Following the success of the C2S Awards 2026, winners, highly commended businesses and finalists came together for the C2S Knowledge Exchange, a morning dedicated to sharing knowledge, learning from peers and exploring the challenges and opportunities shaping today’s business landscape.

The event brought together an inspiring group of businesses from across a wide range of sectors, creating a unique opportunity for leaders and professionals to connect, exchange ideas and learn from one another.

As we always say at C2S, knowledge shared is growth accelerated, and the Knowledge Exchange demonstrated the power of collaboration, open conversations and businesses learning from each other’s successes.

Insights from Leadership, AI and Competitive Advantage

The morning began with guest speaker Colonel Howard Tweedie from the MOD, who shared valuable insights around AI, leadership and competitive advantage. His session explored how organisations can prepare for change, embrace new technology and ensure their leadership teams are equipped to navigate an increasingly complex business environment.

The discussion highlighted the importance of strong leadership, adaptability and creating a culture where businesses can respond quickly to new opportunities and challenges.

Understanding the Priorities Facing UK Businesses

Becky Hudson, Office Managing Partner at Azets, shared insights from the latest Azets Barometer Survey, which gathered views from over 1,500 senior business leaders across the UK and Europe.

The session explored three key concerns currently facing businesses:

• Managing rising labour costs and the importance of employee retention and engagement
• Protecting profitability in a challenging economic environment
• Managing cash flow while continuing to invest in people, technology and future growth

The discussion highlighted that whilst businesses continue to face pressures, there are also significant opportunities for those investing in their people, developing strong cultures and finding innovative ways to improve efficiency.

Learning From Award-Winning Businesses

A highlight of the morning was a panel discussion featuring three of this year’s C2S Award winners, who shared their own journeys, challenges and lessons learned.

The panel explored:

Prosperity Care and Wellbeing – Large Business of the Year
Colin shared the organisation’s journey from micro business to large employer in just six years, including how they have scaled successfully, developed their people and maintained their culture during rapid growth.

National Star – Sustainability Award Winner
Elaine shared how their sustainability strategy has become embedded across the organisation, engaging employees, students and suppliers while creating meaningful environmental impact.

CCP – Training & Development Award Winner
Gillian discussed their innovative ‘Lived Experience’ programme, sharing how investing in people, creating opportunities and developing talent has delivered real benefits for their organisation.

Practical Conversations and Shared Solutions

The morning concluded with roundtable discussions, giving attendees the opportunity to share their own experiences, challenges and ideas around three key themes:

Leading Through Change: AI, Leadership & Competitive Advantage

Businesses explored the leadership skills needed to stay competitive, how organisations are preparing for change, and the role AI will play in the future.

People Power: Retention, Engagement & Workforce Challenges

Discussions focused on attracting and retaining talent, developing people and creating workplaces where employees can thrive.

Managing Cost Pressures & Protecting Profitability

Attendees shared practical approaches to managing rising costs, improving efficiencies and protecting business performance.

The conversations demonstrated the incredible value of businesses learning from one another. From sustainability initiatives and workforce development to innovative approaches to recruitment and retention, attendees shared practical ideas they could take back and implement within their own organisations.

One attendee summed up the spirit of the morning perfectly:

“If we all could take the lead from the very best, then surely that sharing of knowledge will make everything better for each of the businesses.”

Continuing the C2S Community Journey

The C2S Knowledge Exchange is just one example of how C2S supports businesses beyond awards recognition — creating opportunities throughout the year for organisations to connect, collaborate and grow.

By bringing together businesses at different stages of their journey, C2S creates a community where experience is shared, challenges are explored and new opportunities are created.

Thank you to all our speakers, sponsors, winners, highly commended businesses and finalists for contributing to such an inspiring and valuable morning.

Together, we continue to build a stronger, more connected business community.