The Franco-British Business Conference 2025 is a premier platform that brings together senior business leaders, policymakers, and industry stakeholders from both sides of the Channel. This flagship event explores opportunities to deepen bilateral trade, investment, and innovation in a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
The Conference brought together influential voices from both sides of the Channel and addressed some of the most pressing issues of our time — including defence and economic security, climate transition, and the evolving role of artificial intelligence.
Key Themes
DEFENCE AND ECONOMIC SECURITY
In an era of heightened geopolitical uncertainty, Franco-British defence cooperation is more crucial than ever. With rising defence budgets and a focus on economic resilience, this panel will examine how governments and businesses can work together to strengthen supply chains, drive industrial innovation, and ensure security through strategic partnerships.
~ sponsored by Safran
ENERGY AND CLIMATE TRANSITION:
As global energy markets face volatility, the balance between energy security and net zero commitments has become a critical issue for businesses and policymakers alike. This discussion will address the evolving energy landscape, investment in nuclear and renewables, and the role of policy in ensuring both sustainability and energy independence.
~ sponsored by Dassault Systèmes
TECHNOLOGY, AI & DIGITAL COLLABORATION
Artificial Intelligence is reshaping industries and economies worldwide, and the UK and France have an opportunity to lead in AI governance and innovation. This panel will explore how regulatory frameworks, cross-border collaboration, and sustainable AI infrastructure can drive growth while addressing ethical and security challenges.
~ sponsored by Pinsent Masons
Audience
170 Attendees from 96 organisations represented a variety of sectors, reflecting the depth and diversity of the Franco-British business community in the UK.
Audience Breakdown:
•Senior Business Leaders – C-Suite, Directors and Founders
•Government & Public Sector – Representatives from both the UK and French governments
•Industry Associations & Interest Groups – Stakeholders shaping the Franco-British business landscape
In Conversation with Jacques Pommeraud
The Conference will opened with a 45-minute interview featuring Jacques Pommeraud, CEO of Inetum, a leading European digital services company that supports organisations in their digital transformation. Interviewed by Peter Vanham, Editorial Director of Leadership at Fortune, Pommeraud shared insights on how Franco-British businesses can navigate the evolving UK-EU relationship and seize emerging trade opportunities.
Jacques Pommeraud
Chairman and CEO, Inetum Group
As Group CEO and Chairman of Inetum since February 2023, Jacques Pommeraud leads a growing team of 28,000 people across 19 countries, united by a shared purpose: to deliver digital impact – faster, more simply, and for the benefit of all.
Panel Speakers
Our sponsors:
In partnership with
