New network gives the North a stronger voice

A new professional network is uniting public affairs and policy specialists in the North.

Northern Influence officially launched with its first event in Newcastle last Thursday (September 25), hosted at Womble Bond Dickinson at The Spark building in Newcastle Helix. 

Founded by Lorna Snowball, Martin Osborne and Louis O’Halloran, Northern Influence is designed to connect professionals, spark collaboration and champion the North’s voice in policy and public affairs. 

The network offers regular meet-ups, opportunities for cross-sector collaboration and a platform to share insights, helping members raise the region’s profile and ensure local expertise informs national decision-making.

Lorna said: “Not everyone can travel to Westminster – and why should they have to? 

“We’re the farthest city from it, and in a time of devolution, we need to come together. 

“This is our moment to exert our collective influence, to help each other, and to make a real difference for the North.”

Martin added: “Northern Influence is about unlocking the North’s potential by connecting the people who shape policy and drive change. 

“By working together, we can ensure our region’s expertise and ambition are heard loud and clear at the national level.”

The Newcastle event, timed to coincide with the start of the Labour Party’s conference season, featured keynote remarks from Sarah Mulholland, deputy chief executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, who encouraged the region to be bold and shape the national debate. 

Sarah said: “The North East has a wealth of expertise, innovation, and ambition – we have so much to contribute at a national level. 

“Networks like Northern Influence are vital in ensuring that our region doesn’t just feed into the national debate, but helps to shape it. 

“By working together, we can drive growth, create opportunity, and make sure the North East plays a leading role in the Northern Powerhouse story.”

Northern Influence has also established a hub in Manchester, which is preparing for its inaugural event, laying the foundations for a pan-northern network with more cities planned in the future.

Louis, founder of Northern Influence Manchester, added: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Northern Influence to the North West. 

“Manchester has a huge concentration of talent and energy in public affairs and policy – and this network will provide the opportunity to connect, collaborate and share ideas. 

“It’s about strengthening links within and across northern cities and creating a space for like-minded people to come together outside of London.”

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