Senior leaders from the private sector look at what is on the horizon for the UK and Europe

There is a unique opportunity for senior leaders from the private sector to come together and examine the opportunities and threats that are on the horizon for the UK and Europe. They will be looking at how factors such as wealth creation and governance will shape the national picture and what role that they, as private sector leaders, can do to make sure that opportunities are harnessed and challenges overcome.

Run by leadership development organisation Common Purpose, 20:20 is a programme that brings together senior leaders from the public, private and not-for-profit sectors across the UK. Providing senior decision-makers with a behind-the-scenes perspective on the economic, political, social and international factors driving the UK, it provides a forum for them to consider what the long-term future holds. Participants are given a rare chance to meet a broad range of top-level businesspeople, politicians, civil servants and economists, with whom they can explore these issues.

This understanding of the workings of government and the economy will enable participants to work with and influence the decision-making process more effectively. It will also help them expand their horizons and develop their strategic thinking by honing their understanding of international trends. They will be able to learn about the implications of managing diversity in the light of demographic changes and increasing globalisation.

Marie Mohan of Common Purpose says: ìThe future is arriving at an increasingly rapid rate and senior leaders from the private need to keep pace with it as never before. 20:20 can help them do this, so that they arenít failing to spot promising opportunities as well as emerging threats.î

Sally Sykes, the new Communications Director at DePuy Orthopaedics, attended 20:20 in 2006 and says: ìAll too often, especially in big organisations, people can get a little inward looking, focussed on their objectives and deliverables. It provides a delegate mix, which exposes company executives to other diverse leadership styles and settings, as well as an understanding of how public policy works in an environment outside business, where multiple stakeholders have to be brought together to achieve change.

Personally, I do not think my normal working life would have seen me in a group with a top Ministry of Defence Civil Servant, a global oil company executive, an Imam, a senior executive working in the arts for people with disabilities and a policy adviser to one of our national church leaders. All in settings such as the Cabinet Room at Number 10 Downing Street. Working with my group of participants was a unique leadership development experience

20:20 is a five-day residential programme run in London and Brussels and will be from 16-20 June 2008. Anyone wishing to learn more about Common Purpose and the 20:20 programme should contact Common Purpose on 0161 231 5914 or at 2020@commonpurpose.org.uk.