Future Growth and Trade in the Southwest
This Thought Leaders Series event from the University of Bristol Business School will explore the opportunities and challenges for future growth and trade facing businesses and organisations in the Bristol and southwest region.
There are significant challenges to navigate, with geopolitical uncertainties such as global economic instability and conflicts continuing to create impact. Other regional and local factors include high employment and energy costs, skills shortages, infrastructure gaps, and weak productivity.
However, the Southwest has much to offer being a dynamic economic region containing a number of high-growth sectors such as clean energy, critical minerals, defence, creative industries, and advanced manufacturing. It is also a centre for green economic practice, much of which questions the need for endless growth.
The aim of this event is to highlight and discuss different approaches. It will bring together innovators and leaders from various organisations with world-leading researchers for insightful conversations on future trade and growth. Conversations will explore how the region can drive sustainable economic growth, create opportunities for investment and harness innovation to navigate a turbulent economic landscape.
Draft Programme
15.30 – 16.00 |
Arrival (registration, teas and coffee) |
16.00 - 16.10 |
Welcome & Introduction, Florian Bauer, University of Bristol Business School & a WECA representative |
16.10 - 17.00 |
Keynote Speakers – Jan Porschmann, atares - Harmonizing Innovation: Connecting the South West to the New Global Rhythm The global economy is shifting from a focus on simple efficiency to a new era of Technological Agency. In this keynote, Jan will explore how the rise of Agentic AI—systems that execute decisions rather than just generating content—is redefining trade and investment. He will argue that global investors are now paying a "Sovereignty Premium" for assets that guarantee digital autonomy, positioning the South West’s deep tech clusters as critical international assets. Drawing on the recent resurgence in Anglo-German trade, Jan will challenge leaders to adopt a "Buy and Grow" strategy to scale their innovations. The tools for growth are available, but as Jan will conclude: "The future is in us, and we need to make it happen." Ed Rowberry, BBRC Investors - Should We Localise the Economy? From Global Capital to Place-Based Power In this talk, Ed will argue that localisation is not about retreating from global markets, but about re-anchoring capital, decision-making, and value creation in place. Drawing on the rise of Place-Based Impact Investing (PBII) across the UK, the talk will show how cities and regions are shifting from being passive recipients of capital to active investment partners, shaping outcomes that reflect local economic, social, and environmental priorities. |
17.00 - 18.10 |
Panel Discussion/Q&A, Chair - Jennifer Johns, University of Bristol Business School |
18.10 - 19.00 |
Drinks and Networking Reception |
About the Speakers and Chair
Ed Rowberry founded BBRC in 2015. He originally trained as a Chartered Accountant at KPMG and has over 25 years of experience in the commercial property, financial services and affordable housing sectors, including the management of FCA regulated commercial property funds. Ed is a Trustee at the Bristol Zoological Society Pension Fund and the SS Great Britain Trust, and President of The Bristol Chamber of Commerce & Initiative. BBRC is a leader in placed based impact investment with a focus on the Southwest of England. BBRC invests in real estate, infrastructure and businesses to deliver attractive returns for investors and strong social, economic and environmental outcomes for local communities. Local market insight and knowledge guides investment into valuable and impactful businesses and developments.
Jan Pörschmann is a veteran mergers & acquisitions (M&A) strategist and the founder and Managing Partner of the M&A advisory firm atares GmbH. With 25+ years of experience he has led over 100 technology-sector M&A transactions and regularly publishes M&A market analyses in academic and industry journals. He is a frequent guest lecturer on M&A topics at universities and keynote speaker at various industry events. He also serves as chairman of Germany’s Federal M&A Association (BMA) since 2023.
Jennifer Johns (Chair) is Research Director and Professor of Management at the University of Bristol Business School. Her academic expertise lies in regional economic development, industry agglomeration and global value chains. Jennifer’s recent work examines sustainable and resilient supply chains using digital technologies with a particular focus on advanced manufacturing. Jennifer holds several roles on industry advisory boards.
Jessica Lee is Director of Strategy for the West of England Combined Authority, her portfolio includes leading the development of the growth strategy to deliver the region's priorities for economic growth. Jess has been a member of the leadership team since the Combined Authority’s inception in 2017. Previously she spent 13 years at HM Treasury in various policy roles including as Deputy Director for Growth and Productivity.
Florian Bauer is Chair in Strategy at the University of Bristol Business School. His research explores how companies can strategically approach and effectively manage M&A to ensure sustainable long-term success. Florian has participated in numerous M&A processes, supporting firms in shaping acquisition strategies and integration. He is editor-in-chief of the M&A Review and co-founder of MADiscover, a company digitising M&A screening. His work has appeared in leading journals, including Strategic Management Journal, Journal of Management Studies, and Long Range Planning. In 2022 he was awarded with the British Academy of Management’s Medal for Research (2022).
About the Panellists
Lord Gavin Barwell is Senior Advisor to PwC. Lord Barwell started working for the Conservative party headquarters in 1993 and worked closely with Party leaders until the 2010 election. He was an MP for Croydon Central from 2010 to 2017, during which time he also served as the Minister of State for Housing & Planning and Minister for London from 2016 to 2017. Subsequently Gavin served as Chief of Staff to the former Prime Minister, Theresa May, from 2017 to 2019. He shares distinctive and highly relevant insights into UK politics and geopolitics, identifying trends, opportunities, challenges and risks. Gavin advises a number of businesses across a range of sectors as well as supporting charitable foundations.
Adriana Korczak is Professor of Accounting and Finance at the University of Bristol Business School. Her research interest focuses on the role of information in capital markets. Adriana is an expert in understanding the role of director’s trading in their companies’ and its benefits and costs for other investors. Her other major contribution lies in the field of geopolitical risk where she investigated consequences of Brexit for the capital markets in the UK. This work gained attention from the House of Commons and various national and international media outlets.
In partnership with MOON Executive Search
Location
PwC Bristol Office, BS2 0FR