Event: Innovation, productivity and growth brought into focus

Innovation, productivity, and sustainable growth will come under the spotlight during a business event hosted by the University of Leicester. 

The session - entitled ‘The Growth Forum: Shaping Tomorrow Through Innovation’ - will bring together business leaders, entrepreneurs, academics and policymakers. 

They will examine how organisations can respond to a fast-changing economy in which technological innovation and responsible growth have become essential for long-term success. 

The event is aimed at CEOs, founders, senior executives and professionals in strategy, operations, innovation and business development, as well as academics and managers working at the interface between research and practice.

The Growth Forum, part of Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2026, will take place at the School of Business Brookfield campus.

Attendees will hear a keynote address from Byron Dixon OBE, Chair of the Small Business Charter and CEO and Founder of Micro-Fresh®. He will outline practical approaches to embedding innovation in day-to-day operations, raising productivity in real business environments and balancing ambitious growth with resilience and responsibility, drawing on his own experience of leading and scaling an innovation-led company.

A panel will then discuss innovation, productivity and growth from a range of perspectives. They will explore how different sectors are adapting to economic and technological change, share examples of what is working in practice, and discuss how organisations of all sizes can build their capacity for sustainable growth.

Panellists are:

• Eileen Perry MBE DL, Owner & Managing Director of ER Recruitment Ltd and Co-Chair of Enterprising Women (East Midlands Chamber)
• Anjuu Trevedi MBE, CEO of Leicestershire Education Business Company (LEBC) and Director of Leicestershire Business Voice (LBV)
• Vic Mistry, Innovation & Growth Specialist, Innovate UK
• Dr Francis Donbesuur, Associate Professor in Entrepreneurship, University of Leicester
• Professor Rachel Granger, Professor of Urban Economies, De Montfort University

Mat Hughes, Professor of Entrepreneurship and Innovation at the University of Leicester, who will lead the Forum, said: “Innovation is a necessity for any organisation aiming to thrive in a rapidly shifting economy. 

“The Growth Forum will provide a space for business leaders, entrepreneurs and researchers to come together, share practical insights and explore new ways to drive productivity and sustainable growth. 

“By connecting cutting‑edge academic thinking with real-world business challenges, we can help organisations build the resilience and capabilities they need to shape a more prosperous future for our region and beyond.”

Attendees will gain insights from the keynote speaker and panellists who are recognised thought leaders and practitioners and will also have the chance to take part in a Q&A on innovation, productivity and growth.

The event will also feature extensive networking opportunities, giving delegates the chance to connect with peers, explore potential collaborations and continue discussions prompted by the keynote and panel sessions.

You can book onto The Growth Forum here.

How does this fit into Leicestershire Innovation Festival?

The Growth Forum event is one of 10 sessions at Leicestershire Innovation Festival 2026, led by the Business Gateway Growth Hub and the Innovative Leicestershire partnership. Across the week, SMEs can access expert guidance on funding and business growth, discover tools and technologies to boost productivity and connect with universities, innovation partners and fellow business leaders.

Times, venues and details of all events - including registration - are available here.