A global expert on the 'sharing economy' will be one of the key speakers at the Kent Business Summit 2020 next week.

The hugely popular event takes place at the University of Kent's Canterbury campus on Friday, January 10, with hundreds of delegates set to attend.

A trend gathering traction is the 'sharing economy' which sees a more collaborative approach to ensure resources are used and not wasted. Broad examples include co-working, P2P car hire schemes and even clothing rental programmes.

Addressing delegates will be Benita Matofska, whose recent book Generation Share highlight business model innovation and global intelligence to inspire transformation in business strategies to benefit people, the planet and the bottom line.

The former journalist, who spent more than 20 years in broadcasting before switching her focus to social entrepreneurship, will be outlining the key characteristics for firms and start-ups to embrace to be a success in an evolving business landscape.

She explains: "We're moving into a world where businesses can no longer focus purely on commercial gain and economic value creation.

"Businesses really have to consider the creation of environmental and social value and impact. Particularly with issues of climate change very much at the top of the agenda. In a very generalist way this effects of all businesses regardless of where they're based.

"My role at the summit is to look to the future; to inspire and give some practical tips on how businesses can be preparing for the future and having a collaborative advantage.

"Collaborative skills are going to be essential business skills for the future because it's not so much about competition, it's about who can we partner with.

"The key message is how any business can prepare itself for the future."

And she believes the county is well placed to take advantage of the shared economy uprising.

"I believe there are some particular opportunities for Kent," she explains, "certainly in terms of being a gateway to Europe, particularly with regard to where we're at post election and how we continue to develop relationships.

"Kent is very well positioned in terms of its ports and trading and looking at establishing itself as a global centre.

"At the summit I'm going to present lots of practical advice. I've identified six key characteristics businesses needed which I will work through."

The Kent Business Summit 2020 takes place at the university as one of the first major business events of the year.

It runs from 9am to 3.30pm and costs £30 to attend. Tickets are available now.

The event, put together by the university's Kent Business School, is organised in partnership with the Institute of Directors (IOD), the Federation of Small Businesses (FSB) and Locate in Kent (LiK).

Key topics to be debated will revolve around sustainable growth for the local economy.

Head sponsor is Crowe, with supporting sponsors Brachers LLP, Southeastern Railway and media partner the KM Media Group.

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