BUSINESSES are invited to attend the Business South conference in Guildford next week.

Compered by Alastair Fee, BBC South’s business correspondent, the conference on Friday, February 24, will feature a compelling line-up of experts and speakers.

Journalist and author David Smith, who has been economics editor of the Sunday Times since 1989, will be the keynote speaker at the event.

As a business invested in the area, Gatwick Airport is headline sponsor of the inaugural conference.

David Smith will be joined in the speaker line-up by Bob Pickles, head of corporate and government affairs for Canon UK and Ireland; Keith Robson, chief operating officer for the 5G Innovation Centre, University of Surrey; Alison Addy, head of community engagement, Gatwick Airport; Peter Martin, deputy leader and cabinet lead for economic prosperity decisions at Surrey County Council; Mark Pearson, director of business growth at Surrey County Council; and Stacey King, regional partnership director, South East at BT Group.

Andy Swift, Surrey area director of Business South, said: “This conference is the first of its kind, in that we are trying to connect business leaders, government organisations and community groups to champion Surrey as a great area to invest, live and work in.

“Collectively working together to ensure economic growth and prosperity, we want to involve as many people as possible and give them a voice in shaping priorities for Surrey.”

As chief executive of Business South, Sally Thompson will speak about Business South’s priority themes – people, place and prosperity and the increasing dividends to business of furthering their credentials as good corporate citizens.

The conference runs from 9am-1.30pm at the Holiday Inn, on Egerton Road, Guildford. For more details or to book a place, visit businesssouth.org.