With a rich industrial heritage, the Midlands stands as a hub of opportunity for commerce, driving advancements in key sectors such as automotive, manufacturing, logistics and technology. Home to over 10 million people and contributing more than £230 billion in Gross Value Added (GVA) - around 13% of the UK economy - the region is a powerful engine of economic growth. How are Swedish businesses in the region contributing to this development? And what makes the Midlands an attractive destination for investment in the UK?

Welcome to an insightful afternoon in Birmingham, where we'll explore the impact of Swedish enterprises in the Midlands, share success stories, and engage in high-level networking with industry leaders.

About the event

'Swedish business footprint in the Midlands' is part of a series of events looking into the contribution Swedish businesses make to the regional growth of the UK. Where are job opportunities created, what investments are Swedish businesses making, and how do they contribute to the local communities? The event is free of charge, and open for all to join.

Agenda

The agenda is updated on a continuous basis. 

Strategic partnerships: Leading the sustainable transition in steelmaking

• Gary Matthews, UK Sales Manager, SSAB
• James Firth, Managing Director, Firth Steels

Beyond business: Managing a hybrid organization

• Kevin Skabo, Commercial Director & Board Member, Burton Albion Football Club, Nordic Football Group
• Ben Robinson MBE DL, Honorary Chairman, Burton Albion Football Club

Speakers

Gary Matthews, SSAB

I joined SSAB in 2006 as a sales team leader, within a couple of years I took on an external sales role and in January 2020 I was appointed UK Sales Manager.
My role involves working closely with the sales team externally and internally to ensure we meet customer requirements as well as developing strategies, partnerships and  supply chains with our customer base to jointly promote the sustainability offerings of SSAB. 

I have an approach to the business where it takes all departments / colleagues working closely together to streamline the processes enabling us to work as economically, smoothly and sustainable as possible.

My goal within SSAB is to be the leading supplier of sustainable products in the UK, by creating partnerships with like-minded companies (such as Firth Steels), developing a strategy to promote, challenge, influence and assist the market in joining the journey to decarbonisation.

One of our biggest achievements to date is agreeing a partnership agreement for fossil free steel with 2 companies who were the 1st in the UK and join an elite list of 50 companies worldwide.  
We are the first to supply Zero emission steel to the market, outside of SSAB America and the home markets, which was the result of partners working together and identifying opportunities. Outside work I am a keen golfer and like to keep fit.

Kevin Skabo, Burton Albion Football Club

Kevin leverages over two decades of experience in the sports industry. He founded his own sports management company at the age of 26, representing globally recognized athletes and managing various responsibilities. Skabo’s areas of expertise include athlete management, communication, events, partnerships, and strategic leadership. His proficiency extends internationally, especially within the United States, where he has amassed substantial experience working with renowned global management entities like Wasserman and SportsMark Management Group (now GMR Marketing), as well as various agencies and franchises across the National Football League, Major League Baseball, National Hockey League, and Major League Soccer.

Ben Robinson MBE DL, Honorary Chairman, Burton Albion Football Club

Ben Robinson first joined the board at Burton Albion in February 1975 and within 18 months became chairman for the first time. After a nine-year break to concentrate on developing his insurance business he returned for a second spell as BAFC chairman in 1995 and under his guidance the club moved from the second tier in non-league football to the Championship – enjoying four promotions (three as champions) and a Carabao Cup semi-final against Manchester City.

After entering the Football League, the club launched its charity arm and Burton Albion Community Trust’s work has seen the Brewers twice named Midlands Community Club of the Year. Ben also masterminded the club’s move to the Pirelli Stadium in 2005. 

As well as positioning Burton Albion as a community-focused club and championing the work of the club’s charity arm Burton Albion Community Trust, Ben is chairman of the Consolidated Charity of Burton and President of the YMCA and the Staffordshire Playing Fields Association. He is a trustee and director at the Burton Addiction Centre. In 2019 he was awarded an MBE for his charity work and impact on the community. He was made a Deputy Lieutenant of Staffordshire in 2017 and has previously been awarded the BEM (British Empire Medal).