Agenda

An engaging full day conference designed to encourage networking, spirited debate and information sharing.

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Kindly note that agenda sessions and timings are subject to change.

8:15 am
Break

Registration & Networking

9:00 am
Keynote

Welcome from our Host

Amy Garcia - HOST

Presenter/ Broadcast Journalist, BBC Television
9:05 am
Keynote

Welcome from the Yorkshire Post

James Mitchinson

Editor, The Yorkshire Post
9:10 am
Keynote

Welcome to Doncaster

Welcome from our Headline Sponsors

Dan Fell, Doncaster Chamber
Mayor Ros Jones

Sponsored by:

Dan Fell MBE

Chief Executive Officer, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce

Ros Jones

Mayor of Doncaster,
9:15 am
Keynote

Keynote Address

9:30 am
Panel Discussion

Plenary: Connecting the North for a Growing Economy

This opening discussion explores how improved connectivity can unlock the North’s full potential. Leaders from across business, government, and academia will discuss the strategies needed to create a truly interconnected region that drives sustainable and inclusive growth.

Lorna Pimlott

Managing Director (Local Authority, Advisory and Lending), National Wealth Fund

John Edwards

Chief Executive, Rotherham Council
10:15 am
Panel Discussion

Plenary: Infrastructure Under Pressure - Pathways to a Resilient North

As demand on infrastructure intensifies, this session examines how the North can futureproof its energy, transport, and housing networks. Panellists will share insights into building resilient systems that support productivity, sustainability, and community wellbeing.

Kasam Hussain

Partnership Director for the North of England, Openreach
11:00 am
Break

Coffee Break & Exhibition

11:25 am
Panel Discussion

Plenary: Journey to 2030 and beyond

How public transport is managed and delivered across the North will change rapidly before the end of this decade. We discuss its challenges and opportunities to unlocking economic, social and environmental benefits in this new era.

Sponsored by:

Gary Hitchmough

MD for Government and Business Development, First Bus

David Horne

Managing Director, London North Eastern Railway

Melanie Corcoran

Executive Director of Transport, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority
12:10 pm
Breakout Session, Panel Discussion

Morning Breakout Sessions

Breakout 1 - Culture: Driving Growth and Community Through Northern Events

Session Chair: Kamran Rashid, CEO, Impact Hub Yorkshire Discover how major events and festivals in the North boost local economies, strengthen communities, and create new opportunities. This session will discuss how collaborations and partnerships can drive social and economic impact, and explore pathways for future development across the region.

Sarah McLeod OBE

CEO, Wentworth Woodhouse

Kamran Rashid

CEO, Impact Hub Bradford CIC

Breakout 2 - Skills and Education: Building Skills for the Next Generation

Session Chair: Greg Wright, Deputy Business Editor, Yorkshire Post Equipping the workforce with future-ready skills is key to levelling up. This discussion brings together educators, employers, and policymakers to explore innovative approaches to training, lifelong learning, and talent retention.

Paul McCartan

HR Manager, Yara International , CATCH EDIB Network (Chair)

Nikki Davis

Principal & CEO, Leeds College of Building

Greg Wright

Deputy Business Editor, Yorkshire Post
12:55 pm
Break

Lunch & Exhibition

1:45 pm
Panel Discussion

Plenary: Energy - Creating a thriving North through Innovation

This panel will highlight how collaboration between universities, startups, and industry can accelerate technological advancement, attract investment, develop new jobs, and position the North as a global innovation hub.

Sponsored by:

Ben Bradley

Head of Communications and Engagement, STEP Fusion

Henri Murison

CEO, Northern Powerhouse Partnership

Sian Booth

Head of Policy and Partnerships, Doncaster Chamber of Commerce

Andrew McPhillips

Chief Economist, Northern Powerhouse Partnership

Russell Goodall

Deputy Director, UKAEA Centre for Doctoral Training in Fusion Engineering

Tom Bousfield

Executive Director Growth, Business & Skills, South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA)
2:30 pm
Keynote

Fireside Chat: International Trading Opportunities

High Commissioner of India to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami

Vikram Doraiswami

High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom,
2:45 pm
Breakout Session, Panel Discussion

Afternoon Breakout Sessions

Breakout 3 - Energy

Session Chair: Fiona Haran, Deputy Editor, Insider Media Synopsis tbc

Fiona Haran

Deputy Editor, Yorkshire Business Insider

Breakout 4 - Healthcare

Session Chair: tbc Synopsis tbc

3:30 pm
Break

Coffee Break & Exhibition

3:50 pm
Panel Discussion

Mayoral Debate

Sponsored by:

Tracy Brabin

Mayor of West Yorkshire,

Oliver Coppard

Mayor of South Yorkshire,

David Skaith

Mayor, York and North Yorkshire
4:35 pm
Keynote

Fireside Chat: Senior Cabinet Minister

4:55 pm
Keynote

Closing Remarks

Oliver Coppard

Mayor of South Yorkshire,

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Kindly note that agenda sessions and timings are subject to change.

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