We were proud to host a Labour Conference Fringe Event for over 120 influential guests on Wednesday (25^th September) as the Leader of the House of Commons, Rt Hon Lucy Powell MP, delivered a powerful keynote speech on the importance of responsible business in long-term economic and societal development.

Powell was joined by other business trailblazers in speaking at our event, in collaboration with vocL, as our founder Paul Corcoran opened proceedings. Leaders from business, media and politics attended as Paul congratulated the new Labour Government.

“It is more important than ever that we come together to tackle the big challenges our generation faces,” Paul said, acknowledging the opportunity for businesses to succeed while remaining responsible both socially and environmentally.

Juergen Maier, CEO of vocL, the national professional development programme and network, spoke glowingly of Paul and our Agent Academy initiative during his keynote speech. “Agent Academy offer people of all backgrounds, and some of less privilege, an opportunity to progress,” he said.

“Paul is the exemplar of a business leader who runs a great business, a great creative agency but takes his responsibility towards society and community forward.”

Lucy Powell, MP for Central Manchester, arrived after a busy day at Labour Conference. The Leader of the House of Commons focused on the importance of Government and business combining to create a better society in her headline speech at the Agent Hangar. “No government can do this on its own,” she said.

“Our first mission, the most important in some ways, is sustainable growth and wealth creation. Real, meaningful, sustainable economic growth and wealth creation, fairly shared around the country. That is how we can invest in public services and raise living standards. You can’t do that without businesses and business leaders.”

Samantha Quinn, Head of Programmes at Agent Academy, explained the importance of developing future talent within the digital, creative and technology sectors for the betterment of society.

Jane Gaston, CEO of Net Zero North West, Sion Lewis, Associate at Arup, Andrew Gall, Head of Savings & Economics at Building Societies Association and Catherine Scowcroft, Head of Commercial Finance for Renewables at Certas Energy UK Limited, also captivated the crowd with ‘Lightning’ four-minute speeches in a fast-paced and fascinating event, which culminated in networking, drinks and servings of Scouse!

Paul Corcoran said: “We are proud to host another successful and prominent event at Agent. I must thank our speakers and attendees for their time and fascinating insights. We all have a responsibility to drive better business under the new Labour government and Agent will continue to play our part!”