The fourth annual Guildford and Waverley Business Question Time took place on Monday 16 March at the Harbour Hotel in Guildford - and this year’s event proved to be, once again, a great success, bringing together more than 80 local business leaders, entrepreneurs and professionals for an evening of discussion, networking and insight.
Jointly organised by Guildford Borough Council and Waverley Borough Council, the event delivered on its aim to support and connect the local business community.
Hosted by broadcaster Peter Gordon, this year’s theme, “Resilience in the Digital Age,” set the tone for dynamic and timely conversations throughout the evening.
Attendees heard a keynote address from Jane Frankland MBE, an internationally recognised cyber security expert and award-winning author. Her session sparked an especially engaging debate around cyber security for businesses, with organisations keen to understand how to strengthen their resilience in an increasingly digital landscape.
Another area that resonated strongly with the audience was the current challenge of graduate recruitment. With the jobs market shifting rapidly, businesses shared their struggles in attracting and retaining early‑career talent, leading to a productive discussion among panel members and attendees about how employers can adapt to changing expectations and employment patterns.
The panel - comprising influential figures from sectors including professional services, sustainability, creative industries, and academia - explored a wide range of topics such as digital transformation, innovation, the pace of change within digital media/advertising, and practical advice for growing a business.
Alongside the discussions, the event provided valuable opportunities for new connections, with networking sessions supported by light refreshments.
Councillor Liz Townsend BEM, Deputy Leader and Portfolio Holder for Planning and Economic Development at Waverley Borough Council, said: “We were happy to see this year’s Business Question Time, once again, achieve such strong engagement. Bringing together more than eighty members of our local business community demonstrates just how valuable this event has become. The insightful discussions, particularly around cyber security and the evolving challenges of graduate recruitment, highlight the real-world issues businesses are facing right now. Events like this strengthen collaboration, spark new ideas, and support the resilience and ambition that define our local economy.”
Cllr Vanessa King, Deputy Leader and Lead Councillor for Economy, Guildford Borough Council, added: “Guildford’s business community continues to demonstrate remarkable adaptability and ambition, and this year’s Business Question Time was a powerful reflection of that. Bringing together such a diverse group of business leaders to discuss the opportunities and pressures of the digital age is vital to supporting a thriving, forward‑looking economy. We are proud to work alongside Waverley Borough Council to champion the innovation, resilience and collaborative spirit that make our local economy so strong.”
As the event continues to grow in popularity and impact, both councils look forward to supporting the business community with future sessions aimed at fostering resilience, collaboration and sustainable economic growth across the region.
For further information on business advice and support in Waverley, visit Welcome to Waverley for business and in Guildford, Businesses - Guildford Borough Council. To subscribe to Waverley's business newsletter, sign up at Waverley Borough Council.
Image : Main photo left to right (credit Justine Burton) - Fay Sharpe OBE, Founder, Fast Forward 15; Cllr Vanessa King GBC; Sush Patel, MD Stag Print, Guildford; Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises; Jane Frankland MBE; Chris Hurren, Office Managing Partner, RSM Guildford; Pete Glanville, Creative Director and CEO, Farnham Maltings; Peter Gordon, Cllr Liz Townsend BEM, WBC.
Image : Main photo left to right (credit Justine Burton, Berties Photography) - Fay Sharpe OBE, Founder, Fast Forward 15; Cllr Vanessa King GBC; Sush Patel, MD Stag Print, Guildford; Maggie Howell, CEO of Surrey Hills Enterprises; Jane Frankland MBE; Chris Hurren, Office Managing Partner, RSM Guildford; Pete Glanville, Creative Director and CEO, Farnham Maltings; Peter Gordon, Cllr Liz Townsend BEM, WBC
Also on the panel (but not in image attached) was Dr Alison Callwood Founder and CEO Sammi-Select and Associate Professor, University of Surrey.