Doncaster, What’s Next? Conference Calls for Action on Growth, Skills and Investment

The conference gave businesses the opportunity to connect with politicians and public sector leaders, while sharing real-world insights into operating in the current economic and political landscape. 

The event welcomed prominent regional and national leaders, including the Director of Business Development at Microsoft, the Director of International Trade at the British Chambers of Commerce, Lord Kulveer Ranger, the Chief Executive of SYMCA, alongside local entrepreneurs and anchor employers alike. 

The event opened with a powerful keynote from the Chamber’s Chief Executive, Dan Fell MBE, delivering a wake-up call, to local and national government alike, about the economic headwinds businesses face today. Addressing hard truths about the government’s current tax and regulatory approach to businesses, he set the tone for a conference focused on realistic strategies, actionable takeaways, and clear follow-through on commitments. 

Dan Fell MBE, Chief Executive of the Doncaster Chamber, said, “A toxic combination of increased business rates, NI and minimum wage hikes, rising costs, and a cavalcade of employment rights have left businesses reeling. Government continues to treat the business community either as a problem to be solved or its piggy bank.  Let me be clear, the piggy bank was smashed a long time ago. 

 Despite a challenging climate, it’s our businesses that remain the driving force of growth, resilience, and the city’s future. The reopening of Doncaster Sheffield Airport is a positive step forward, showing real potential to boost South Yorkshire’s economy. But its success will depend on getting the next phase right and ensuring it’s part of a wider plan for growth.” 

Lord Kulveer Ranger opened as the first guest speaker, bringing a strong national perspective while championing Doncaster’s ambition beyond the region, highlighting the power of collaboration and the city’s growing influence on a wider stage. A member of the House of Lords and a leading figure in the UK’s tech and policy landscape, his attendance during London Tech Week reflects the growing significance of Doncaster’s role in the AI revolution. 

This set the tone for the day’s discussions, as Mayor of Doncaster, Mayor Ros Jones, and Chief Executive of Doncaster Council, Damian Allen, then took to the stage to explore key issues facing Doncaster, including economic growth, infrastructure, community priorities, and the collaborative initiatives for both businesses and residents. 

Jill Wood hosted the ‘What’s Next for Workforce?’ panel, which explored the most pressing employment challenges in the room - including the UK’s lamentably high youth unemployment figures – alongside the role of education, training, and employers in creating a resilient, future-ready workforce.  

Building on the focus on skills and development, Jim Farmery, Director of External Affairs at Production Park, then shared their inspiring local success story, highlighting the strong connection between Doncaster and Production Park, emphasising how the airport will be key to unlocking its future success, while showcasing how talent is being cultivated in the North and why improved connectivity across the region is vital to supporting growth in the creative industries. As a leading education provider, DN Colleges Group’s sponsorship of the event reflects their commitment to developing local talent and strengthening the skills pipeline needed to support regional growth. 

The conversation then shifted to the future of investment and trade, with Gemma Peebles chairing the high-profile panel discussion. Against a backdrop of rapidly evolving economic opportunities, the session examined how Doncaster can capitalise on its strategic strengths to drive growth, attract investment, and strengthen its position on the regional, national, and international stage. 

Featuring influential voices from organisations including the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and the British Chambers of Commerce, the expert panel delivered valuable insights into the trends shaping the investment landscape. Speakers underscored the transformative impact of inward investment and offered practical advice to help local businesses navigate future challenges and seize new opportunities. The discussion showcased the collective ambition and confidence in Doncaster’s future as a destination for business, investment, and trade. Advance Doncaster’s sponsorship of the event reflects its role in supporting growth and creating opportunities in the city. 

During the final session of the day, David Richards MBE, a key leader in AI and Co-Founder of Yorkshire AI Labs, took to the stage, echoing many of the day’s themes with a focus on shaping the future of business through innovation and the effective use of AI. 

The conference concluded with a thought-provoking panel discussion featuring leading voices from the digital and AI sectors, who examined how innovation is reshaping the future of business. The session explored the role of digital technologies in boosting productivity, strengthening competitiveness, and fostering inclusive economic growth, while also highlighting the importance of adopting AI safely, ethically, and responsibly. 

Bringing together expertise from Microsoft, two pioneering local AI companies, and the regional Tech SY programme, the panel delivered valuable insights into the practical applications of AI and the significant opportunities it presents for businesses of all sizes. Through engaging discussion and real-world examples, attendees gained a clearer understanding of how AI can be leveraged to drive efficiency, innovation, and long-term success, positioning Doncaster’s business community to thrive in the digital economy. The cyber and IT support specialists, Connectus’ sponsorship reflects the growing importance of secure, future-focused digital infrastructure in enabling that progress. 

This powerful conference brought together a range of national and regional leaders, creating a platform to align priorities and identify opportunities for collaboration that will directly support Doncaster’s economic growth. Looking ahead, Doncaster Chamber remains committed to building on these relationships by facilitating targeted partnerships between the public and private sectors. This includes supporting innovation-led projects, championing business needs in local decision-making, and ensuring employers play a central role in shaping policies that drive sustainable growth across the borough.