BBC’s Kate Phillips Confirmed as Headline Keynote as GrowthLab London Returns on 17 November 2026: Full Day at the Barbican with New Masterclass Programme and Brand-Funding Hub

Kate Phillips, BBC Chief Content Officer, has been confirmed for a headline keynote interview at GrowthLab London 2026, the UK's content market for TV, podcast and digital, returning for a full day at the Barbican on 17 November 2026. Phillips joins content chiefs, studio heads, indie leaders and commissioners from across UK scripted, unscripted, podcast, digital and streaming in what will be GrowthLab London's biggest stage yet.

As BBC Chief Content Officer, Phillips oversees commissioning across BBC iPlayer and all national TV channels, all 10 national radio networks and BBC Sounds, and all Children’s and Education content. In her 13 years at the BBC she has held several senior roles, including Director of Unscripted, where she oversaw flagship shows including Strictly Come Dancing and The Traitors, and Controller of BBC One, responsible for content across Drama, Comedy, Arts, Factual, Entertainment and more. Prior to that she was Controller, Entertainment, commissioning more than 500 hours of original content a year across BBC Television and iPlayer.

“Kate Phillips is one of the most respected voices in UK television, and we are thrilled to welcome her for a keynote interview at GrowthLab London 2026,” said Victoria Powell, CEO and Founder, Indielab. “GrowthLab London brings the content ecosystem together to learn, connect and build the relationships that drive growth and opportunity. Kate’s keynote will set the tone for those important conversations.”

New for 2026: an Indielab-led masterclass programme and a brand new Brand-Funding Hub, running alongside the main stage keynotes, Commissioner Zone, expanded Distributor and Production Finance Market Hall and Digital & Podcast Lounge.

Delivered by Indielab, in partnership with Banijay Entertainment and supported by Getty Images, Media Flights and Harbottle & Lewis, GrowthLab London 2026 will bring together producers, broadcasters, streamers, distributors and brand agencies for the one day in the year when the whole UK content sector gathers under one roof to connect, pitch and do business across every screen and every revenue stream.

The 2026 main stage is built around two strands. Strand One, Where we grow now, features keynotes and Fast Class panels on the structural growth opportunities reshaping the UK indie sector: new revenue streams, AI workflows, brand funding, digital-first models and international sales. Strand Two, The year’s Creative and Commercial Successes, brings Lab Talks behind the year's defining hits, following 2025's headline Adolescence Lab Talk and sessions on The Jury: Murder Trial, vertical drama and more.

The Indielab masterclass sessions will deliver knowledge and insight across AI, vertical drama, podcasting, audience analysis, branded entertainment, corporate finance and digital monetisation.

The Commissioner Zone, scaled for 2026, gives independent producers curated one-to-one access to commissioners from UK broadcasters and global SVODs.

The expanded Distributor and Production Finance Market Hall brings together leading UK and international distributors, financiers and production partners for pre-scheduled one-to-ones. 

New for 2026, the Brand-Funding Hub creates a dedicated space for the fastest-growing revenue stream in indie production: direct dialogue between brand agencies and branded-entertainment specialists and indie producers. Alongside it, the Digital & Podcast Lounge continues to grow, connecting indies with the platforms and digital partners powering the next wave of creator IP and short-form commissioning. 

Simon Cox, EVP Content & Acquisitions, Banijay Rights, said: “The 2026 programme reflects where the sector is right now: navigating AI, chasing brand revenue, building international reach and still making great shows. We’re proud to be a stakeholder partner for a fourth consecutive year.”

“The UK independent sector is at its strongest when it’s connected, and GrowthLab London is where that connection happens,” said Simon Wood, Business Development Director, Getty Images. “From commissioners to distributors to brands, it brings every part of the content ecosystem into one event. We’re delighted to support it.”

Super early bird tickets are on sale priced at £165 (+VAT) for indies and £265 (+VAT) for non-indies. Tickets can be purchased at: www.growthlablondon.co.uk

The event will close with a networking drinks reception, giving delegates the opportunity to build on the day's connections in a relaxed and collaborative setting.

As part of its commitment to inclusion and regional growth, Indielab is offering 50% bursaries to diverse-led indies and indies from the Nations and Regions. Applications can be submitted via the website. 

For tickets, partnership opportunities, and updates on speakers and sessions, visit: www.growthlablondon.co.uk