Metro Mayor and Social Enterprise UK chairman confirmed for People’s Powerhouse conference

New speakers have been announced for next month’s People’s Powerhouse, a conference aiming to influence the Northern Powerhouse agenda and create an economy in the North that works for everyone.

Newly elected Manchester Metropolitan Mayor Andy Burnham and Lord Victor Adebowale, the chairman of Social Enterprise UK, are the latest names lined up for the event, which will work to generate dialogue around inclusive, good growth and how it could benefit communities and transform lives across the North.

Ultimately, the minds behind People’s Powerhouse want to ensure communities, skills and health are at the core of the Northern Powerhouse vision alongside more widely discussed themes like transport and infrastructure.

Andy Burnham said of the event: “If we are to build a real Northern Powerhouse it must be equally shaped by the voices of all people.

“There are countless women working tirelessly to transform the North, and this conference rightly celebrates that. But we must do much more.”

He added: “This conference can be a launchpad for a new Northern Powerhouse that puts the voices of women, young people and our diverse communities at its heart.”

Tracy Fishwick, managing director of Liverpool-based social enterprise Transform Lives, part of the team behind the conference, commented: “It’s great Andy is coming. The new Metro Mayors have an influential role to play in helping shape the future, it’s about us being creative, doing things differently, but also learning about what’s already working.

“All sorts of organisations and groups are already involved.”

She continued: “After the General Election it’s vitally important that we all come together and look forward, helping shape the kind of North we want to live and work in.”

Other speakers and panelists for confirmed include Doncaster Council chief exec Jo Miller, Big Life Group (Big Issue North) chief exec Fay Selvan and Social Enterprise UK chief exec Peter Holbrook.

People’s Powerhouse, taking place on July 12 at Doncaster Rovers Football Ground, said the discussions will take in the whole of the North and not just focus on Greater Manchester.