Call to 'level up the North' at major summit in Sheffield

The pandemic has created an even greater need to ‘level up’ the North, a major summit in Sheffield will hear.
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Local leaders running responsive and accountable local services are better placed to overcome the crisis than a centrally-run bureaucracy, it is claimed.

The assertion is the latest in a long line of arguments for more money, powers and enthusiasm for the North to be discussed at the Great Northern Conference.

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The interactive event, on October 22, has gone fully virtual following the Prime Minister’s ‘rule of six’ announcement and is now free to attend.

Juergen Maier, CEO, Siemens UK speaking at The Great Northern Conference 2019. Picture Tony Johnson.Juergen Maier, CEO, Siemens UK speaking at The Great Northern Conference 2019. Picture Tony Johnson.
Juergen Maier, CEO, Siemens UK speaking at The Great Northern Conference 2019. Picture Tony Johnson.

Register here from Monday https://gnc.register-me.uk/

Organised by JPIMedia - parent company of The Star and the Yorkshire Post - and the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, it is a meeting of business and civic leaders, from Liverpool to Newcastle, spanning all sectors of the economy and political parties.

It aims to fire up the campaign for an end to regional disparity, hammer out how best to grow the North’s £329 billion economy – and build a greener, fairer and more equal society - and shout about the North’s value as a huge engine of opportunity that is larger than Scotland and Wales combined.

Some 350 people in business, politics, local government, charity, media and the public sector attended the inaugural event in Leeds last year.

Gavin Opperman, Group Business Banking Directoir CYBG speaking at The Great Northern Conference 2019.Gavin Opperman, Group Business Banking Directoir CYBG speaking at The Great Northern Conference 2019.
Gavin Opperman, Group Business Banking Directoir CYBG speaking at The Great Northern Conference 2019.
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This year, speakers and panellists include the mayor of Sheffield City Region Dan Jarvis, who will deliver the welcome address, Katy Shaw, professor of contemporary writings at Northumbria University, and Ken Cooper, managing director of venture solutions at the British Business Bank.

Steve Foxley, head of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield, Sheffield City Region’s active travel commissioner Dame Sarah Storey and prof Vanessa Toulmin, director of city and culture at the University of Sheffield, are all from the host city.

The event’s headline sponsor is Virgin Money.

Gavin Opperman, group business banking director, said “We have a rich history of supporting businesses throughout the region, through the good times and the more challenging times.

in 2020 virtual delegates will hear from a range of speakers on vital topics for #OneNorthin 2020 virtual delegates will hear from a range of speakers on vital topics for #OneNorth
in 2020 virtual delegates will hear from a range of speakers on vital topics for #OneNorth

“We are committed to helping businesses navigate the challenges they are facing and ensuring they have the support they need to prosper in the future.”

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SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) are crucial to the success of the North of England. They contribute more than half of the North’s private sector turnover and are vital for raising living standards, building prosperity and strengthening the region’s economy.

Mr Opperman added: “The Great Northern Conference will showcase the extensive work that is already taking place between national and local politicians, businesses and the third sector to support SMEs and communities. It will also explore what the next steps are in continuing the levelling up agenda to give the Northern Powerhouse a greater platform on the UK stage.”

For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.greatnorthernpowerhouse.co.uk

Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis and active travel commissioner Dame Sarah Storey are speaking at the GNC 2020.Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis and active travel commissioner Dame Sarah Storey are speaking at the GNC 2020.
Sheffield City Region Mayor Dan Jarvis and active travel commissioner Dame Sarah Storey are speaking at the GNC 2020.

The GNC has attracted a host of major sponsors.

Headline Sponsor - Virgin Money

Key Note Sponsor Sellafield

Key Note Sponsor: Doncaster Sheffield Airport

Breakout Sponsor - Northern Health Alliance

Breakout Sponsor - Northern Gas and Power

Steve Foxley, head of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield.Steve Foxley, head of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield.
Steve Foxley, head of the Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre at the University of Sheffield.

Breakout Sponsor - TalkTalk

Breakout Sponsor - Arcadis

Support Sponsor - Be The Business

Bespoke Support Sponsor - Sheffield Hallam University

Bespoke Support Sponsor - University of Sheffield

The Northern Health Science Alliance

Global Procurement Group

Clear.VUE

The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund

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