Winter Business Insight Day & AGM 2025

As well as influential networking opportunities and a chance to make your voice heard at our annual AGM, the day will answer key questions such as:

• What is the Government’s vision and policy direction on areas such as SEND, Early Years and EdTech?

• How can government, institutions and industry collaborate to deliver the UK’s refreshed international education strategy?

• Where is educational progress taking place in the UK, and where do gaps that need to be addressed exist?

With new policies, legislation and direction for the UK’s education sector, join us at One Great George Street in Westminster for unparalleled insights on everything you need to know ahead of planning for next year.

Take a look at our agenda for this year’s event below, a must-attend opportunity for any organisation operating in the education sector. 

Agenda Highlights

Opening Keynote: The Future of International Education
Professor Sir Steve Smith, UK Government International Education Champion
Join Sir Steve Smith, the UK Government’s International Education Champion, as he opens the conference with a powerful keynote exploring the future of the UK’s role in global education. In this timely address, Sir Steve will reflect on the evolving international education strategy, the UK’s position as a trusted global partner, and how government, institutions, and industry can work together to deliver meaningful, sustainable impact worldwide.

Understanding the Government’s Vision and Policy Direction: SEND, Early Years & Edtech
Chair: Caroline Wright, Director General, BESA
Panel:
– Felicity Gillespie, Chief Executive, KindredSquared
– Caroline Keep, Doctoral Researcher (Educational Technology), University of Lancashire
– Professor Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education, University of Roehampton
As part of our exploration of the UK Government’s key education priorities, this session will delve into the evolving policy landscape for Early Years education. With growing national focus on school readiness, childcare expansion, workforce development, and funding reform, this discussion will unpack what these initiatives mean for providers, suppliers, and educators. A panel of experts will examine the opportunities and challenges emerging from recent announcements, including implications for the EYFS framework, sustainability of settings, and how suppliers can align with national strategy.

The Learning Divide: EPI’s Regional Breakdown Revealed
David Robinson, Director for Post-16 & Skill, Education Policy Institute
This session explores the key findings of the Education Policy Institute’s Annual Report, with a focus on regional and local authority differences in educational outcomes. From Early Years Foundation Stage to primary and secondary levels, we’ll examine where progress is being made—and where persistent gaps remain. Join us for an evidence-led discussion on what this data means for policymakers, suppliers, and educators aiming to address inequality.

Afternoon Keynote
To be announced

Purpose-Driven Partnerships: Collaborating for Social Impact in Education
In a sector where outcomes matter as much as profit, many educational suppliers are forming strategic alliances with charities and social enterprises to deliver greater social value. This session explores how these partnerships work in practice, what models of collaboration exist, and how suppliers can build meaningful relationships that support equity, access, and community-driven change in education.

Speakers

Felicity Gillespie, Chief Executive, KindredSquared

Felicity Gillespie is the Chief Executive of Kindred2, a private foundation focused on improving the quality of early childhood development. Felicity has been an Advisor to the UK Department for Education since 2011and the lead specialist Academy Governance Advisor for six years. A board member of Ofsted, previous roles include establishing the Broadcast Training and Skills Regulator and The National Teaching Awards A former Associate of the Prime Minister’s Delivery Unit and of the National College of School Leadership, Felicity speaks on the British education system at conferences and seminars in the USA, Middle East and UK.

Caroline Keep, Doctoral Researcher (Educational Technology), University of Lancashire

Caroline is an award-winning Teacher, AI & Edtech Researcher, and Data Scientist. She is currently completing her PhD research at The University of Central Lancaster. Crafting a unique Autistic & Disabled edu/tech narrative.

Professor Miles Berry, Professor of Computing Education, University of Roehampton

Miles is Professor of Computing Education at the University of Roehampton, where he runs the secondary PGCE in computing course, teaches on the University’s digital media and social science research methods degrees, and is a member of the University’s AI development and innovation group. He chairs the BCS England computing curriculum committee, and until recently was chair of the National Centre for Computing Education’s academic board. He is a consultant for a number of international curriculum and professional development projects.

Hear from past delegates

Venue Details

One Great George Street, 1 Great George Street, Westminster SW1P 3AA