The 2025 BASDA Annual Summit brought together key voices from across the business software sector, government and innovation leaders and the feedback speaks for itself: this year’s event was not just a meeting of minds, but a launchpad for forward-thinking collaboration, insight and momentum.
Held in the vibrant and accessible venue at The Wellcome Collection, the 2025 Summit offered a rich programme of high-impact presentations, panel and workshop discussions along with many networking opportunities.
Presentations during the day included:
One of the standout sessions was Jonathan Athow’s presentation from HMRC, outlining strategic priorities and the increasing importance of external software and service providers. “Extremely insightful and directly relevant to our work,” one attendee noted. It was closely followed by a powerful talk from James Murray MP, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury, on HM Treasury’s vision and the role of a thriving ecosystem, a session that helped bridge the gap between policy and practice for many members.
The AI panel discussion, featuring Daljit Rehal (CIO, HMRC) and Billie McLoughlin (20:20 Innovation), facilitated by our General Council member, Stuart Millar, explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the landscape for software businesses. “Great to hear real-world use cases and forward-looking strategy — this wasn’t just theory,” said one delegate. The conversation around AI clearly hit a nerve in all the right ways.
The roundtable session on building a thriving business software sector brought a more interactive element to the agenda, allowing attendees to voice their challenges and ambitions. Several members remarked how refreshing it was to engage openly with peers and policy influencers in a setting designed for true exchange.
For those who didn’t attend this year’s event, it’s fair to say you missed more than just a great lunch. You missed the chance to gain insider insight into government priorities, learn how leading organisations are embracing AI and connect directly with policymakers and industry innovators shaping the future of our sector.
As BASDA continues to advocate for and amplify the role of business software in driving the UK’s economic and digital future, the Annual Summit stands out as a critical gathering point. The 2025 event made it clear: this is where conversations start, partnerships form and strategies evolve.
What Attendees Said:
“Outstanding way to shape the success of the sector going forward. BASDA membership gives insight and connections that individual developers typically wouldn’t get otherwise. Even if we had this, the impact is amplified when it’s a common theme across the sector. Only BASDA does this. This event was an outstanding use of our time and provided full value for our membership.”
“Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in a valuable day of insight into the of-the-moment strategic matters for the business software sector.”
“An excellent day of highly relevant information combined with great networking opportunities – recommended!”
So if you weren’t there this year do make sure you are next time. The business software community is moving fast. Don’t get left behind.
How to Join BASDA
If you are not already a member of BASDA you can find more information on how to join on our BASDA membership page