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BPD Annual Conference 2026: Effective Business Collaborations

BPD Annual Conference 2026: Effective Business Collaborations

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About This Event

The BPD Annual Conference will run from 6 November 2026 at The Link Centre in Ashbourne, Derby. Admission is free for business attendees gathering to explore effective collaboration.

Business Peak District's Annual Conference brings together Peak District businesses to explore the value of effective business collaboration

About the Event

The Business Peak District Annual Conference brings together Peak District businesses to explore the value of effective business collaborations as a way of optimising performance and opening up new market opportunities.

At recent Business Peak District networking events and in the ongoing members’ survey, our member businesses have clearly identified effective business collaborations as a key area of current interest.

The Annual Conference has been designed directly in response to that feedback.

Keynote presentation

The keynote presentation entitled “The Do’s and Don’ts of Effective Business Collaborations”, will be delivered by Professor Mark Gilman of the University of Derby.

Professor Mark Gilman is Professor of Economics at the University of Derby and a Director of the Regional Economic Observatory. After an 18-year career in engineering, he returned to education as a mature student, earning a Master's degree and PhD from Warwick Business School.

Today, Mark is a recognised expert in SME growth, leadership and organisational performance, combining world-class research with practical interventions that have helped thousands of business owners and leaders improve growth and productivity. His work spans academia, policy and practice, and includes leadership roles at major universities and the co-founding of BIG Associates, a successful university spin-out.

BPD Member Case Studies

Feedback received at previous BPD events has shown the value of having members sharing their direct experiences to fellow business owners at our networking events.

With this in mind we, are looking for 6 members who wish to share their stories of effective collaborations with fellow member businesses, that have resulted in positive outcomes. Each case study will be of 5 minutes duration and should ideally cover the original intention of the collaboration, the approach taken to ensure the collaboration was effective, pitfalls to be avoided and successful outcomes.

If you are interested in sharing your story of an effective business collaboration at this year’s BPD Annual Conference, please write to members@businesspeakdistrict.com.

Why Attend?

Many BPD members have expressed a desire for practical tips and advice on the role that effective business collaborations can play in either optimising the performance of their businesses or opening up new market opportunities. They are especially keen from business owners who have successfully gone down this route and so this event focuses on practical tips and advice that can readily be deployed in seeking new opportunities for effective business collaborations.

The timing is critical as effective collaborations can potentially be the difference between success and failure in these challenging times.

Plus, we will be providing refreshments and breakfast baps for all attendees!

What You’ll Gain

A clearer understanding of the benefits of effective collaborations for your business

Practical insights from business owners who have engaged in effective business collaborations

Ideas you can take away and apply, regardless of business size or sector

An opportunity to explore new business collaborations with fellow Peak District business owners

· Businesses will also have the opportunity to exhibit at the event. Please visit this link to book your exhibition stand.

· Food and beverage businesses will have an opportunity to showcase their products. Please use the members@businesspeakdistrict.com email address if you would like to explore this opportunity.

Who Should Attend?

Business owners and directors

Senior decision-makers

Representatives of businesses who are curious about the opportunities that can emerge through effective business collaborations

Organisations looking to stay competitive in these challenging times

About the venue

The Link Centre is a new hub for the people of Ashbourne, it is a welcoming space for community & arts events, and the home of Ashbourne Methodist Church and Cornerstone Coffee House.

The Link Centre supports businesses & charities by offering meeting & conference facilities.

Also within the building is Gateway Lodge, which provides affordable, modern en-suite rooms in a great town-centre location.

The Link Centre is located on Station Road in Ashbourne (DE6 1DR) with all-day parking available at the nearby Ashbourne Leisure Centre/Swimming Pool at a cost of £2. The larger council-run Cokayne Avenue Car Park is located about a 9-minute walk away.

Ashbourne Leisure Centre/Swimming Pool (directly opposite The Link Centre on Station Road) is equipped to handle accessibility needs.

♿ Disabled Parking Bays

Leisure Centre Car Park: Features 6 designated disabled parking bays.

Cost: Parking is free of charge across all Derbyshire Dales District Council car parks for vehicles displaying a valid Blue Badge.

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Frequently asked questions

BPD Annual Conference 2026: Effective Business Collaborations takes place on Friday, 6 November 2026 at 08:30.

BPD Annual Conference 2026: Effective Business Collaborations is held at The Link Centre, Ashbourne in Derby (Station Road, Ashbourne, DE6 1AA).

Entry to BPD Annual Conference 2026: Effective Business Collaborations is free.

Tickets for BPD Annual Conference 2026: Effective Business Collaborations can be booked via Eventbrite using the "Check Tickets & Live Prices" button on this page, which opens the official booking site in a new tab.

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Price

Free Entry

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