More than 30 businesses gathered in London today to discuss what future role technology will play in various industries including retail, healthcare and social enterprise.
The 30:30 Vision event, run by Virgin Media Business and Sir Richard Branson, was held in central London, with six business leaders and a further 30 smaller firms discussing, brainstorming and presenting their ideas for "challenges, opportunities and trends" for the future.
The resulting predictions included how nanotechnology in our clothes can offer the wearer health tips, virtual reality for professionals working away from the office, shop mirrors that offer friends' feedback via social media and intelligent fridges that alert the user to low-running supplies of milk etc.
Peter Kelly, managing director of Virgin Media Business, said: "Our country's small businesses are real visionaries. Although the future is complex and unknown, they are ready to seize the opportunities that lie ahead. What we've seen today shows that emerging innovations and technologies are being taken on by all sizes of businesses and organisations to cement their competitive advantage and be truly successful."
The smaller businesses taking part in the event have been supported by the firm through its Virgin Media Pioneers scheme, which provides support for thousands of UK start-ups and entrepreneurs in the early stages of their business.
Sir Richard Branson said: "The last 30 years have seen dramatic developments in how businesses operate and interact with their customers not least the enormous possibilities generated by the internet and digital technology. It's great to see the imagination and enthusiasm of the 30:30 Vision participants leading the way on showing how that vision might take shape."
Participants in the event included MacArthurGlen, Janssen Healthcare Innovation (part of Johnson & Johnson), AllSaints and BuzzFeed.
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