Internationally renowned futurist Dean Van Leeuwen will bring his expert knowledge to Cumbria next month.

The international speaker will lead the next Armstrong Watson Business Owners' Forum at Carlisle Racecourse on Wednesday June 5.

Prospering in Business in Tomorrow’s World: TIDES of Change will look at how the business world is changing at a speed never witnessed before, and explore how rapid technological advances will continue to affect everything we do.

Advances including digital retail, plus an ageing population and migration affecting opportunities for recruitment and retention affect businesses globally.

The forum will allow business owners to consider the disruption and opportunities it can bring, plus explore how best to prepare for and embrace change.

Dean is the co-founder of TomorrowToday Global, a futurist consultancy working with leading organisations around the world, including John Lewis, Waitrose, Which?, Shell and British Airways.

He will take business owners through the five external forces – the TIDES – disrupting the business world: Technology, Institutional change, Demographics, the Environment/Ethics and shifting Societal values and will investigate how they are affecting the way in which we work, live and play.

Paul Dickson, Armstrong Watson chief executive and managing partner, said: “It’s vital that business owners consider how the rapid speed of change will impact the way in which businesses will operate in the future.

"Already within Cumbria we are feeling the effects of technology displacing roles, a shortage of skills and difficulties recruiting.

"It’s never too soon to start planning ahead and Dean will provide a valuable insight into how business owners can do this, to ensure longevity and prosperity.”

Prospering in Business in Tomorrow's World: TIDES of Change will take place from 8am to 10.30am.

To register, email bof@armstrongwatson.co.uk