Partner Article

Chamber launches new conference series

The North East Chamber of Commerce has launched a new three-part conference mini-series to explore how the region’s economic ambitions are being translated into action.

Unlocking the NE Economy: From Ambition to Action will take place across Teesside, Sunderland and Gateshead this September and October, one year on from the launch of the Chamber’s two-year policy plan, Unlocking the North East Economy.

The series will bring together business leaders, policymakers, partners and stakeholders to examine the practical steps already being taken to support a stronger, fairer North East economy.

Each event will focus on a key theme from the Chamber’s policy plan, moving beyond strategy to showcase practical delivery, regional insight and examples of organisations already driving change.

The first event, Powering Productivity and Growth: People, Jobs and AI, will take place on Friday, September 18 at Teesside University’s Digital Life Centre in Middlesbrough.

The session will explore how the North East can build a workforce ready for the future, with discussion on skills, productivity, workplace culture and the practical role of AI. 

Confirmed speakers include Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell, president of the Jobs Foundation; Evenna Ottey, director, strategy and execution, VP small business at Sage; Claire Ainsley, director of PPI and former policy director to Sir Kier Starmer in Opposition; Darren Hankey, principal and chief executive of Hartlepool College, and Kate Shoesmith, director of policy and insights at the British Chambers of Commerce.

The second event, Trade, Devolution and the North East’s Global Future, will take place on Thursday, October 1 at The Culture House in Sunderland.

It will look at how the region can strengthen its position on a national and international stage, support businesses into new markets and make the most of devolution. 

Confirmed speakers include Soren Nikolajsen, managing director, government and industry engagement, defence and trade at NatWest; Deb Walton, chief financial officer at Palintest; Sarah McCann, senior solicitor at NorthStandard; Tom Riordan, northern growth corridor envoy, and Richard Oppenheim, director of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub at the British Chambers of Commerce.

The final event, Place to Prosperity: Culture, Investment and Growth, will take place on Thursday, October 15 at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead.

This session will explore how the North East can create places that attract investment, support communities and deliver lasting economic and social value. 

Confirmed speakers include David Hopkinson, chief executive of Newcastle United FC; Vicky Pryce, chief economic adviser at the Centre for Economics and Business Research; George Clarke, former Government adviser on homes; Marie Nixon, director of Sunderland Empire Theatre, and Dr Catherine Glover, assistant professor at Northumbria University.

John McCabe, chief executive of the North East Chamber of Commerce, said: “Unlocking the North East Economy was designed as a practical, business-led policy plan rooted in the realities our members face every day.

“One year on, this conference series is an opportunity to look at how those ambitions are being translated into action. 

“Across the three events, we will bring together businesses, policymakers and partners to explore what is already working, where barriers remain and what more needs to happen to unlock the North East’s future potential.

“The North East has enormous strengths, from its people, businesses and universities to its industrial clusters, cultural assets and global connections. 

“But potential alone is not enough. 

“We need sustained partnership, investment and practical delivery to create a stronger, fairer and more confident region.”

The ticketed series is open to Chamber members and non-members, with discounted rates available for members. 

Tickets are available for individual events or the full series.

Single event tickets are £40 for Chamber members and £70 for non-members. Full series tickets are £100 for Chamber members and £180 for non-members.

For more information and to book, visit: Conference Mini-Series

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Bdaily Publishing .