The Future of Crewe - Annual Conference 2026 | South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce Annual Conference 2026

The Future of Crewe

South Cheshire's landmark annual conference - bringing together the region's leaders, innovators and decision-makers for a morning of ideas, insight and ambition.

📅

29 April 2026Date

🕘

09:00 – 13:30Time

📍

Crewe Hall HotelVenue

Reserve Your Place View Programme

Event at a glance

2026 Annual Conference

Date Tuesday 29 April 2026

Time 09:00 – 13:30

Venue Crewe Hall Hotel

Format Conference + Greek Buffet Lunch

Tickets From £60 + VAT
Member discounts available

Availability Limited places

Book Now →

About the Conference

Why This Conference Matters

Crewe has always been a town shaped by industry, ambition and people who get things done. This event is about what comes next.

For the first time, South Cheshire Chamber is creating a dedicated space to talk about the regeneration of Crewe - what's happening now, where the opportunities are, and how local businesses can play a part. The event brings together headline speakers involved in shaping change across the town, alongside a panel of local business leaders who understand Crewe from the inside out. The discussion will focus on challenges, progress and the long-term future of the area.

The morning begins with breakfast and networking, followed by the main discussion, and ends with lunch and the opportunity for further networking. This is a chance to listen, share perspectives and be part of a growing conversation about the future of Crewe.

🎤
Expert Speakers
Hear from leading voices shaping Crewe's future across business, regeneration and public life.

🤝
Networking
Connect with 100+ business leaders, decision-makers and change-makers over a networking lunch.

💡
New Ideas
Leave with fresh perspectives, actionable insights and a clearer picture of what's ahead for our town.

🏙️
Crewe's Future
Be part of the conversation that will help define the next chapter for South Cheshire's economy.

Conference Theme

Crewe, South Cheshire & What Comes Next

Crewe is at an inflection point - and what happens in Crewe matters for the whole of South Cheshire. Investment is arriving, plans are taking shape, and the conversation about the region's long-term future is gaining real momentum. But what does regeneration actually mean for the businesses and communities across South Cheshire - and how do we make sure the opportunities ahead work for everyone?

This conference brings that conversation into the open. Across the morning we'll hear from those driving change at the highest level, explore what's working and what still needs to happen, and ask what role South Cheshire's business community plays in shaping what comes next - for Crewe and the wider region.

Regeneration & Investment

Skills & Workforce

Connectivity & Infrastructure

Innovation & Business Growth

Community & Identity

"For the first time, South Cheshire Chamber is creating a dedicated space to talk about the regeneration of Crewe - what's happening now, where the opportunities are, and how local businesses can play a part."

Paul Colman - Chief Executive Officer, South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce

Conference Speakers

Meet the Speakers

We're bringing together the leaders and decision-makers actively shaping the future of Crewe and South Cheshire.

Keynote

Keynote Speaker

Mark Edwards

Development Director - Capital & Centric

Mark Edwards is a Development Director at Capital & Centric. Mark has worked in development regionally for the last fifteen years and delivered multiple mixed use residential led regeneration projects across the UK.

Mark will be presenting an overview of Capital & Centric's approach to delivering mixed use regeneration projects in urban areas with a critical focus on high-quality, award-winning design, placemaking and social value. Mark will present a selection of Capital & Centric's portfolio of completed projects and will answer any questions about Capital & Centric's approach to regeneration.

🎤 Mixed Use Regeneration & Placemaking

Speaker

Jonny Haseldine

Head of Corporate Governance & Business Environment Policy - British Chambers of Commerce

Jonny leads the BCC's work across the economy and business environment, including the Investment pillar and Budget submissions. He previously spent five years working in Parliament and has experience in the private sector.

Business Environment & Economic Policy

Speaker

Chris Knights

Programme Director - Healthier Futures / Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust

Chris has over 25 years of NHS experience across strategic planning and operational roles. He has led major capital programmes including a £497m New Hospitals Programme and the £380m FBC for St Helens and Knowsley NHS Trust, presented to HM Treasury in 2007.

Healthcare Infrastructure & Regeneration

Speaker

Russ Favager

Senior Responsible Officer - Healthier Futures / Mid Cheshire Hospitals Trust

Russ brings over 27 years of NHS experience, including Director of Finance roles at NHS England's Cheshire, Warrington and Wirral Area Team - where he commissioned £1.9bn of specialised services across the northwest - and at Wirral University Teaching Hospital NHS Foundation Trust.

NHS Finance & Capital Development

Speaker

Graham McKnight

Chair, Crewe UK Town of Culture BID & Theatre Director, Crewe Lyceum

Graham McKnight is a leading figure in Crewe's cultural landscape, serving as Chair of the Crewe UK Town of Culture BID and Theatre Director at Crewe Lyceum. He is at the forefront of driving Crewe's cultural ambitions and its growing profile as a destination for arts, creativity and community.

Crewe Town of Culture

💬

More speakers being confirmed

We're putting together an exciting line-up. Further announcements will be made in the coming weeks - follow us on LinkedIn for updates.

#FutureOfCrewe

Programme

Event Programme

Key timings are confirmed below. Full speaker programme and session details will be announced shortly.