CLICK FOR YORKSHIRE

CLICK FOR MANCHESTER

CLICK FOR SOUTH WEST

WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2025
9:00 - 14:30
Manchester Hall

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Book Tickets

TICKETS

Single Ticket - £75 + VAT
Group of Five - £350 + VAT

BOOK NOW

CONFERENCE

WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2025
9:00 - 14:30
Manchester Hall

Build on the past - shape the futureSome are born here, some are drawn here…But whatever their origins, businesses in Greater Manchester all have been part of the undoubted economic success story of recent years.This conference will set out an agenda that recognises Greater Manchester’s positive legacy of civic entrepreneurship, but looks to shape the future.The event will draw on the experiences of the most dynamic and exciting businesses who were started in Greater Manchester, or who chose to come here to grow.

Why should you attend?

- Network with a diverse group of professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors who share a common interest in Greater Manchester's economic success- Gain firsthand insights into the regions leading businesses- Deepen your understanding of Greater Manchester's economic strengths, challenges, and potential growth areas - and the role you and your organisation can play, providing you with a competitive edge in identifying business opportunities- Learn from success stories and case studies- Be part of the potential of the region by joining the conversation

To discover more of TheBusinessDesk.com's events please click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Terms & Conditions

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Book Tickets

AGENDA

HOW GREATER MANCHESTER WILL GROW

Registration & Networking9:00 - 9:30

Welcome by North West Editor, Michael Taylor9:30 - 9:35

Keynote: Caroline Simpson, Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Combined Authority9:35 - 9:50

Sir Howard Bernstein's legacy and what it means todayMike Emmerich, Founding Director, MetroDynamics9:50 - 10:05

SOME ARE BORN HERE

10:05 - 10:40

Ben Armstrong, Co-Founder, CytixJayden Patel, CEO, AquaintKeira Shepperson, Director of Regional Funds, British Business BankJanine Smith, Director, GM Business Growth HubSimon Swan, Founder, Uthful

Coffee Break/Networking10:40 - 11:05

SOME ARE DRAWN HERE

Keynote: Brian Muldoon, Business Development Manager, Galvia11:05 - 11:25

Panel11:25 - 12:05

Joe Manning, Managing Director, MIDASKai Ojo, CEO, PlaniswareLiz Scott, Chief Executive Director, Turing Innovation CatalystSimon Shaw, Director, Codurance

Lunch/Networking12:05 - 12:55

We Built This City - Live Podcast Recording with Collette Roche, COO at Manchester United, in conversation with Lisa Morton

12:55- 13:15

Developments Shaping Greater Manchester's Future

13:15- 13:45

Claire Foreman, Director, Institute of TechnologyAmer Gaffar, Director, Manchester Fuel Cell Innovation Centre at Manchester Metropolitan UniversityAdam Nethersole, VP Marketing, Kao DataGraham Wright, Partner, EY

The Power of Culture

Panel13:45 - 14:15

David Butcher, CEO, The HalleLucy Noone Blake, Co-Founder, Club de PadelDan Morris, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Freight IslandGeraldine Ryan, Partner (Commercial Litigation), CMS

Keynote: Guy Dunstan, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Co-op Live14:15 - 14:30

Wrap-up and Networking14:30 - 14:35

To discover more of TheBusinessDesk.com's events please click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Book Tickets

SPEAKERS

To discover more of TheBusinessDesk.com's events please click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Book Tickets

Lucy Noone Blake, CoFounder, Club de Padel

Lucy Noone Blake is a Hospitality and Experience consultant specialising in Marketing and PR. With a background in hospitality stretching back to polishing apples in the family greengrocers aged 3, Lucy has spent her whole life immersed in the sector and supporting industries.In addition to her PR and Marketing clients, Lucy also currently holds several board positions;NED at Maray Restaurant Group, Trustee of the Tim Bacon Foundation and Ambassador for Only a Pavement Away.Lucy holds a spot on the CODE list celebrating the ‘2024’s Hospitality Women of the Year’Lucy Co-founded Club de Padel in 2023, they will open a second site in Sheffield in summer 2025.

Back to speakers

TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY
9:00 - 15:00
M SHED, BRISTOL

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Book Tickets

TICKETS

Single Ticket - £75 + VAT
Group of Five - £350 + VAT

BOOK NOW

CONFERENCE

TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY
9:00 - 15:00
M SHED, BRISTOL

Delivering the vision

Join the South West's business leaders, investors, and entrepreneurs to explore the opportunities shaping our region's economic future.From sustainable placemaking to industrial strategy, from start-up funding to scale-up success – discover how the South West is building thriving, resilient businesses for tomorrow.Connect with industry leaders, policymakers and advisers driving sustainable economic transformation.

