BPS Conference sets the tone for business and professional services in the UK

PROFESSIONALS from across the country joined together on Thursday 17th March 2011 to discuss the future of economy at the UK’s inaugural Business and Professional Services Conference. Leading economic, business and banking professionals shared their views with an audience of 400 professionals at The Point at Lancashire Cricket Club.

Manchester’s financial and professional services sector received high praise from Mark Prisk, the Minister for business and enterprise. He described the professional services sector in the region as “a vital engine for economic growth”.

Chris Cummings, chief executive of TheCityUK endorsed this, highlighting the deep pool of talent the F & P industry in Greater Manchester boasts. Leaders from the banking world discussed what the future of British banking will look like and what this will mean for businesses.

Andrew Bailey, executive director of banking at the Bank of England, shared his thoughts on the need for greater transparency in both banking regulation and how banks are run. The chief executive of the British Bankers Association,

Angela Knight, called for early intervention by regulatory bodies to ensure struggling banks do not fail and continue to lend. Other speakers included Sir Howard Bernstein, chief executive of Manchester City Council, who opened the conference. Sir Howard outlined his ambition to generate 85,000 new jobs in the professional services sector by 2020.

John Ashcroft, chief executive of pro.manchester, the organisation hosting the BPS Conference, said: “The BPS Conference was the UK’s answer to Davos. We received vital insights into the future of the financial and professional services industry for the UK and the role Manchester professionals and businesses will play in this.”

Anchored by Newsnight presenters Gavin Esler and Kirsty Wark, the BPS Conference also tackled issues such as interest rates, inflation, property, higher education, venture capital and private equity. John Ashcroft added: “Thank you to all our speakers and delegates. The plans for next year’s conference have already begun.”

The Conference was organised by pro.manchester in conjunction with MIDAS, Marketing Manchester, the Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce, RMS and the Commission for the New Economy.