Top executive speakers to give unique business insights at UWE Bristol
See all news
Members of the public can once again attend lectures given by senior business leaders at the University of the West of England (UWE Bristol) as part of its Bristol Distinguished Address Series (BDAS). Spread over two months, the five evening events will see the speakers provide insights into topics including how to ensure a company's sustainability, the future of transport, and TV as a force for good.
Ray McDowell, who is acting Dean for the Faculty of Business and Law, said: "BDAS continues to be a hugely successful event as it brings audience members - many of whom are part of the business community - up close to top executives.
"Their talks provide insights into business culture, strategies, and lessons learned that would not necessarily be accessible in other circumstances. And attendees are in a position to ask questions pertinent to their own businesses from experts in their field. BDAS also provides the perfect environment for networking."
BDAS, which takes place twice a year, kicks off on 29 January with a talk by Dr Bevis Watts, Chief Executive of Triodos Bank UK. He believes bankers need to be eco-warriors and will put forward the case that much of the financial sector is undermining efforts to tackle environmental issues.
On 12 February Katherine Bennett CBE, Senior Vice President of Airbus and Chair of Western Gateway, will give a talk on the company's approach to internationalisation. The executive will also touch on other topics, including Airbus's issues and ambitions, as well as how regional strategies can best be aligned with how businesses are evolving.
Sustrans CEO Xavier Brice is to deliver a talk on 26 February. He will remind us that we are on the brink of a transport revolution involving new technologies and will explore how we need to rethink what we want from transport so that we can live and travel well together.
The final two talks will see television executives reveal their thoughts on the industry, which plays a big role in Bristol.
On 11 March, Managing Director of BBC Studios UK Production Lisa Opie's talk will be on the power of television to drive positive change locally, nationally and internationally. Then on 25 March Laura Marshall, CEO of Icon Films - which she and her husband founded in 1990 - will give her insights into how best to ensure a company continues to evolve and succeed.
To register to attend the lectures, please click on the links above. Please note that Bevis Watts' talk is full but it is possible to be placed on a waiting list.
Podcasts, video interviews, photos galleries and media coverage from past Bristol Distinguished Address Series events can be found here. Follow the discussion on Twitter using the hashtag #BristolLectures.
