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Wednesday 17 February
9:00 - 14:45
Nottingham College
TICKETS
Early Bird Ticket - £55 + VAT
Single Ticket - £75 + VAT
Team of Five - £350 + VAT
CONFERENCE
Wednesday 17 February
9:00 - 14:45
Nottingham College
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Why should you attend?
- Network with a diverse group of professionals, entrepreneurs, policymakers, and investors who share a common interest in the East Midlands' economic success- Gain firsthand insights into the region's leading businesses- Deepen your understanding of East Midlands' 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
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AGENDA
Growing the East Midlands economy
9:30 - 11:05
Growing your business in East Midlands
11:05 - 13:05
Leading into an exciting future
13:05 - 14:45
Registration & Networking9:00 - 9:30
Keynote: Claire Ward, Mayor of the East Midlands9:35 - 9:50
Keynote: Steve Griffiths, Managing Director, East Midlands Airport9:50 - 10:05
What will drive the East Midlands economy?
10:05 - 10:40
Maxine Blake, Head of Employer Engagement, Nottingham CollegeName TBC, East Midlands Freeport
Coffee Break/Networking10:40 - 11:05
Keynote: Dean Jackson MBE, Founder, HUUB11:05 - 11:25
Doing Business the East Midlands Way
11:25 - 11:55
Adam Andrews, Commercial Director, East Midlands AirportNikki Paterson, Regional Director, Midlands, CBIDavid Williams MBE DL, Chair, East Midlands Combined County Authority
Keynote: Simon Deacon, Founder & CEO, Light Science Technologies11:55 - 12:15
Lunch/Networking12:15 - 13:05
Sports Quarter
13:05- 13:30
Neetal Popat, Consultant Lead for the Trent Sports District, GleedsNick Randall, Chairman, Nottingham ForestMichael Temple, Interim Chief Executive, Notts County Cricket
Step Fusion
13:30 - 13:55
Gary Jones, CEO, INFINITY
Creating the Conditions for Business Growth
13:55 - 14:25
Alex Bennett, Managing Director, MEC Consulting GroupSukhi Ghuman, Chairman & CEO, Octavian SecurityMariam Smith, Managing Director, Datalink Electronics
Keynote: Name TBC, East Midlands Freeport14:25 - 14:40
Wrap-up from Janet Smith, CEO, Nottingham College14:40 - 14:45
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SPEAKERS
SUPPORTED BY
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WEDNESDAY 1 OCTOBER 2025
9:00 - 14:30
Manchester Hall
TICKETS
Single Ticket - £75 + VAT
Group of Five - £350 + VAT
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
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
SPEAKERS
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.
TUESDAY 24 FEBRUARY
9:00 - 15:00
M SHED, BRISTOL
TICKETS
Single Ticket - £75 + VAT
Group of Five - £350 + VAT
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.
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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 - 11:20
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.
11:20 - 13:20
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.
