What do the latest advances in digital technology really mean for SMEs?
Join us as we explore practical advice, insight and information on what developments– from AI, data analytics and automation, to advances in cloud-based solutions and cyber security – mean for Greater Birmingham’s business community.
This event will explore how businesses are embracing the opportunities, and navigating the challenges, of the digital industrial revolution and why: the tangible business benefits to doing so. It will see a panel of business case studies and leading advisors, sharing their insights and perspectives before a series of roundtable discussions.
This event is a Birmingham Tech Week Fringe Event, brought to you by the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and HSBC UK.
Attend for:
- Insights into the latest trends on digital transformation
- Practical information aimed at SME businesses
- Discussion and network building with peers and experts
Aimed at:
- SME owners, directors and leaders
- Representatives from the business community with an interest in this agenda
Confirmed speakers:
Chaired by: Henrietta Brealey, CEO, Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce
Clare Walker: Deputy Head of Corporate Banking HSBC UK - West Midlands & Tech Sector Lead, HSBC UK
Clare Walker is Deputy Head of Corporate Banking West Midlands and Tech and Growth Lending Sector lead in the Midlands region for HSBC UK. Clare is an experienced banker with a breadth of experience across Large Corporate and Structured Financing roles. Clare is also on the digital advisory board of Tech WM and the board of the Coventry and Warwickshire Reinvestment Trust.
Steve Whitmarsh: Managing Director, runyourfleet
Winner of GBCC Innovation & Technology award 2023 for their digital business transformation on fleet services. Steve will share how runyourfleet has approached digital transformation, adoption and innovation.
Lee Johnson, Chief Technology Officer, Air IT
Lee develops and guides the implementation of Air IT’s technical strategy to deliver maximum value and solutions in line with clients’ needs and goals. As well as having overall responsibility for the technical departments, Lee is the head of Air IT’s specialist cyber security division, Air Sec. In addition, Lee is a consultant of the Digital Growth Programme and delivers action-planning workshops on cyber security, Office 365, and cloud computing to SMEs.
Sud Parwana, Midlands Technology, Entertainment & Media and Telecoms Leader, PwC
Dr Sud Parwana is PwC's UK Digital Products leader and the Technology lead for the Midlands region. Sud has been with the firm for 13 years and helps clients with digital transformation across multiple technical domains, including data and analytics, cloud, product development and artificial intelligence. Sud has delivered engagements across a broad set of industry sectors, including Media, Retail, Automotive, Financial Services, Government and Public Sector and more. Sud's ethos is to partner alongside clients, helping them to build teams and solutions that will be sustainable in an ever changing digital age.
Prior to joining PwC, Sud completed his PhD in computational mathematics at the University of Birmingham, developing triangulation algorithms for computer aided engineering applications.
Agenda:
9:30am-10:00am Arrivals & Networking
10:00am-10:05am Welcome from Henrietta Brealey & Fran Howell
10:05am-10:30am Quick fire 5 minute presentations from speakers
10:30am-11:25am Roundtable discussions
11:25am-11:30am Thankyous & close from Chair
PLEASE NOTE, if you are registered to attend this event, you must bring photographic ID such as a Passport or Driving Licence to gain entry to the venue.