On Friday 20th November, over 250 business leaders, local authorities, academics and politicians are meeting at the West London Business Blue Skies conference Reimagining our global hub to debate the future of aviation and transportation as part of a response to the economic impact that COVID-19 has had on the aviation sector.
Ambitious and far-sighted plans, reimagining the Heathrow area as a global hub for innovation and a green economy powerhouse, will be discussed at the event which will bring together local, national and global leaders to discuss their vision to reinvigorate the economy, drive sustainable green growth and create new jobs.
The event has been brought together by Seema Malhotra MP, Member of Parliament for Feltham and Heston and Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business who have co-chaired the Conference Steering Committee as part of efforts to see a recovery plan for aviation communities across the UK and the world.
Heathrow Airport is the UK’s largest port by value – and one of the busiest airports in the world, connecting London – a global city at the forefront of finance, technological and industrial innovation – to more than 180 destinations across the world. The conference will mark the beginning of ambitious plans to stimulate new job opportunities in West London.
Speakers include Aviation Minister Robert Courts MP, Katy Racina (CBI), Professor Julia Buckingham CBE (VC, Brunel University and President of Universities UK), Lord David Blunkett, Sheldon Hee of Singapore Airlines, John Holland-Kaye, Heathrow Airport CEO, Diana Holland (Assistant General Secretary, UNITE), Rt Hon Kwasi Kwarteng MP, Minister for Business, Energy and Clean Growth, Paul Everitt, CEO, ADS Group, Professor Michael Kleeman from UC San Diego and Leonie Cooper AM, Chair of London Assembly Economy Committee.
The inaugural Blue Skies Conference 2020, Reimagining our Global Hub, takes place between 2pm and 6pm on Friday 20 November. This is a free-to-attend conference. Book your place here.
Seema Malhotra MP who will be opening the conference said: “This conference comes at a critical time for the UK.
“We have seen many people furloughed or made redundant as a result of COVID-19 and witnessed the devastating impact it has had on Heathrow, the surrounding area and the sectors that support the aviation industry.
“On 20 November, we will look to a brighter future. With global leaders in the aviation world joining local leaders, we will begin to draw up an ambitious and far sighted blueprint for the future of aviation. This is about individuals, our community and our shared future.”
Andrew Dakers, Chief Executive of West London Business, said: “This conference will be the start of something really special for an area, sector and community so badly devastated by the pandemic – a longer term plan for how we bring our businesses and supply chains together for new thinking about how we grow our economy sustainably for future generations”.
“I would urge people to get involved in the day and play a part in developing a brighter future and see our global hub change the world.”
For more information on the conference agenda or to register for your free place, visit www.blueskiesconference.co.uk