The 5% Club today reveals the full agenda and speaker line-up for its upcoming Skills Summit 2025, promising an exceptional blend of expertise, practical insight, and member-led discussion.
This year’s Summit will go beyond theory, equipping attendees with actionable tools and strategies to strengthen workforce development and early careers programmes. Delegates will gain fresh perspectives on generational differences in the workplace and learn how to use The 5% Club Employer Audit to benchmark and enhance their own initiatives.
Expert Speakers: Turning Insight into Action
The programme brings together thought leaders and practitioners dedicated to building a skilled, inclusive workforce.
- Phil Smith CBE, Chair of Skills England, will set the strategic scene with insights on how employer-led development can drive national skills growth.
- Dr Paul Redmond, internationally renowned researcher, author and speaker on generational theory, who will share practical insights into bridging generational divides in the workplace. Watch Paul’s TED Talk , read about his latest publication and find out more.
An Employer Audit Member Panel will feature representatives from Peel Ports, Mitie, and SME Southbourne Rubber. Panelist Stephen Wilde, reflecting on the importance of the audit highlighted its impact:
“I am honoured to join the employer audit member panel and contribute insights from my experience as Managing Director of Southbourne Rubber and as the author of Growing and Retaining Apprentices for SMEs. The 5% Club Employer audit offers a robust, practical framework for SMEs to assess their skills strategies, enhance apprenticeship programs, and open meaningful opportunities for early careers. This is a valuable opportunity to support businesses of all sizes in driving sustainable growth while investing in the workforce of tomorrow.”
Sharing how this approach is already making a difference, Claire McKay, Head of Learning & Development at Peel Ports Group, explained how the audit has supported their social mobility ambitions:
“The 5% Club employer audit has been instrumental in supporting our social mobility strategy. It helped us secure provider status with the Department for Education, enabling us to deliver port-specific qualifications – opportunities offered by only a few providers. With many of our ports in disadvantaged areas, this work is already driving meaningful social mobility. I’m looking forward to joining the member panel to share how this approach is creating new opportunities and supporting inclusive growth across our sector.”
Engaging Debate: Question Time and Interactive Sessions
Delegates will also take part in a Question Time session featuring Phil Smith CBE, Dr Paul Redmond, Professor Kenye Karemo (Director of Education, Workforce Development and Research, Barking, Havering and Redbridge University Hospitals NHS Trust) and Trustee of The 5% Club Fahem Khan and Founder and CEO of Future Leaders UK.
Reflecting on the importance of collaboration, Fahem Khan noted:
“The 5% Club Skills Summit provides a vital platform to showcase how collaboration between business, education, and communities can drive meaningful skills development. By creating clear pathways for people to learn and grow, we can inspire the next generation of talent and ensure skills are at the heart of the UK’s economic growth.”
Sponsor Spotlight: The School Outreach Company
The 2025 Summit is proudly supported by The School Outreach Company, whose pioneering programmes help employers connect with the next generation of talent and achieve measurable impact.
James Austen, CEO of The School Outreach Company, emphasised the shared mission:
“Our goal is to bridge the gap between schools and employers, and our success metrics prove how effective targeted outreach can be in inspiring young people and shaping meaningful career pathways. We’re proud to support The 5% Club Skills Summit in championing the future of work and learning.”
Creating Momentum
With registrations already at full attendee capacity of 250, The 5% Club Skills Summit is set to be one of the most prestigious events in the skills and workforce development calendar. This announcement of speakers, agenda highlights, and sponsor support underlines the unique value of the event and reinforces The 5% Club’s role as the leading voice in employer-driven earn and learn skills growth.
Additionally our thanks to our patron sponsors: Birmingham City University; City & Guilds; The Open University; The St Martin’s Group; UCAS and Unifrog
