Times Of Change

With a panel brim-full of experts, we will be debating the major trends that are changing the consumer, business and political landscape. In straightened times, with voters protesting and digital challenging the existence of many high streets, how can policy-makers and UK Plc respond?

William Higham started in the music industry, then became a trends forecaster. He considers the implications when 51% of mobile phone users buy things on their device, but only 36% of retailers have a compatible website.

Danny Finkelstein once ran a social policy think tank, aligning himself with modernisers like Cameron, Osborne and Gove. He is now Executive Editor of The Times – responsible for the digital edition and leader columns.

Bill Grimsey served as CEO of Wickes, Focus and Iceland. He has since turned author, looking at what’s next for Britain’s retail industry and offering a counter to those that seek to revive high street shopping.

Linda Davidson developed the first BBC sites and launched E4 before becoming European IT Director for Discovery. She now helps companies to deliver online ROI and to understand ‘hang-outs’, ‘hackathons’ and ‘unified’ communications.

As Head of the No.10 Policy Unit, Schools Minister and Transport Secretary, Lord Andrew Adonis was a key architect of Labour’s public service reforms – including tuition fees, academy schools and HS2. He’s since headed a cross-party think tank to improve the effectiveness of government.