Senior business leaders from across Horsham District are invited to attend our first Business Leaders Forum, taking place on Tuesday, 24 February 2026, 9:30am-2pm at Roffey Park Institute in Horsham.
This Forum will combine high-value networking with bite-sized updates on business developments, expert insight, and facilitated workshops on the issues shaping our local economy. Designed to inform, connect, and empower leaders, this is where Horsham District’s business community comes together to share ideas and drive forward positive change.
Presented by local speakers, key topics will include recruitment, staff transport in rural areas, as well as artificial intelligence featuring guest speaker Simon Greenman - Co-Founder of MapQuest, Head of AI & Chief Technology Officer for Best Practice AI and Former Global Innovator & Global AI Council Member for the World Economic Forum. You will also learn about local collaboration opportunities for your business and have your say to inform future topics of discussion at the Business Leaders Forum.
Refreshments and a light buffet lunch will be provided.
If you’re a senior business leader in Horsham District, whose business employs 10+ staff, sign up today. Up to two delegates are invited to attend per company.
The Business Leaders Forum is supported by Horsham District Council’s Enterprising Horsham Team and Gatwick Diamond Business.
Date: 24th February 2026
Time: 09:30-14:00
Venue: Roffey Park Institute, Forest Road, Horsham, RH12 4TB
CLICK HERE TO BOOK ON EVENTBRITE
KEY SPEAKERS:
Simon Greenman, Partner at Best Practice AI
Simon Greenman is an executive, investor, and board member with over 25 years of global experience in artificial intelligence (AI) and digital innovation. He co-founded MapQuest, one of the first internet and AI brands, and is now Partner at Best Practice AI, a consultancy specializing in AI strategy, technology, and governance.
He is a member of the World Economic Forum’s Expert Network and previously served on its Global AI Council, contributing to global policy discussions on the safe and responsible use of AI. A frequent speaker and advisor, Simon has worked with organizations including the BBC, Samsung, Harvard Business School, and the International Society of Barristers, as well as numerous financial and technology firms.
Earlier in his career, Simon led large-scale digital transformations as Chief Digital Officer for private-equity-backed companies and collaborated with brands such as HomeAdvisor, Bowers & Wilkins, AOL, and Accenture. He holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a BA in Computing and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Sussex.
Matt Roberts, CEO of Community Transport Sussex
Matt came into the world of community transport in 2007, after selling his family health club business.
He joined Bluebird Community Transport as CEO on a temporary, part time basis after the charity helped his father, who had developed a type of early onset dementia.
19 years later that small charity has developed into the largest provider of Community Transport services in the region and now has over 50 accessible vehicles, covering the entirety of West Sussex and helping 6500 members, who find it hard to access mainstream transport to get to where they need to.
Community Transport Sussex now delivers over 150,000 passenger journeys a year.
Matt is passionate about helping those people and organisations who, for whatever reason, cannot access other forms of transport, to stay connected.
FAQS:
Who can attend this event?
This event is for senior business leaders in the Horsham District, whose business employs 10+ staff, up to two delegates per company are invited to attend.
What are my transport options?
Free parking is available on site. Alternatively, the nearest train stations are Faygate, Horsham or Three Bridges which are all a brief taxi ride away.