To discover more of TheBusinessDesk.com's events please click here to subscribe to our newsletter.

Terms & Conditions

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Book Tickets

AGENDA

Sustainable growth

The South West's economic future depends on creating thriving places where businesses and people flourish together. Explore how strategic placemaking, major regeneration projects, and long-term investment are shaping our region's future. Discover how development projects, from transport connectivity to urban renewal, are creating the foundations for sustainable economic growth.

9:30 - 11:05

Industrial growth

The South West's industrial sectors are at the forefront of innovation and growth. This session examines the industrial strategy shaping our region's competitive advantage, spotlighting the sector leaders who are investing, innovating, and scaling their operations.

11:30 - 12:35

Entrepreneurial growth

Every successful business begins with an idea, but turning that idea into a thriving enterprise requires capital, capability, and confidence. This afternoon follows the entrepreneurial journey from early-stage funding through to scale-up success and beyond. Hear from founders who've navigated this path, investors backing the next generation, and established entrepreneurs sharing their growth stories.

13:30 - 15:05

Registration & Networking9:00 - 9:35

Keynote: A vision for regional growth9:35 - 9:55

Helen Godwin, West of England Mayor, WECA

Keynote: How placemaking drives economic success9:55 - 10:05

Simon Harding-Roots, Managing Director, Muse

Panel: Investing in place to deliver generational change10:05 - 10:35

Duncan Cumberland, Residential Development Director, MuseProfessor Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of Bristol

Panel: The major projects delivering on strategic promises10:35 - 11:05

Tom Jackson, Development Director, MusePaul Lowndes, Programme Director, GravityPaul Minnis, Director of Major Developments and Regeneration, Cheltenham Borough CouncilColin Skellett, Chief Executive, YTL DevelopmentsJames Watson, Head of Development: Southern England & London, Panattoni

Coffee Break/Networking11:05 - 11:30

Keynote: Powering up the sector strengths11:30 - 11:45

Dr Lucy Martin, Director, Brunel Centre

Business leaders' strategies for growth11:45 - 12:20

Richard Flint, Interim CEO, Hargreaves Lansdown

Fireside Chat12:20 - 12:35

Nick Sturge MBE, Mayors Business Advisor

Lunch12:35 - 13:30

Keynote: Innovation to Enterprise13:30- 13:45

Panel: Unlocking innovation and capital13:45 - 14:20

Professor Matt Freeman, Centre Director, Future Space

Panel: Lessons from a funding journey14:20 - 14:45

Keynote: Delivering the entrepreneurial vision14:45 - 15:05

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Book Tickets

SPEAKERS

WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER
9:00 - 14:40
Leeds Marriott Hotel

Conference
Agenda
Speakers
Gallery
Book Tickets

TICKETS

Single Ticket - £75 + VAT
Group of Five - £350 + VAT

BOOK NOW

CONFERENCE

WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER
9:00 - 14:40
Leeds Marriott Hotel

Turning Ambition Into Action

Yorkshire businesses don't just compete - they lead. Our region combines industrial heritage with innovative thinking, creating an environment where ambitious companies thrive.This conference celebrates that spirit while providing the insights, connections, and strategies you need to capitalise on the opportunities ahead. Be part of the conversation that's shaping Yorkshire's future. More importantly, help shape it.Because in Yorkshire, we don't just talk about success - we build it.Join the entrepreneurs, business leaders and policymakers who are turning ambition into achievement.

Why This Conference Matters Now

From cutting-edge manufacturing to breakthrough technologies, from transformative infrastructure projects to bold industrial innovations - our region's businesses are leading the charge. But success demands more than individual excellence. It requires connection, collaboration, and shared strategic thinking.This conference is where Yorkshire's most ambitious business leaders come together to share insights, forge partnerships, and accelerate growth. It's where tomorrow's opportunities are identified today.

What You'll Gain

You'll hear directly from business leaders who are driving significant investments, navigating major changes, and implementing strategies that deliver real growth through innovation. These aren't academic discussions - they're real stories from companies that have faced the same challenges you're dealing with right now.The conversations happen both on stage and off. You'll sit alongside entrepreneurs who are scaling fast, investors backing Yorkshire's growth, and advisers helping businesses make their next move. These are the relationships that open doors.Most importantly, you'll leave with ideas you can use immediately. Whether it's a fresh approach to financing growth, a technology solution you hadn't considered, or a partnership opportunity that could transform your business - this conference connects what's happening across Yorkshire to what it means for your company.