The Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with the Cambridgeshire & Peterborough Combined Authority (CPCA), will bring together business leaders, policymakers, and education providers for the HR and Employment Summit on 25 March 2026 at Anglia Ruskin University, Cambridge.
The summit will help employers navigate a rapidly changing employment landscape, offering practical insight and solutions on key issues including skills shortages, workforce development, employment rights, and the growing impact of AI on the workplace.
Mayor Paul Bristow will be attending and speaking, alongside national policy leaders, regional decision-makers, and industry experts.
Tackling Skills Challenges in Cambridge and the Region
With skills gaps, youth employment challenges, and technological change shaping the workforce, the summit gives businesses a unique opportunity to hear directly from experts, share experiences, and explore practical solutions to strengthen talent pipelines.
While Cambridge is widely recognised as a centre of innovation and economic success, there are still challenges within the city. Up to December 2025:
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8.5% of working-age residents were not in employment or education, with long-term sickness the biggest driver.
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Around 8,500 people (7.7%) were claiming out-of-work benefits in August 2025.
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Educational outcomes reveal a growing divide: non-disadvantaged pupils achieved an average GCSE Attainment 8 score of 62.0, well above the national average of 45.9, while disadvantaged pupils achieved just 39.3.
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Some areas, including parts of Fen Ditton, are among the 10% most deprived neighbourhoods in England for education and skills.
Local Leaders Comment
Charlotte Horobin, CEO of the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“Cambridge is rightly celebrated as a hub of innovation and economic success, but not every community shares in that prosperity. Businesses across our region face a complex mix of workforce challenges, from recruitment pressures and skills shortages to the rapid pace of technological change. This summit brings those voices together, sharing insight and practical experience to help businesses plan ahead, build stronger talent pipelines, and ensure more young people see a future for themselves in our regional economy. It’s an honour to host a platform where practical solutions can be explored and where local employers, educators, and policymakers can work together to make a real difference.”
Zoe Brennan, Events Manager at the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, added:
“The HR and Employment Summit will feature panels and guest speakers from across industry, education, and policy. It’s a fantastic opportunity for attendees to hear directly from experts, share ideas, and connect with peers on the challenges and opportunities shaping our regional workforce.”
Nick Frank, LSIP Manager, at the Cambridgeshire Chamber of Commerce, said:
“The Local Skills Improvement Plan is focused on ensuring the skills system works for employers while supporting people into meaningful, sustainable employment. Events like this are vital in bringing partners together to turn insight into action.”
How to Get Involved
The HR and Employment Summit is open to businesses, employers, and education providers. For more information and tickets, visit: https://www.cambridgeshirechamber.co.uk/events-training/events/regional-skills-workforce-summit/