Strong partnerships create stronger businesses! Join KCOM for Stronger Together – How Strategic Partnerships Deliver Real Business Value, an engaging breakout session exploring the power of charitable partnerships and the measurable impact they can have for organisations, employees, customers, and communities alike.
Through a real-life case study and honest conversation, we’ll explore how purpose-driven collaboration can strengthen brand reputation, attract talent, deepen employee engagement, and deliver lasting social value alongside commercial success.
Whether you’re already involved in corporate social impact initiatives or looking for inspiration on where to start, this session will offer practical ideas, shared experiences, and fresh perspectives on what’s possible when businesses and charities work together with purpose.
A first for The Business Day, this lively panel quiz will be inspired by the classic chaos of Blankety Blank, but reimagined for 2026. BBC Radio Humberside’s Phil White will be our host for this interactive session will blend humour, regional focus and genuine business insights. Contestants will be picked from the audience, to bring the laughs and asked to fill in the blanks to unpredictable business-themed statements, with a panel of regional business people attempting to match their answers.
In 2012, Paul Spence was the victim of an unprovoked attack, subsequently suffering a frontal-lobe brain haemorrhage that changed his life forever. He was left facing years of neurorehabilitation, and was told he would never be the same person again – turning his world upside down in every way imaginable.
But he refused to let this incident define his future.
In this powerful and moving exploration of his personal story, Paul lays bare the challenges of recovering from an Acquired Brain Injury, and how purposefully prioritising his brain’s performance empowered him to push through the difficult times – emerging stronger, healthier, and in better control of every aspect of his life.
You’ll hear about the science behind optimum brain health, and how these principles can also help you to boost your own resilience, enhance your wellbeing, and transform your performance and potential both in and outside work.
Paul’s experience proves that no matter how difficult the circumstances, it’s never too late to prioritise your most important organ and start living with greater purpose, fulfilment, and success. By sharing his talk, Paul hopes to inspire and empower you to overcome any challenges you may be facing in your own life, so that you can become the best possible version of yourself that you can be.
Speaker Biography
Paul is the CEO and Founder of P.A.U.L for Brain Recovery, a registered charity that provides expert support, education, and guidance to anyone affected by Acquired Brain Injury (ABI) across the Humber – empowering them to rediscover their potential and make recovery count. The charity is commissioned by the NHS and works in partnership with the University of Hull, to raise awareness of ABI and help people to live life better after brain injury. Over the past year, there were over 3,000 visits to the charity’s centre in Hull, which is managed by a 22-strong team of dedicated staff members, Ambassadors and Trustees.
Paul also runs his own speaking and consultancy business, Paul Talks – partnering with private companies, schools and government institutions to deliver educational presentations informed by his own personal experience, to prevent violence and promote brain health in workplaces and communities.
Drawing on the mindset, discipline and marginal gains of elite sport, this session explores how businesses can translate high-performance principles into everyday practice. Chaired by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hull, and featuring insights from elite athletes and business leaders the discussion will examine leadership, resilience, teamwork and continuous improvement. Expect practical examples, honest reflections and clear takeaways on building high-performing cultures, aligning strategy with execution, and unlocking competitive advantage in a fast-moving regional and global economy. Participants will leave with actionable ideas to apply immediately across teams, partnerships and growth strategies.
Speakers:
Paul Sewell OBE
Ed Clancy OBE
Hollie Pearne-Webb MBE