With the Summer recess over and MPs returning to Parliament, many newly elected MPs are still finding their feet following the recent General Election.  

As we approach the first 100 days in government Mobile UK has in place a busy schedule of events.

The next two months will see Mobile UK Chief Executive, Hamish MacLeod and Director of Policy and Communications, Gareth Elliott, hosting and participating in several events throughout the UK.  

Here’s a rundown of upcoming sessions which will focus on a range of key issues and policy topics from planning reform and digital inclusion to digital transformation and the importance of mobile infrastructure for future connectivity.

Upcoming Events in September and October

Connected Britain, 11-12 September 2024, London

Connected Britain is the UK’s leading connectivity event, bringing together key players from the telecommunications industry. The focus for next week’s event will be on the future of 5G, fibre networks, and the digital economy. Expect insightful discussions on how to bridge the digital divide and enhance connectivity across the nation.

Gareth will participate in two events. The first will focus on the future of 5G in the UK, exploring innovation, challenges, and opportunities in expanding 5G networks nationwide. The second will focus on the digital economy, discussing how enhanced connectivity can drive economic growth and innovation.  

Both sessions will bring together industry leaders, policymakers, and stakeholders to foster collaboration and share insights on shaping the UK’s digital future.  

For more information and to secure your tickets, visit the Connected Britain 2024 website. Use the exclusive promo code ‘MOBILE15’ to save 15% on your tickets.

Labour Party Conference, 22-25 September 2024, Liverpool

The Labour Party Conference is a pivotal event in the UK’s political calendar and will be under the spotlight as the new government sets out its plans. It will feature speeches from key party leaders, policy discussions, and debates.  

Hamish will be holding a drop-in session for conference attendees: How can Labour build a mobile Britain? He will be speaking directly with the Minister of State on his vision for building a mobile Britain and asking him what reforms he is considering.  

Join us for the discussion and the Danish pastries that will be available. The session will be listed in the Conference Handbook.  

Alongside Hamish will be Rachael Burford, Chief Political Correspondent, Evening Standard; Sir Chris Bryant MP, Minister of State at the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology and the Department for Culture, Media and Sport; Kenneth Stevenson MP, Member of Parliament for Airdrie and Shotts; Julie Minns MP, Member of Parliament for Carlisle; and Ben Roome, Chief Executive Officer, Digital Mobile Spectrum Limited.

For more information and to attend please get in touch with us directly: info@mobileuk.org

Digital Leaders Week, 14-18 October, various locations/online

‍Digital Leaders Week is a nationwide event aimed at promoting digital transformation. With a series of workshops, seminars, and networking opportunities, this focused week will cover topics such as cybersecurity, digital skills, and innovation in public services. It’s a must-attend for anyone interested in the digital future of the UK.

Gareth will host an online session entitled 'Navigating the digital divide: failing to plan, planning will fail'. The workshop will explore the role of mobile connectivity in driving digital transformation across the UK and the need for planning reform to ensure vital infrastructure is in place to support mobile connectivity.  

Explore the importance of robust mobile networks in supporting innovation, enhancing public services, and bridging the digital divide. Industry experts and policymakers will discuss strategies for leveraging mobile technology to create a more inclusive and digitally empowered society.

Local Government Association Annual Conference and Exhibition, 22-24 October 2024, Harrogate

‍ The Local Government Association Annual Conference is the largest event in the local government calendar. It brings together councillors, officers, and partners from across the UK to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing local government. This year’s themes include sustainability, community engagement, and public service innovation.

Hamish and Gareth will be hosting an evening fringe event together with the newly convened Mobile Infrastructure Forum (MIF) on 22 October at 18.30. Entitled: Tackling Digital Exclusion – Bringing industry and local government together.

The session, moderated by Hamish, brings together speakers from the mobile industry and local government to discuss the rollout of mobile networks, their central importance to local government activities and why mobile needs to be prioritised. Also covered will be whether councils have the right resources and policies in place to ensure effective deployment. Focus will also be on whether there is the right level of internal awareness and understanding about mobile connectivity.

Panellists include Belinda Fawcett - General Counsel and Director of Property and Estates, Cornerstone; Mark Hawthorne MBE - Digital Connectivity Champion, Local Government Association; and Andrew Muir - Founder and Chief Executive, Farrpoint.

Ends  

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