YOUR TRUSTED PLACE FOR CONNECTION, SUPPORT & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES.
07507 134 261
Friday 5 June 2026 | Kingston Business School, KT2 7LB
Navigating the Modern Workplace is the theme for this year’s Future of Work Summit 2026. With essential skills, employment, leadership, funding and the rapid AI integration, the pressures on growing businesses have never been more complex or more urgent.
The Summit brings together collaborations with a broad range of business leaders, including finance, marketing, HR, digital and professional services, and education from across South West London. This unique day provides diverse perspectives, insightful roundtable discussions, peer-to-peer mentoring and networking.
If you are curious about the future of work and business, this is the day you cannot afford to miss.
Built for South West London Businesses, it's a full day of honest conversations, practical insights and genuine connections.
The day has been structured with one thing in mind: giving you and your business new perspectives and beneficial insights.
This session provides a high-level analysis of the UK’s current economic landscape. Moving beyond the headlines, Handelsbanken will examine the critical levers of growth and stability - specifically inflationary trends, investment flow, and labour market dynamics.
Designed for leaders who need more than just data, this session offers the expert context and timely insights necessary to navigate the economic pressures and opportunities ahead.
Those are facilitated conversations on the issues that matter most to growing businesses. Come ready to ask questions - these sessions are as valuable as what you bring to them.
Future of Work: Leadership
Discover the stories that define great leaders - not just their milestones, but their growth. This session brings together inspiring founders to share how they embraced transformation and built the mental clarity needed to thrive. Join us to gain the tactical insights and renewed energy to lead your venture to new heights.
Future of Work: Funding
In today’s evolving market, every proposal must carry the weight and authority of a premier investment. While scale varies, the requirement for excellence is universal. This session explores how organizations - from agile SMEs to established mid-range and large enterprises - can adapt to shifting funder expectations. We will focus on combining financial rigour with a compelling narrative to create high-impact proposals that command a ‘Yes’ from the most discerning contract-holders.
Future of Work: Workforce
The ‘entry-point’ for young talent is under shifting, creating significant cost and resource pressures for businesses and educators alike. This discussion focuses on the looming seniority gap: why we can no longer afford to overlook critical thinking as a ‘soft’ skill. Join us to explore strategic ways to develop a work-ready generation while managing the financial realities of a workforce in transition.
Real-world problem-solving is our most valuable asset. Working with Kingston University’s Knowledge Exchange, this session moves beyond traditional networking to foster a structured exchange of expertise between peers. Facilitated to ensure maximum relevance, this session connects you with the specific insights and experiences needed to navigate today’s professional hurdles.
The Bright Ideas programme helps Kingston University students develop a variety of skills important for their futures careers and learn how to confidently present ideas. In this Dragon's Den-style format, you will bring your expertise and real-world experience to the room, and in return you'll gain a genuinely fresh perspective. You might be surprised by what you take away.
Networking works best when it's intentional. Throughout the day you'll have several dedicated opportunities to connect with fellow business owners, leaders and decision-makers - structured to help you have the right conversations with the right people. Whether you're looking to connect with particular organisations, explore potential collaborations, or simply meet people who truly understand the realities of growing an SME, the FOW Summit is a perfect place to build meaningful relationships that go beyond the day itself.
The Summit is hosted by the Kingston University Business School, Kingston Hill, Kingston upon Thames, KT2 7LB.
Located within easy reach of the town centre, Kingston Hill Campus can be reached easily by public transport. To get there from Norbiton or Kingston stations, take the 85 or K3 bus toward Kingston Hill, which stops directly outside the campus. Norbiton is the closest station, about a 27-minute walk. Alternatively, use the free KU1/KU3 intersite university bus.
Free Parking facilities are also be available.
Thinking about attending the Future of Work Summit 2026 but unsure whether it’s the right fit for you or your team? Below you will find everything you need to know - from the date and location, to what to expect on the day.
The Summit is a space to explore and engage in conversations around current challenges, innovation, emerging trends, and the future of work. We invite South West London businesses and leaders who are actively navigating the modern workplace.
It is open to both Chamber of Commerce members and non-members.
Located within easy reach of the town centre, Kingston Hill Campus can be reached easily by public transport.
Free Parking facilities will be available on site. Please see more details here.
Your visitor pass provides full access to all activities and provisions throughout the Summit, with the exception of the Light Lunch Refreshments.
To purchase this additional ticket add-on, please select this option during registration.
*More details on this year's programme are launching soon.
Absolutely! To get involved, become a Future of Work Summit 2026 sponsor and showcase your business.
To explore current sponsorship opportunities, please visit the section Get Involved on our website or contact us at [email protected] to discuss a bespoke package.
You do NOT need to register for any of the roundtable discussions or the UK Economic Overview. These sessions run on a first come, first served basis. We recommend arriving 10 minutes before each advertised session to secure a seat.
When you first arrive at the event head to the registration area where you’ll be able to meet our team who will swiftly sign you into the event and you will receive the event guide. You’ll then be shown the Atrium and seminars theatre, so you know where everything is located.
We recommend bringing plenty of business cards — you will be surprised how many connections you make throughout the day. A notebook and pen are also worth having to hand, so you can jot down ideas and key takeaways from our speakers and seminars. And do not forget your phone, fully charged and ready to connect with new contacts on LinkedIn!
Yes, you will be able to purchase food and drinks from the on-site canteen. A ticket for the Light Lunch Refreshments is available to purchase via Eventbrite or on the day. Hot drinks from a Starbucks machine will be available throughout the event. Please ensure you bring a debit or credit card with you.
Contact Kingston Chamber: T: 075 0713 4261 E: [email protected]
* The Sponsorship T&C and the Agreement are available here.