SNP Business Day 2026

12:30pm‐5:30pm

London

Engage with Scotland’s Political Leadership Ahead of the 2026 Election

Following a sold-out Business Day in Edinburgh last year, SNP Business Day 2026 offers senior business leaders and public affairs professionals based in and around London a rare opportunity to engage directly with senior SNP figures at a pivotal moment for Scotland’s economy, investment landscape, and relationship with Westminster.

For businesses with interests in Scotland, this event will facilitate high-value, practical engagement ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May 2026. Discussions will centre on how decisions in the next parliamentary term could affect growth, operations, and long-term investment in Scotland.

 

Programme Overview

The programme opens with a keynote address and Q&A with SNP Leader and First Minister John Swinney, giving attendees the opportunity to hear first-hand how the SNP is approaching growth, investment, and competitiveness in the next Parliament.

The day then moves into a series of focused panel discussions on the issues that matter most to boardrooms and public affairs teams, with interactive Q&A sessions involving senior ministers and leading voices from across the business community. Topics include the policy direction of the next Scottish Parliament, the SNP’s influence at Westminster, technology and investment, and the transition of Scotland’s energy system.

12:30 – Light lunch and networking with SNP Representatives

13:30 – Keynote and fireside chat with the First Minister John Swinney MSP, hosted by Rain Newton Smith, CEO of the CBI

14:45 – Can technology power Scotland’s next growth story?

  • This panel discussion will invite debate about the future direction of the economy including the importance of attracting growth and investment. The panel will include:
    • Kate Forbes MSP – Deputy First Minister and Cabinet Secretary for Economy and Gaelic
    • Sarah Howard MBE – Chair of the British Chamber of Commerce
    • Matt Evans – COO of TechUK and Director of Markets
    • Valeria Baiamonte – Director of Network Strategy & Transformation, VodafoneThree

15:45 – Is energy Scotland’s biggest strength – and who wins?

  • This panel discussion will delve into the importance of Scotland’s energy sector and lookahead to the future of Scotland’s energy system including covering key topics such as the transition to renewables, investment in infrastructure and jobs, and who benefits. The panel will include:
    • Gillian Martin MSP – Cabinet Secretary for Climate Action and Energy
    • Sam Alvis – IPPR
    • Dhara Vyas – CEO of Energy UK
    • Stuart Barnes – Head of Government and External Affairs, EnBW

16:30 – A dram and a blether with Stephen Flynn and Bernard Ponsonby

  • Drinks will be served while Bernard Ponsonby discusses what really goes on at Westminster with Stephen Flynn MP, leader of the SNP in Westminster.

17:30 – Networking Drinks

 

Book Here 

You can book your place here.

Sponsorship Opportunities 

If you are interested in finding out more about sponsorship opportunities, please contact robyn.graham@snp.org

Contact 

For further information, please contact conference@snp.org

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