BIG SUMMIT '25: Destination South London
AGENDA
12:00: Registration Opens & Networking
12:00 – 12:45 Lunch at Zafari Restaurant
12:45 – 12:55 Welcome to Chessington World of Adventures Resort
Howard Ebison, Vice President, Chessington World of Adventures Resort
12:55 – 13:05 Welcome to Kingston & Destination South London
Councillor Andreas Kirsch, Leader of Kingston Council
13:05 – 13:35 Opening Keynote (inc. Q&A): Destination South London – A New Chapter in London’s Growth Story
Laura Citron, Chief Executive Officer, London & Partners
13:35 – 14:15 Panel Session One
South London: The Play’s the Thing – The Role of Sport & Play in Place-Making
South London is home to some of the most iconic sporting venues and teams in the world – globally resonant, but also locally relevant as hubs of community activity and identity, fostering social infrastructure by providing inclusive places for culture, creativity and celebration. This session will explore the critical importance of South London’s sporting assets not only as catalysts for economic growth, the creation of jobs and opportunity and in stimulating investment right across the region and beyond, but as anchors for their local community’s connection to place.
Convenor: Matthew Hamilton, Director, South London Partnership
Contributors: Ulrika Hogberg, Head of Community Strategy, All England Lawn Tennis Club, Alex Cohen, Stadium Development Director, Rugby Football Union and Jack Daly, Chief Revenue Officer, Sutton United Football Club
14:15 – 14:30 Break
14:30 - 15:20 Shaping South London’s Opportunities
Delegates choose one co-design session to attend
Opportunity Session One - Skills for the Retail, Hospitality & Experiential Economy
The challenge with skills in the retail, hospitality, and experiential economy is a complex one -significant skills gaps intensified by high workforce turnover, historically low pay, perceived poor working conditions, and an absence of investment in digital and sustainability-focused skills. This session will discuss exemplary practice and current collaborations across South London that are helping both employers and employees keep pace with rapid industry changes.
Location: Serengeti Suite 2
Session Lead: Polly Persechino, Head of Economy, Skills and Employment, South London Partnership
Contributors: Sandra Kelly, Skills Director, UK Hospitality, Suna Marfe, Executive Director of Business Development & Partnerships, South Thames Colleges Group and Amy Falconer, Workforce Manager, Aramark.
Opportunity Session Two - Culture, Creativity & Community
This session will explore how culture builds community. Via shared cultural experiences, from art to festivals, strengthening social bonds and creating a sense of belonging among local people will support communities in shaping their cultural activities. Contributors will bring real-world examples as to the value of arts and culture, not just as economic drivers, but as essential tools for building vibrant and resilient places where people can thrive.
Location: Serengeti Suite 1
Session Lead: Katherine Glass, Managing Director, White Label Creative
Contributors: Robbie Powell, Theatre Director, New Wimbledon Theatre, Tim Coram, Arts Development, Richmond Council, Stephanie Wilson, Head of Culture, Leisure & Libraries, Croydon MBC, Scott Furlong, Corporate Head of Culture and Programme Director, Kingston 2025, and Robert O’Dowd, Chief Executive Officer, The Rose Theatre
Opportunity Session Three - Diversifying the Night Time Economy
The session will explore how South London can expand the types of activities and venues available ‘after dark’. Cultural events, markets, food experiences, and community gatherings have the potential to attract a broader demographic and foster safer, more inclusive nighttime environments. Contributors will discuss strategies and approaches, including work currently underway across South London and beyond, that have developed diverse offerings, supported creative and cultural industries, and enhanced public safety to support economic growth and urban vitality.
Location: Boardroom Three
Session Lead: Craig Hurring, Chief Executive Officer, Love Wimbledon
Contributors: Councillor Phil Giesler, Leader of Richmond Council, Councillor Eleanor Stringer, Leader of Merton Council, Vibushan Thirukumar, Co-Founder and CEO, Oru Sutton, Mark Williams, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, HOLBA and Sam Mathys, Greater London Authority.
Opportunity Session Four - Creating the Conditions for Innovation & Investment
Investing in the experience economy means capitalising on current and future consumer demand for memorable events and immersive experiences. This session will explore how some of London’s most successful experiential economy ventures have created shareable, high-quality experiences that foster emotional connections. Contributors will explain factors upon which their success has hinged – including understanding evolving consumer desires and delivering value – and South London’s potential to create the best possible conditions and environment for attracting such collaborations in the future.
Location: Boardroom 1
Session Lead: Andrew Travers, Chief Executive Officer, Richmond & Wandsworth
Contributors: Damien Norman, Director, Excel, Amy Farrant, Chief Marketing Officer, Layered Reality, Simon McCaugherty, Director, London & Partners
15:40 – 15:50 Introduction of Deputy Mayor, Howard Dawber
Councillor Gareth Roberts, Chair, South London Partnership and Leader of Richmond Council
15:50 – 16:20 Second Keynote (+ Q&A): Working in Partnership – A Pan-London Vision for Experience and Visitor Economy
Deputy Mayor Howard Dawber, Deputy Mayor of London
15:20 – 15:40 Break
16:20 – 17:00 Panel Session Two
Business Improvement Districts @ 20 – The Future of South London’s High Streets in a Polycentric London
Existing within a polycentric capital, South London’s high streets present a significant opportunity to become more diverse and more successful, blending social experiences with traditional retail and hospitality. Contributors from South London’s leading Business Improvement Districts will explore how key strategies and approaches, such as supporting thriving local culture, implementing circular economy models, and ensuring early business and community engagement, are the key building blocks for successful high streets.
Convenor: Councillor Barry Lewis, Leader, Sutton Council
Contributors: Matthew Sims, Chief Executive Officer, Croydon BID, Kirsten Henly, Chief Executive Officer, Kingston First, Craig Hurring, Chief Executive Officer, Love Wimbledon, Patricia Park, Chief Executive Officer, Successful Sutton, Paul Clement, Chief Executive Officer, Locus
17:00 – 17:40 Panel Session Three
South London’s Narrative – So Steeped in Stories: A Place of Heritage, History, Innovation, Culture & Creativity
South London is a region whose cultural heritage has inspired artistic and scientific innovation, driven by economic and social development through the diversity of its creative industries, sense of entrepreneurship, and vibrancy of its cultural tourism. South London has a unique opportunity to leverage our collective past to foster future growth, engaging citizens and industries in innovative projects and collaborations.
Convenor: Robin Hutchinson MBE, Director, The Community Brain CIC
Contributors: Alec Riches, Kew Gardens, Beth Brunton, Head of Public Engagement Strategy, National Archives, Lynette Shanbury, Executive Director and Joint CEO, The Polka Theatre and Mayor Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon
17:40 – 17:45 Concluding Comments & Summit Close
Mayor Jason Perry, Mayor of Croydon
17:45 – 19:15 Post Summit Reception
