There have been three events in 'The Business of...' series so far - 'The Business of Security and Protection', 'The Business of Retail' and 'The Business of Sport'.


The Business of Security and Protection
The debates were kicked off to a fantastic start with over 100 business people attending The Business of Security and Protection, which took place on 23rd April 2009 at the Royal Armouries Museum in Leeds. The debate was chaired by BBC Newsreader Matthew Amroliwala and featured a panel of experts, including Bruce Mann, senior terrorism advisor to Gordon Brown, Robert Wardle, former head of the Serious Fraud Office and David Crompton, Deputy Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police. 

For more information on the inaugural event and photos of the evening click here.


The Business of Retail
Over 200 nationally-significant retailers and experts gathered at The Corn Exchange in Leeds for The Business of Retail, the second in the debate series held on 21st October 2009 which focused on the future of fashion retailing. The debate featured panellist Mary Portas among other experts in the retail sector. The sector was heavily represented at the event, with attendees from national brands such as Freemans, JD Sports, Mamas&Papas and Marks&Spencer and nationally renowned Leeds-based independent boutiques including award-winning Azendi and No 15 Ltd.  

Full details on the event can be found here.

The Business of Sport
The Business of Sport, the third event in the series was held at Elland Road. Chaired by BBC advocate Harry Gration, the panel, including Olympic athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, discussed the benefits hosting a major sporting event can bring to a city.

More information on The Business of Sport can be found here.