Join us for a special collaborative networking event, bringing together the Chamber community and those of several other leading networking groups across Cambridge. This gathering is designed to connect local professionals, encourage new partnerships, and strengthen the region’s vibrant business community.
Host
Faye Holland, Partnership Director – Cambridge x Manchester Partnership
Faye Holland is the newly appointed Partnership Director of the Cambridge x Manchester Partnership, a pioneering collaboration between two of the UK’s leading innovation cities designed to accelerate economic growth and advance inclusive innovation.
With extensive experience in the Cambridge innovation ecosystem, Faye has built her career across communications consultancy, innovation and economic development. She founded and led innovation communications consultancy Cofinitive for a decade before successfully selling the business in 2025.
Faye is currently Chair of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce alongside board roles supporting technology innovation and regional growth.
She is passionate about bringing together businesses, universities and regional partners to strengthen innovation ecosystems and drive meaningful economic impact across the UK.
Keynote speaker
Brian Jones, Founder – Atlantic Cedar
Brian works with business leaders to help them compete and grow while navigating the complex intersections between people, technology, and markets. His career spans senior leadership roles in global FTSE 100 companies, including 15 years on executive boards.
Brian’s previous roles include:
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Chief Information Officer at Allied Domecq, Burberry, Scottish Power, and Smiths Group
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Business President at Smiths Detection and Smiths BIS
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Chief Commercial Officer at Smiths Group
He has a proven track record of driving operational excellence, business transformation, and sustainable growth. Passionate about people, service, and leadership, Brian has delivered sessions at London Business School, private companies, and international leadership events.
Panel members
Sylvie Russell, Chief Operating Officer – Cambridge Cleantech
Sylvie Russell is the Chief Operating Officer at Cambridge Cleantech, bringing over 20 years of international experience across SMEs, charities, and multinational brands. She leads the organisation’s operations and strategic delivery, overseeing membership management and partnerships that strengthen one of the UK’s leading Climate Tech ecosystems. Sylvie also manages Cleantech Venture Day, a flagship international pitching event that connects innovators, investors, corporates, and economic development partners to accelerate climate-focused solutions.
In addition to driving major events, she has delivered high-impact accelerator programmes, including Act4Green and the UK–India Tech Startup Programme, which supported cleantech entrepreneurs in scaling internationally. Her strong foundation in international business and management gives her a deep understanding of diverse cultures and working environments. Known for her calm, people‑centred approach, Sylvie is committed to ensuring smooth, efficient operations that enable innovation communities to flourish.
Michaela Eschbach, Chief Executive – Cambridge Wireless
Michaela has an impressive track record as a Founder and Director, both in the not-for-profit and for-profit space.
As co-founder of Form the Future CIC, Michaela drove strategic direction and operations for this multi-award-winning organisation which connects young people with career opportunities. As Managing Director of Founders4Schools, Michaela led the operational, financial and cultural transformation of this ed-tech charity.
Michaela is known for her passion and dedication in successfully driving companies through growth and challenges.
She was winner of the Cambridge News ‘Cambridge’s Most Influential Businesspeople Award’ in 2017 and was included in the EU-Startups’ Top 100: Europe’s Most Influential Women in the Startup and Venture Capital Space in 2023.
Charlotte Horobin, Chief Executive Officer – Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce
Charlotte became CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce in July 2023. She joined the Chamber following her tenure as Region Director for the Midlands and East of England at Make UK, the national body for UK manufacturing.
Charlotte is responsible for leading the representation of the Chamber membership and holds numerous positions influencing regional strategy. She is a member of the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority Business Board and chairs its Skills & Employment Board. She has extensive experience across regional policy, having formerly served on the Midlands Engine Partnership Board and as a Board Director of the West Midlands Growth Company.
Charlotte is also deeply involved in supporting innovation and education, currently serving as Chair of the Strategic Advisory Board for InterAct, a major ESRC-led network focused on Made Smarter Innovation. She is also a member of the University of Cambridge Industry Advisory Board at the Institute for Manufacturing.
This event is a great opportunity to:
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Meet professionals from across multiple Cambridge networking groups
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Build new relationships and collaborations
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Gain insights from an experienced global business leader
Location
Cambridge Science Centre
The Trinity Centre
Science Park
Milton
Cambridge
CB4 0FN