Northern Powerhouse conference opens its doors in Manchester

Thousands are set to converge on Manchester Central over the next two days for the UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference & Exhibition.

By bringing together a mix of business leaders and political heavyweights, entrepreneurs and experts, the event is aiming to drive the government’s vision of creating a Northern Powerhouse.

Today (February 25) will see close to 2,000 people head to the venue to see speakers such as HS2 executive chairman Sir David Higgins and Lord O’Neill of Gatley, the Commercial Secretary to HM Treasury.

The conference’s co-founder, Keith Griffiths, said: “I am delighted to open the doors to biggest commercial conversation in the North for a generation.

“This conference is by business, for business, and we hope to play a major role in shaping the Northern Powerhouse and ensuring the region’s future economic success.”

Impressionist and stand-up comic Alistair McGowan has joined the event this year as an after-dinner speaker, while broadcaster and Mastermind host John Humphrys is on board as conference moderator.