Skills for the Future: Basingstoke Business Week 2026 programme revealed

Whether you lead a business, work in one, are looking for your next opportunity or are just starting out, this year’s programme has an event worth your time. Sign up to the Basingstoke Business Week mailing list at https://mailchi.mp/destinationbasingstoke/y7c4wmngl0 to hear first as details for each event are released, and join the official LinkedIn group https://www.linkedin.com/groups/26320066/ for exclusive details. The full programme for the week is also available at https://www.destinationbasingstoke.co.uk/business-week-2026/.

Luke Murphy, MP for Basingstoke, said:
“After the success of the inaugural business week last year, I’m delighted we’re returning this year to once again support local businesses, help them connect and promote Basingstoke as a great place to do business.

“This year’s Basingstoke Business Week has something for everyone, and I’m really proud of the programme our partners have put together.

“Basingstoke is one of the best places in Britain to start and grow a business, but our success depends on people having the skills, confidence and connections to flourish in the economy of the future. Whether you run a business, work in one or are looking for your next step, there’s something in this programme for you.”

Cllr Paul Harvey, Leader of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, said:

“Basingstoke & Deane is a place of ambition, innovation and has huge economic potential, and making sure residents and businesses are at the heart of its success is incredibly important to us.

“Basingstoke Business Week 2026 is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when employers, colleges and our community come together to share ideas and new thinking to help people develop the skills and confidence they need to thrive in our borough.

“It gives us an opportunity to showcase the strength of the economy in North Hampshire and our focus on delivering growth and prosperity we can see shared with all communities.

Lorraine Heath, Principal of Basingstoke College of Technology, said:

“Building on the energy of the launch, the real power of Basingstoke Business Week is seeing those initial conversations turn into tangible opportunities. At BCoT, we aren’t just looking at what the regional economy needs today but preparing our workforce for the industries of tomorrow. By deepening our work with local business leaders this week, we’re actively shaping clear pathways from the classroom directly into high-value careers across our community.”

Barry Smith, Chair, Basingstoke & North Hampshire, Hampshire Chamber of Commerce, said:

“The skills agenda isn’t just about recruitment, it’s about growth. The organisations that thrive over the next decade will be the ones investing now in their people, their technology and their thinking.”

Alex Hackett, Partnerships Manager, Destination Basingstoke, said:

“Basingstoke is a major regional economy and a centre for entrepreneurship and innovation – from financial services to robotics. More than that, it is home to a thriving community of businesses that share ideas and help each other to succeed.

“Basingstoke Business Week 2026 demonstrates this perfectly. It is a showcase of thought leadership and knowledge-sharing, bringing businesses together to connect and learn – with practical insight they can take away and put into action in their own organisations.

“The whole team at Destination Basingstoke is proud to be part of organising this outstanding annual event, and we’re looking forward to bringing great local businesses together throughout the week.”

Amanda Fisackerly, Operations Director and Trustee, M3 Job Club, said:

“Business Week’s schedule highlights the strength of collaboration across Basingstoke, and our members are right at the centre of it. Meeting Chamber of Commerce businesses at the Chamber Connects event gives us the chance to showcase the calibre and expertise that exists locally- talent that becomes visible when people meet face‑to‑face. And by leading the event management and on‑the‑day delivery of the Skills Summit, our members demonstrate that same capability in action.

“This year’s programme offers a wealth of opportunities for everyone to get involved, connect with local businesses and meet the talent and expertise across the whole community, whether employer or employee. It’s a week that shows what happens when people come together with purpose, confidence and a commitment to making Basingstoke and our region stronger.”