Tech Summit

The Tech Summit,  jointly organised by Bright Blue and the Fabian Society, will bring together leading decision makers and opinion formers from across party lines to explore the future of the UK’s technology sector, as well as how public policy can optimise the benefits and minimise the challenges for a wider group of people, especially those on modest incomes.

• Date & Time: Monday 27th April, 09:00 – 15:00
• Location: Havas Village, H/Advisors Cicero, 3 Pancras Square, N1C 4AG
• Registration: Opens from 08:45, with first panel beginning 09:00.

This free event offers a rare and exciting opportunity for politicians, entrepreneurs, investors, regulators, officials, journalists, campaigners and representatives from the public, private and third sectors to shape public and corporate policies for UK tech. Expecting 150+ attendees and strong media interest, this space will be a unique forum for insight, debate and networking. Confirmed keynote speakers include Lucy Rigby KC MP, Economic Secretary to HM Treasury, and Dr Ben Spencer MP, Shadow Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology.

Please find below a full breakdown of the programme.

Tech Summit Agenda: 

08:45 | Registration Opens

We kindly ask you bring a printed or digital copy of your attendee confirmation email. 

09:00 – 09:50 | Forum | Technology and the Future of Work  | In Partnership with Prospect, Multiverse and CIPD 

• Alan Mak MP (Member of Parliament for Havant; Former Shadow Secretary of State for Science, Innovation and Technology)
• Mike Clancy (General Secretary, Prospect union; DSIT Future of Work Advisor Panel)
• Francesca Fraser (Head of Policy and Public Affairs, Multiverse)
• Peter Cheese (CEO, The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development – CIPD)
• James Wise (Chair, Sovereign AI)
• Chaired by Sasjkia Otto (Senior Researcher, Fabian Society)

09:00 – 09.50 | 8.04/8.05 | Defence and Tech | In Partnership with C5 Capital

• Ben Judah (Former Special Adviser – Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office
• Arno Robbertse (Chief Executive, Collective Defence)
• Sophia Gaston (Visiting fellow – Department of War Studies, King’s College London)
• Andre Pienaar (Chief Executive, C5 Capital)
• Bartek Staniszewski (Head of Policy, Bright Blue)

10:00 – 11:00 | Forum | Keynote One

• Dr Ben Spencer MP (Shadow Minister for Science, Innovation and Technology)

11:00 – 11:20 | Bar | Coffee Break

11:20 – 12:10 | Forum | Scaling Up Technology | In partnership with HSBC Innovation Banking and UK Private Capital 

• Victoria Collins MP (Member of Parliament for Harpenden and Berkhamsted)
• Juliette Gerstein (Head of Public Affairs, UK Private Capital)
• Tom Butterworth (Managing Director – Investor Coverage, HSBC Innovation Banking
• Tatseng Chiam (Co-Founder and COO, RideTandem)
• Chaired by Richard Mabey (CEO and Co-Founder, Juro)

11:20 – 12:10 | 8.04/8.05 | Democracy and Technology | In partnership with Reset Tech

• Dame Anneliese Dodds MP (Member of Parliament for Oxford East)
• Dylan Sparks (UK Director, Reset Tech)
• Silkie Carlo (Director, Big Brother Watch)
• Kenneth Cukier (Author and Senior Editor, The Economist)
• Chaired by Diane Banks (Non-Executive Director, Bright Blue)

12:10 – 13:00 | Forum | Regulating Technology  | In partnership with the Centre for the Governance of AI

• Markus Anderljung (Director of Policy and Research, Centre for the Governance of AI)
• David Lawrence (Co-Founder, Centre for British Progress)
• Leo Ringer (Founder Partner, Form Ventures)
• Kir Nuthi (Head of AI and Data, techUK)
• Chaired by Sarah Russell MP (Member of Parliament for Congleton)

12:10 – 13:00 | 8.04/8.05 | Technology and Public Services

• Lord Vaizey of Didcot (Former Government Minister)
• Jeni Tennison OBE (Chair, Government Digital Service Responsible AI Advisory Panel; Founder and Executive Director, Connected by Data)
• Lauren Crowley (Assistant General Secretary, FDA union)
• Chaired by Joy Allen (Police and Crime Commissioner for Durham)

13:00 – 13:50 | Bar | Lunch Break

Sandwiches and drinks will be provided, including plant-based options.

Please let us know if you have any specific dietary requirements, and we will notify the venue accordingly.

14:00 – 15:00 | Forum | Keynote Two

• Lucy Rigby KC MP (Economic Secretary to the Treasury)

With places very limited, we strongly encourage early registration to secure your spot. Registration will close on Friday 24th April at 17:00.

For any enquiries about this event, please contact Rory, the Fabian Society’s External Affairs Director (rory.obrien@fabians.org.uk)

We look forward to seeing you there.