The event took place at the stunning Garsington Studios in Stokenchurch, and was hosted by Michael Garvey MBE, Chairman of Buckinghamshire Business First.

Following a strategic update from Philippa Batting, CEO of Buckinghamshire Business First, the morning programme featured a keynote from Cllr Steven Broadbent, Leader of Buckinghamshire Council, outlining Buckinghamshire’s Economic Growth Plan 2025–2035 and its impact on local employers, infrastructure and skills.

A panel discussion then brought the growth story to life, with insights from Victoria Brocklesby (Origin), Vaibhav Boricha (VIKASO), Paul Hayman (MA Group), Candice Mason (Mother Cuppa Tea), and Kate Rumsey (Rumsey’s Handmade Chocolates) exploring innovation, resilience and scaling ambition across sectors.

Attendees were encouraged to play an active role in shaping Buckinghamshire’s Local Skills Improvement Plan (LSIP) - a county-wide initiative driving skills development and employer engagement. The LSIP has already delivered tangible impact, strengthening education links across priority sectors including construction, film & TV, digital, and engineering, and unlocking more than £11 million of investment to boost local skills and business growth.

Developments in artificial intelligence and the critical skills needed for the future workforce were firmly in the spotlight, with practical insights on how businesses can prepare for the next wave of innovation.

Careers Leaders from local schools joined the day to network with employers and hear about the new Work Experience Guarantee, which rethinks traditional work experience and encourages businesses to support the work of the Bucks Skills Hub and deepen engagement with schools to inspire the next generation.

Michael Garvey MBE, Chairman, Buckinghamshire Business First, said: The Buckinghamshire Business Showcase showed the very best of Buckinghamshire enterprise: ideas sparked, partnerships formed, and momentum built. When business leaders, educators and public bodies work together, we create the conditions for sustainable growth that benefits every community.”

Philippa Batting, CEO, Buckinghamshire Business First, said: “Buckinghamshire Business First is truly unique in putting employers at the heart of skills. We encompass the Growth Hub, Careers Hub, and Employer Representative Body - connecting business needs to skills, policy and support. With the Economic Growth Plan and LSIP aligning, we’re focused on innovation, talent and collaboration to power the county’s next decade.”

Photos from the event can be seen on Flickr.

Get involved

Businesses can explore sector groups, skills initiatives and employer engagement opportunities via Buckinghamshire Business First by visiting bbf.uk.com/LSIP, emailing [email protected] or calling 01494 927130.

As the Growth Hub for the county, Buckinghamshire Business First is a key part of the government's new Business Growth Service, which means that businesses that get more involved with Buckinghamshire Business First can expect to get even more back from the support we offer.