Business and government unite at Pride of Place Summit to help drive change in UK communities

Business and government unite at Pride of Place Summit to help drive change in UK communities

June 1, 2026

Business and government unite at Pride of Place Summit to help drive change in UK communities

Business leaders, local authorities, community organisations, and national decision-makers will come together at the second annual Pride of Place Summit in June to accelerate action on building and growing stronger, more inclusive local economies. The Summit is part of Business in the Community’s Pride of Place programme, which tackles entrenched social and economic challenges in communities across the UK. 

Hosted by Business in the Community (BITC) on 2 June, the Summit will showcase BITC’s work in places across the UK. From housing and systems leadership to shared learning between places, the programme is helping to shape practical solutions locally, while informing action nationally. It also comes at a time when government is increasingly working with BITC, in recognition that these systemic challenges cannot be solved by the public sector alone: business involvement is critical to making positive change happen across all four nations.  

The Summit will bring together senior leaders from across the private, public, and voluntary sectors to promote what works in place-based regeneration and to drive greater collaboration and investment in communities across the UK. The Summit will provide a platform to strengthen collaboration, unlock new partnerships, and inspire further commitment to supporting local communities. Leaders attending the Summit will be invited to make tangible commitments to support the places they operate in, from investing in local partnerships to taking practical action to drive inclusive growth and opportunity in communities across the UK. 

Through a programme of keynote sessions, panels, and breakout discussions, leaders will share insights, challenge short-term approaches, and identify the next steps needed to scale impact in towns and cities across the UK. Featured speakers include:

  • Dame Amanda Blanc, Group Chief Executive Officer, Aviva plc[1]
  • Nesil Caliskan MP, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State, Ministry for Housing, Communities and Local Government[2] 
  • Howard Dawber OBE, Deputy Mayor of London (Business) 
  • Steve Hughes, Group Chief Executive Officer, Coventry Building Society 
  • Kate Josephs CB, Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council 
  • Ndidi Okezie, Chief Executive, Business in the Community 
  • Steve Reed MP, Secretary of State for Housing, Communities and Local Government[3] 

Taking place at a critical moment for the UK’s economic and social renewal, the Summit will spotlight practical examples of successful collaboration in action, demonstrating how businesses are working alongside local partners to deliver meaningful change on the ground.  

BITC’s Pride of Place programme works in every nation and region across the UK, including in Belfast, Blackpool, Coventry, Glasgow, and Newport.[4] One of the driving themes behind the programme is the importance of cross-sector collaboration between businesses, local government, community organisations, and local communities, working together to create a shared vision for the places they live and work in. The programme is built on the belief that by addressing challenges and barriers facing communities, such as lack of access to employment and skills development opportunities, food insecurity, poor housing and health, and low social mobility, transformational and long-term change can be made. 

Ndidi Okezie OBE, Chief Executive of Business in the Community, said: 

“The deepest social and economic challenges in this country are felt in particular places, and they hold communities back in ways no single sector can fix alone. That is the work this Summit exists to mobilise action around.   
  
“Research shows that when businesses, communities, local partners, and government come together around shared goals, with national advocacy rooted in what people are actually living through, we can start to shift outcomes on everything from housing to who gets a fair shot at progressing in work.  
  
“We believe in the potential of business to work hand in hand with communities in solving social challenges. We invite others to join us in moving from ambition into action, and to build the partnerships that turn intent into lasting change.” 

The Summit will be hosted by King’s Business School, with generous support from Founding Place Partner, Aviva;[5] Summit Expert Partner, Coventry Building Society; Alliance Partner, Starling Bank; and Collaboration Partners, Lloyds Banking Group and Muse. Special thanks to BITC’s supporters Greggs, Linklaters, and Salesforce. 

ENDS

Notes to editor

  • [1] Amanda Blanc is delivering her keynote speech at 11:10am-11:25am. 
  • [2] Nesil Caliskan MP is speaking in a panel session from 11:25am-12:10pm. 
  • [3] Steve Reed MP is delivering the closing keynote address at 3:40pm-4:00pm. 
  • [4] Find out more about BITC’s Pride of Place programme here.
  • [5] Learn more about Aviva and BITC’s strategic partnership here. 

For further information, or to attend the event, please contact Hannah Tankard, Head of Content, Research and Engagement, on 020 7566 8734 or via email at hannah.tankard@bitc.org.uk.

About Business in the Community

Business in the Community (BITC) champions responsible business as essential for long term economic growth and resilience.   
 
It is the UK’s leading responsible business network, working with companies of all sizes to tackle society’s most pressing challenges from climate change and place-based community regeneration to inequality, workplace wellbeing, and inclusive growth.  
  
Founded by His Majesty King Charles III in 1982, BITC has over four decades of experience in engaging business and delivering measurable impact in both business and in communities through evidence-based interventions. 

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