VISION 31: Durham
A REGION OF AMBITIOUS CHANGE
Change is sweeping across North East England.
From historic devolution deals to commercial advances helping redraw the world, the North East is a region on the rise.
Focusing on the achievements and future promise of the area’s two mayoral-led regeneration bodies, its ground-breaking manufacturers, thriving healthcare innovators and digital leaders,
Why the North East? will explore the region’s many growth opportunities.
A BLUEPRINT TO SUPERCHARGE GROWTH
The County Durham event marks the latest chapter in NET’s flagship VISION 31 campaign.
Founded in 2021, it showcases the North East’s industrial might and economic potential over the next decade.
Spearheaded by a programme of region-focused roundtable and panel discussions, the campaign – which includes an annual London summit – highlights the region’s prowess as a foundation stone for international growth and a magnet for inward investment.
And this year’s events will build on that momentum.
The County Durham panel discussion will highlight the game-changing advances the region is hothousing, the highly-skilled workers it is nurturing and the transformative projects it is leading to deliver a sustainable future for all.
Following a popular and highly engaging panel event in Newcastle earlier this year – and coming ahead of the campaign’s annual November City showcase – VISION 31 will highlight how the North East is ready to lead another industrial era, just as it did with coal mining, shipbuilding and through the iron and steel that helped forge the world.
EVENT DETAILS
The County Durham event will take place on Wednesday, June 24, from 8.30am until noon.
It will be held at North East Technology Park, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3FD.
THE DAY’S ITINERARY IS AS FOLLOWS:
8.30am Coffee and networking
9am Introduction from NET editor-in-chief Steven Hugill
9.15am Panel discussion: The region shaping tomorrow: The power of the North East
Led by NET editor-in-chief Steven Hugill, this high-level panel discussion will feature North East entrepreneurs and commercial sector leaders, highlighting their success stories and the role of the North East in shaping their advances.
10am Refreshment break
10.15am Panel discussion: The North East: Open for investment
Led by NET editor-in-chief Steven Hugill, this high-level discussion will examine the North East’s status as a key investment destination, drawing on case studies and insight from leading commercial figures to demonstrate its place as a growth capital.
11am Audience questions and closing remarks from NET editor-in-chief Steven Hugill
11.15am-11.45am Extra networking and event close (Timings are subject to change)
OUR PARTNERS
VISION 31 is supported by Aon, Lloyds Banking Group, Grand Central and Northumbria University.
HOW TO SIGN UP
Please RSVP by June 5 by emailing NET events managers Lesley Hampson and Dawn Owens at lesley@netimesmagazine.co.uk and dawn@netimesmagazine.co.uk
If you have any dietary or access requirements, please notify Lesley and Dawn in your email confirmation.
If you have any further questions about the event, please call Lesley on 07748 908058 or Dawn on 07789 666437.
| Date | 8:30am on 24 Jun 2026 to 12:00pm on 24 Jun 2026 |
|---|---|
| Venue | North East Technology Park, Sedgefield, County Durham, TS21 3FD |
| Cost | Free |
| URL | Find More Information Here |
| See Lesley and Dawn's contact details above |