Exeter leader's journey from banking to tech

Business leaders from across the region are set to gather at Winslade Park next week for a networking event featuring one of the South West’s most influential figures in business and innovation.

The Boost Your Business Network event, taking place on Tuesday, 14 April from 9:30am to 11:05am in Clyst St Mary, will welcome Mr Stuart Brocklehurst as its keynote speaker.

Currently Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Business Engagement and Innovation at the University of Exeter, Mr Brocklehurst will share insights from a career spanning banking, global technology and entrepreneurship.

His journey began with Barclays, working across the UK and Africa, before moving into senior roles at Visa International and later Amadeus, where he played a key role in the company’s public listing.

He went on to lead Devon-based tech firm Applegate Marketplace, helping to develop AI-driven procurement tools and a digital marketplace. During the Covid-19 pandemic, the company coordinated the supply of more than one billion items of PPE across the UK.

Following the sale of the business in 2022, Mr Brocklehurst moved into higher education, where he now leads collaboration between the University of Exeter, industry and government partners to turn research into real-world impact.

Organisers say the event will offer “honest insight and practical leadership lessons”, covering topics including business growth, innovation and leading through uncertainty.

The session is aimed at business owners, founders and professionals looking to connect, learn and grow, with networking opportunities built into the morning.

Boost Your Business Network, founded by James Court, brings together entrepreneurs and leaders from across the South West through regular events and guest speakers.

A portion of ticket sales will also go towards supporting a local charity.

For tickets, click here.