The Great North plans first investment summit

A “landmark” event is set to shine a spotlight on the North of England’s economic potential as plans are confirmed for a dedicated regional investment summit.

The Great North, a partnership founded by the northern mayors, has announced the launch of The Great North Investment Summit, the first event of its kind aimed at promoting large-scale investment opportunities across the region.

The summit will take place on May 18, scheduled ahead of UKREiiF (UK's Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum) in Leeds, in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT), the Office for Investment (OfI) and UKREiiF itself.

The event is designed to respond to calls from business and civic leaders for a place-led, investor-focused platform capable of showcasing the North on a global stage. 

Organisers say the region could contribute an additional £118 billion to the UK economy with the right backing.

North East mayor Kim McGuinness, chair of The Great North, said: “We are seizing control of the North’s economic destiny, ending the days where our regions are overlooked. 

“By establishing the Great North Investment Summit, we are creating the first ever forum dedicated to promoting the North of England collectively, demonstrating our unrivalled investment potential, and telling our story on the global stage with passion and pride. 

“As mayors, we are determined to bring jobs and opportunity to the communities we serve, and this summit is a signal of our intent and ambition.” 

The summit will highlight pipeline-ready opportunities across key growth sectors, position The Great North as a world-class investment brand and strengthen engagement with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and international partners.

Alongside business potential, the programme will celebrate the region’s creativity, culture and quality of life as part of its pitch to both investors and talent.

Nathan Spencer, managing director at UKREiiF, added: “We are proud and delighted to host an enhanced Great North presence in Leeds on the eve of UKREiiF 2026, building on from the activities which took place in the lead up to 2025’s summit. 

“The strategic alignment between what the North’s brilliant towns and cities wish to accomplish and what UKREiiF is trying to do is clear and we are honoured to be supporting all the great northern mayors and local authority leaders by hosting their forum on Monday, May 18 at Leeds Dock, the day before UKREiiF 2026 gets underway.” 

Further details, including agenda and speakers, will be shared in the coming months.

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