Come and join us
Thursday 24 September, 10:30 to 14:30
The Pepperpot, 28 Saxelbye Ave, Derby DE1 2UH
Ey up mi duck! If your business depends on how well this region connects, come and have the conversation.
Lunch, drinks and proper Derby hospitality are on us.
A REGION BUILT BY BUSINESSES LIKE YOURS
UK reachable within four hours by road
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%
Airport exports from Midlands businesses
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%
Rail jobs across the area
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k
Highest business growth in England
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%
Why you’ll want to be there
Hear directly from key East Midlands experts on what’s changing and what’s next for the region.
- Real conversation and insight from key speakers across the travel industry and local businesses
- Meet and network with business leaders from across the region
- Fully catered refreshments, lunch and drinks
- Support two local charities: Derby Kids' Camp and the Eagles Nest Project
Our speakers
Business leaders and travel experts including...
Adam Andrews
Commercial Director, East Midlands Airport
Adam leads commercial development for East Midlands airport covering aviation development, retail and car parking, with a background in network planning and scheduling at British Airways' Heathrow and Gatwick short-haul operations. Data-led and route-development focused, he'll showcase EMA's direct European connections and its 4 million passengers strong business travel demand.
Laila Riggott
Head of Culture, Community & Impact, Cosy Direct
Laila leads culture and social impact at Cosy Direct, the award-winning Staffordshire-based educational supplier trading in 50+ countries. A former primary teacher passionate about sustainability and community, she champions the Cosy Foundation's local and global giving, embodying the Midlands' spirit of purpose-driven business.
Matt Smart
Senior Delivery Director, Barkers Consultancy
Matt drives procurement transformation for FTSE 250 clients at Barkers, with senior experience spanning global sourcing, ERP implementation and diverse categories including travel and logistics. A people-focused leader with an ethical, socially driven approach, he brings a wealth of commercial and procurement insight to the day.
Peter Ellse MBA DL
Founder & CEO, Cosy Direct
Peter co-founded Cosy Direct in 2011, building it into a King's Award-winning, Staffordshire-based supplier of natural early years' resources trading in 50+ countries. A Deputy Lieutenant of Derbyshire and chair of the Cosy Foundation, he was named in the 2025 LDC Top 50 Most Ambitious Business Leaders for his commitment to purpose-driven, people-first business.
Katie Whitby
Director of Sales, The Venues Collection
Katie brings extensive experience across the travel and events industry, from senior roles within TMC's to project managing MATCH Hospitality's travel services during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022. Now driving sales for The Venues Collection's East Midlands venues, she champions sustainability and client-aligned strategy, bringing a rare blend of agency insight and venue-side expertise.
Steve Banks
CEO, Identity Travel & BTA Executive Board Member
With more than 30 years' experience in travel management, Steve is a seasoned hand in the industry. From large travel management companies to smaller independents, and having led a travel consortium along the way, he's worn many hats throughout his career, all with a genuine passion for delivering outstanding service and real value to customers.
Your host
Laura Busby
(Derby born and bred)
Director of Growth and ESG
Identity Travel
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