Entrepreneur, Mike Soutar, to headline Dundee Economic Summit 2026

Dundee-born entrepreneur and broadcaster Mike Soutar is set to return home this November as keynote speaker at the Dundee Economic Summit 2026.

Hosted by Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, the summit will take place on Tuesday 17 November at the Apex City Quay Hotel & Spa, bringing together business leaders, investors, policymakers and stakeholders from across the region, to explore the opportunities and challenges shaping Dundee's economic future. 

Widely recognised as one of Lord Sugar's trusted interviewers on BBC's The Apprentice, Mike has built an impressive career spanning media, entrepreneurship and business leadership.

He has co-founded and led award-winning businesses, advised high-growth organisations and currently serves on the UK government's board of trade.

At this year's summit, Mike will deliver a keynote address, titled ‘The new leadership advantage: how to give your teams confidence in an uncertain world without pretending to have all the answers’.

Drawing on a career spent building businesses, serving on boards, investing in founders and advising organisations through periods of rapid transformation, Mike will share practical leadership frameworks that help teams thrive when certainty has disappeared.

Delegates will gain practical insights into building trust, creating alignment, encouraging healthy debate and developing resilient, adaptable teams that can perform at their best, even during periods of significant change. 

The summit provides a platform for collaboration, discussion and fresh thinking around Dundee's economic future. This year's event will focus on inward investment and economic impact, examining how Dundee can continue to attract investment, support business growth and create lasting benefits for businesses, communities and the wider regional economy. 

Alongside Mike's keynote session, delegates will hear from a range of other expert speakers, including representatives from UK government, and participate in discussions exploring investment, infrastructure, skills, business growth and economic development. The event attracts representatives from a wide range of sectors, creating opportunities to connect, collaborate and help shape the future direction of the region. 

Alison Henderson, chief executive of Dundee & Angus Chamber of Commerce, said: “The Dundee Economic Summit is about bringing people together to have meaningful conversations about our city's future. Mike Soutar's experience helping businesses grow, adapt and succeed at the highest level will provide valuable insight for organisations across Dundee and Angus.

“As we continue to focus on attracting inward investment and creating the conditions for sustainable economic growth, it is more important than ever that we learn from successful leaders and explore new opportunities for collaboration.

“Mike’s story, and the practical lessons he shares, will really resonate with delegates as we look at Dundee’s next phase of growth.  

We're thrilled to welcome Mike back to his home city for the second opportunity to engage with our members this year and look forward to an inspiring and impactful summit.” 

Dundee Economic Summit 2026 | Dundee and Angus Chamber

Photography: Jon Enoch, of Mike Soutar