Building the Future Workforce for Herefordshire

Connect. Learn. Influence.

The Future of Work Starts Here.

The world of work is changing rapidly. Employers are facing challenges around skills shortages, productivity, workforce planning, wellbeing, inclusion, leadership development and the growing impact of AI and digital technologies.

The Herefordshire Skills Conference 2026 will bring together employers, business leaders, HR professionals, education providers and workforce partners to explore these challenges and identify practical solutions that will help businesses thrive and grow.

Why Attend?

This year's conference has been designed to be more interactive, more employer focused and more forward looking than previous events.

What's Different This Year?

Last year's conference focused on understanding current labour market issues, recruitment challenges and workforce support.

This year, we are taking the conversation a step further.

Together, we will explore:

How businesses can prepare for the workforce needs of the future

How AI and digital innovation are changing the workplace

How employers can improve productivity and performance

How organisations can attract, develop and retain talent

How wellbeing and inclusion contribute to business success

What support businesses need to grow and succeed in Herefordshire

Most importantly, delegates will not simply listen to presentations. Throughout the day there will be opportunities to:

Participate in live discussions

Share experiences with other employers

Join interactive Business Insight Zones

Contribute ideas and feedback

Help shape future skills priorities for Herefordshire

This is not a traditional conference. It is a business led conversation about the future workforce needs of Herefordshire.

Keynote Speaker

Christine Armstrong

Future of Work and Leadership Expert

Christine Armstrong is a recognised, highly regarded speaker who focuses on the future of work, leadership, workplace culture and workforce transformation. Her keynote will challenge delegates to think differently about leading people, embracing change and building resilient organisations that can thrive in an increasingly complex world.

What You'll Experience

Understanding Herefordshire's Future Economy by exploring;

Future skills requirements

Labour market trends

Growth opportunities

Productivity challenges

Workforce demand

Helping businesses better understand the economic context in which they will operate over the next decade.

Interactive Business Insight Zones

Rather than traditional workshops, delegates will be able to move freely between a series of facilitated discussion zones and join conversations that matter most to their business.

Health & Wellbeing

Workforce Development and Planning

AI for Business Growth

Creating Inclusive Workspaces

Employer Panel Discussion

What Does Business Need from the Skills System?

Hear directly from employers, education providers and workforce specialists discussing:

Future skills priorities

Workforce challenges

Talent development

Business growth

How the local skills system can better support employers

Insights gathered throughout the conference will help shape the discussion.

Reserve Your Place

Join employers and partners from across Herefordshire for an engaging and practical event focused on the opportunities and challenges that will shape the future workforce.

Places are limited. Register early to secure your place.

Description supplied by the event organiser.