On Tuesday 4th November 2025 Downtown in Business hosted the Change Makers Live Summit at Aston University , bringing together senior leaders from business, policy, and academia to explore how innovation, governance, and technology are driving the West Midlands’ economic future.
The full-day event featured a series of engaging panel discussions focused on business innovation, policy alignment, regeneration, and the skills required to sustain future economic growth. Delegates from across the region gathered to share insights, strengthen partnerships, and identify opportunities for collaboration across sectors.
The summit began with a panel on Business Innovation and Economic Growth, featuring Hilary Smyth-Allen, Chief Executive of SuperTech WM, Dr Jason Wouhra OBE, CEO of Lioncroft Wholesale Ltd, and Raj Kandola, Deputy CEO of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce. Moderated by Professor Inez Brown, CEO and Founder of McKenzie Brown Consultancy Ltd, the discussion explored the role of entrepreneurship, digital transformation, and business leadership in driving regional productivity and innovation.
The second session, Aligning Policy and Governance, examined how policymaking can better support inclusive innovation and sustainable economic growth. Speakers included Jessica Bowles, Strategic Partnerships and Impact Director at Bruntwood SciTech, Tom Brufatto, Executive Director of Policy and Research at Best for Britain, and Jonathan Skinner, Head of Economy and Local Industrial Strategy at the West Midlands Combined Authority. The panel was chaired by Professor Zoe Radnor, Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Academic Hubs at Aston University, who guided a conversation on how collaborative policy approaches can unlock long-term regional potential.
Following a short break, the focus turned to Regeneration and Smart City Development, highlighting the importance of urban innovation, infrastructure, and place-based investment. Panellists included James Watts, Director and Birmingham Office Leader at Arup, Richard Lawrence, Executive Director at Birmingham City Council, and Rob Valentine. Moderated by Frank McKenna, Chief Executive and Group Chairman of Downtown in Business, the panel discussed how regeneration projects and smart city strategies can create inclusive, sustainable communities across the West Midlands.
The final session, Technology Innovation and Future Skills, explored the intersection between emerging technologies, workforce development, and sustainable industry transformation. Speakers included Abigail Vlahakis, CEO of Millennium Point Birmingham, Professor Claire Lucas, Dean of Engineering and Innovation at Aston University, Chris Corkan, Region Director for the Midlands & East of England at Make UK, and Professor Patricia Thornley, Professor at the Energy and Bioproducts Research Institute at Aston University. The discussion was chaired by Professor Aleks Subic, Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive of Aston University, who highlighted the University’s pivotal role in driving innovation and equipping the next generation with the skills needed to lead the industries of the future.
The Change Makers Live Summit reaffirmed DIB’s commitment to connecting academia, business, and policy to address real-world challenges. The event concluded with a call to continue building partnerships that drive inclusive growth and technological advancement across the West Midlands and beyond.
