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ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ welcomes BANES residents and businesses to latest BSU Business: Talks event

Thursday, 17 September, 2026

On 15 September, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ welcomed 76 delegates to The Guildhall, Bath for the latest in its series of BSU Business: Talks events, in collaboration with . 

The evening's focus was a panel discussion surrounding how the BANES drives sustainable growth, innovation, and community resilience across the region. 

The panel was hosted by Lucy Stone, Head of Communications and Brand Development, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿, and consisted of influential leaders, including: 

• Sonya Chowdhury, Chair, Future Ambition Board 
• Sophie Broadfield, CEO,  
• Kyriaki Anagnostopoulou, Deputy Vice Chancellor, ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ 
• Becky Somerset, CEO,  
• Allison Herbert, CEO,  
• Sue Marchant, Managing Director,  

Attendees included residents of Bath and North East Somerset, business owners and those who work across BANES in a variety of sectors. As well as the panel discussion, they had the chance to network and find out from the panel members how to get involved with FAB and gained valuable insights into regional strategy and collaborative decision-making. 

Reflecting on the event, Steven Goulton, Course Director in Law at ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ and organiser of BSU Business: Talks said: 

“This event, highlighting the work of the Future Ambition Board, showed a shared passion for driving meaningful growth, fostering brave collaborations, and sharpening our city’s competitive edge. Events like this are a powerful, reaffirming reminder of why Bath’s business ecosystem is so genuinely special.  

"It isn't just about high-level strategy; it’s about dedicated leaders leaning in, challenging the status quo, and actively building a resilient, forward-thinking economic future together. Leaving the session, you couldn't help but feel immensely proud of the ambition in the room and entirely energised for what’s ahead.” 

Leslie Redwood, Head of Marketing and Business Development at Mogers Drewett LLP added: 

"At Mogers Drewett local and regional connections are a vital part of our business. We work extremely hard in each of our four locations to ensure the clients and businesses we work with are expertly served and supported. Partnerships like these create an important space for open dialogue, collaborations and practical connections.  

"By bringing these different perspectives together around the same table, we can help turn ideas into meaningful partnerships and do our part to contribute to a stronger, more connected and prosperous local economy. Growth and economic development are best when businesses, public sector organizations and the wider community all work together." 

Event attendee Peter Guest, Founder and Director of Affordable Family Law Group CIC said: 

"The Bath Business Talks series has quickly become an unmissable fixture on the local calendar, and Tuesday’s discussion on the Future Ambition Board was easily one of the most energising yet. Seeing so many dedicated leaders in one room, aligned on a shared vision for our local economy, really highlights the strength and creativity of Bath’s commercial community. 

"That said, the real magic lies in what we do with this momentum. We’ve established a fantastic platform for big ideas, but the question now is: what’s next? How do we turn these conversations into tangible, long-term impact for our high streets, independent ventures, and growing enterprises? 

"I’m incredibly excited to see how the board and the university help drive these ideas forward into actual policy and action. I’ll definitely be front row at the next talk!" 

Find out more about how ºÚÁÏÕýÄÜÁ¿ works with local businesses or get in touch via openforbusiness@bathspa.ac.uk.