Economic Review for Businesses - Big Trends, Local Impact: Q1 Insights

Join us for the May 2026 Q1 Review - Big Trends, Local Impact

What do today’s geopolitical shocks really mean for your business? What should you be paying attention to?

The Derby International Business School and the University of Derby Regional Economic Observatory invite you to the next instalment in the DIBS / UDREO Review Series - a concise, insight‑rich briefing designed to help business leaders cut through uncertainty and focus on what matters most.

As global tensions escalate and markets react at pace, businesses are facing a volatile mix of geopolitical risk, shifting economic policy and weakening growth. This session is designed to address some of the most pressing questions facing organisations in Derbyshire, the East Midlands and beyond:

• What are the economic and business implications of the fallout from the Iran conflict?
• How are UK markets coping — and what should we expect in the coming months?
• How do geopolitical shocks and macroeconomic pressures translate into real threats for your organisation?
• In an environment full of noise and uncertainty, what signals should business leaders actually focus on?
• How will slowing growth, persistent inflation, rising unemployment and economic inactivity, and ongoing supply‑chain disruption shape the UK trading environment?

Bringing together expert economists from the University of Derby’s International Business School and senior voices from across the regional business community, this briefing will translate national and global developments into clear, local, actionable insights.

Why attend?

Clarity on Economic Policy and Market Conditions
Gain a practical interpretation of the latest economic data, policy signals and global developments — including how geopolitical instability is feeding into energy prices, supply chains, inflationary pressure and business confidence in the UK.

Understanding Risk and Opportunities Ahead
Our expert panel will look beyond headlines to explore how current conditions could evolve over the next quarter, highlighting emerging risks as well as areas of resilience and opportunity across sectors.

Strategic Focus in a Noisy Environment
Learn where business leaders should concentrate their attention when markets feel uncertain: which indicators matter most for planning, investment, workforce decisions and operational resilience.

Peer Insight from Across the Region
Engage with fellow leaders navigating similar challenges. Share perspectives, compare responses, and strengthen your organisation’s connections within Derbyshire’s growing business ecosystem.

Who should attend?

This event is tailored for industry professionals and decision‑makers who need timely, credible insight to inform strategy and planning. Whether you lead a growing SME, shape decisions in a larger organisation, or operate in a sector undergoing rapid change, the DIBS Review offers a sharp, business‑critical snapshot of the environment ahead.

Book your place

Programme

• 08:30 – Registration and networking
• 09:00 – Welcome
• 09:05 – Analysis of key economic developments so far: impacts and implications
• 09:30 – Roundtable discussion with DIBS economists and regional business leaders, including
  David Bowler (Sibbalds Accountants), Rachel Quinn (East Midlands Institute of Technology), Steph Marshall Power (Pektron), and Mark Lord (Aztec Oils) — with horizon scanning of upcoming milestones
• 10:00 – Close

This event forms part of the University of Derby’s commitment to regional impact, civic engagement and innovation, showcasing the distinctiveness of the Derby International Business School while delivering practical value for the regional business community.

We look forward to welcoming you to an informative, focused and forward‑looking session.