, adopt new technologies, deliver services and reach new customers in uncertain times.

Mandy Swift, Collaborate South West Co-founder, said:

“We’ve got a brilliant line up of experts and it should be a lively debate. The aim is to provide real insight for businesses in the South West to help them develop and get the most out of collaborations to really support their growth in 2021 and beyond.

“The findings of the survey are fascinating. Lockdown has revealed just how vital collaboration between organisations in a digitally connected world has become. But there are pitfalls as well as rapidly emerging technologies. The summit will be a great opportunity to explore this subject.”

Mark Godfrey, Managing Director at Deer Park Country Hotel, said:

"I’ve always been a huge fan of collaborating not competing. I would argue that it’s an essential aspect of any modern brand. From referrals to 'last minute help' it’s how we work in hospitality.

“I’m really looking forward to contributing to the panel and hearing how people have been adapting and collaborating in 2020 and how they intend to build on this in the months ahead.”

Collaborate South West is working with business leaders across the region fostering original solutions and business growth through knowledge sharing and responsive partnerships.

To ensure everyone can take part in the discussion, places are limited and must be booked in advance.

To register: http://bit.ly/CSWsummit

For more information go to www.collaboratesw.co.uk