13:20 - 15:05
Registration & Networking9:00 - 9:35
Keynote: A vision for regional growth9:35 - 9:40
Helen Godwin, West of England Mayor, WECA
Keynote: How placemaking drives economic success9:40 - 9:50
Simon Harding-Roots, Managing Director, Muse
9:50 - 10:00
Lyn Garner, Independent Chair of the Board, The Bristol Temple Quarter LLP
Panel: Investing in place to deliver generational change10:00 - 10:30
Duncan Cumberland, Residential Development Director, MuseDave Lees, CEO, Bristol AirportProfessor Judith Squires, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, University of BristolKate Topp, Ashfords
Panel: The major projects delivering on strategic promises10:30 - 11:00
Tom Jackson, Development Director, MusePaul Lowndes, Programme Director, GravityPaul Minnis, Director of Major Developments and Regeneration, Cheltenham Borough CouncilColin Skellett, Chief Executive, YTL UK GroupJames Watson, Head of Development: Southern England & London, Panattoni
Coffee Break/Networking11:00 - 11:20
Keynote: Powering up the sector strengths11:20 - 11:35
Dr Lucy Martin, Director, Brunel Centre
Strategies for growth11:35 - 12:10
David Cartwright, Managing Director, AltiliumRichard Flint, Interim CEO, Hargreaves LansdownCarmen Peacock, Chair, CBI South West
Fireside Chat12:10 - 12:25
Nick Sturge MBE, Mayor of the West of England's Business Advisor
Lunch12:25 - 13:20
Keynote: Innovation to Enterprise13:20- 13:35
Katy Riddington, Chief Portfolio Officer, NCC
Panel: Unlocking innovation and capital13:35 - 14:10
Chris Dyson, Partner and Head of Technology Sector, AshfordsProfessor Matt Freeman, Centre Director of Future Space, UWE BristolEmily Kent, Co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer, One Big CircleChris Lawlor, Portfolio Manager, Maven Capital Partners
Unlocking Talent14:10 - 14:20
Sandra Gordon, Director, The Bristol Women in Business Charter
Lessons from a funding journey14:20 - 14:45
Andrew Mulvenna, Founder and early-stage tech investor, Brightpearl
Keynote: Delivering the entrepreneurial vision14:45 - 15:05
Bob Holt OBE, Non-Exec Chairman, Earnz
SPEAKERS
WEDNESDAY 3 DECEMBER
9:00 - 14:40
Leeds Marriott Hotel
TICKETS
Single Ticket - £75 + VAT
Group of Five - £350 + VAT
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.
AGENDA
Registration & Networking9:00 - 9:35
Keynote: Matt Adey, Senior Economist, British Business Bank9:35 - 9:55
Keynote: Vincent Hodder, CEO, Leeds Bradford Airport9:55 - 10:15
Panel - Infrastructure10:15 - 10:50
Yorkshire's infrastructure ambitions consistently outpace available funding, forcing difficult choices between urban centres and rural communities while critical barriers remain unaddressed. This session examines where investment should flow in an era of constrained resources, balancing immediate regional needs against the demands of net zero, demographic shifts, and evolving work patterns.
David Aspin, Founder, Munroe KTom Bridges, Director, ArupKate Morris, Head of Transport Planning, Leeds City CouncilNitesh Patel, Lead Economist, Turner & Townsend
Coffee Break/Networking10:50 - 11:15
Keynote: Henri Murison, Chief Executive, The Northern Powerhouse Partnership11:15 - 11:30
Panel - Innovation11:30 - 12:10
The UK's modern industrial strategy sets out a 10-year plan to deliver in the high-growth sectors that will drive economic growth. The common thread that links ambitious companies in all sectors is the need to innovate both processes and products to create better outcomes.This panel will share fantastic examples of innovation from Yorkshire's successful businesses, sharing insights that can be applied in your own organisations. It will also look at the wider ecosystem and the support available for entrepreneurs and business leaders looking to fund growth.
Patrick Burke, Head of Research & Development, Paxman Scalp CoolingNicola Kingswell, Chief Scientific Officer, LabskinSimon Shaw, Regional Director, CoduranceKeira Shepperson, Director of Regional Funds, British Business Bank
Fireside Chat: Keeping going through the centuries12:10 - 12:30
Amanda McLaren, Managing Director, AW HainsworthWilliam Vickers, Chief Executive Officer, Vicker Oils
Lunch12:30 - 13:20
Keynote: Tracy Brabin, West Yorkshire metro-mayor13:20- 13:40
Panel - Inward Investment13:40 - 14:15
Rob Harvey, Head of Production Systems, Rolls-RoyceGeorgina Knockton, Partner, EYNiraj Sondhi, Commercial Director, Siemens Mobility
Fireside Chat14:15 - 14:35
Emma Gomez, COO, Production Park
Post-event networking in the exhibition hub14:35 - 15:00
SPEAKERS
2024 GALLERY
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