South West Charity Conference & Expo shines spotlight on Third Sector resilience
The Business Exchange and partners Milsted Langdon welcomed businesses, individuals and charities to the eighth annual TBE South West Charity Conference & Expo yesterday (11th June).
The day started with breakfast and a panel discussion embracing this year’s theme of Rebuilding Trust, Resilience and Relevance: The Future of Charity in a Changing World.
Our panellists, Fraser Normington (Head of Fundraising, Wiltshire & Bath Air Ambulance), Ian Lloyd (Partner, Milsted Langdon), Becky Somerset (Director, 3SG), Trevor Reid (Director of Fundraising & Communications, Meningitis Now) and Laurie Trounce (Head of Charity, Stephens Scown) explored the key issues facing the sector. Each shared insight from their own organisations and perspectives on how charities can adapt, rebuild trust and remain relevant in an increasingly complex landscape.
The packed expo was rounded off with a networking lunch, sponsored by Stephens Scown, where attendees were treated to a delicious meal served by Bath Community Kitchen.
Featuring a carefully curated line-up of speakers, the afternoon conference included sessions from Stephens Scown, Alabaré, Milsted Langdon, Nine Feet Tall and Given Gain.
The day was rounded off with an inspiring talk from James Shone, Founder of charity I can & I am, who discussed ways to inflate the balloons of self-belief in children, and boost their bouncebackability.
Ian Lloyd, Partner at Milsted Langdon, said, “Eight years ago, I asked Anita at TBE what was missing in the region. She said the charity sector needs support, and so we put together the first South West Charity Conference & Expo.
“We started with about 30 people and together we’ve built it from there. Eight years later and here we are with a full expo, an exciting conference line-up and lots of opportunities for networking, collaboration and connections.
“It works very well and we’re committed to carrying it on. The challenge is always to keep the momentum and find new ways to help the third sector.
“I think today has been the best one for me to date. The breakfast was brilliant, the panel discussion was excellent, and the buzz in the room has been fantastic.”
Anita Jaynes added, “We would like to thank everyone who attended this year’s Charity Conference & Expo. The third sector is facing a huge number of challenges at the moment, and bringing together businesses, not-for-profits and charities provides opportunities to support one another.
“I would like to thank all of our panellists and speakers for their excellent contributions throughout the day, as well as our exhibitors, sponsors and partners for helping to make the event what it is.”
