Seven northern mayors will gather in Leeds next month for the inaugural Great North Investment Summit, a new initiative designed to attract capital and spur job creation across the region.
The event takes place on May 18, one day before the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum (UKREiiF) brings international investors to the North of England. Organizers estimate the summit could add more than £100 billion to the UK economy.
Regional Leaders Back Initiative
North East Mayor Kim McGuinness is leading the effort, working alongside the Government’s Department for Business and Trade and the Office for Investment. The lineup includes West Yorkshire’s Tracy Brabin, Greater Manchester’s Andy Burnham, and mayors Oliver Coppard, David Skaith, Ben Houchen, and Steve Rotheram.
“We are seizing control of the North’s economic destiny, ending the days where our regions are overlooked,” McGuinness said. “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.”
The summit also features senior figures from major business organizations and corporations. Tom Riordan, the Government’s Northern Growth Envoy, will speak, along with the leaders of the CBI and British Chambers of Commerce. Executives from Siemens, Aviva, and NatWest are also scheduled to appear.
Pipeline-Ready Opportunities
Discussions will cover the North’s innovation track record, how regional identity drives growth, and the Government’s Northern growth strategy. The event will showcase “pipeline-ready investment opportunities” across the region’s key growth sectors.
The summit comes as Chancellor Rachel Reeves identifies the North as a priority area for economic expansion. Last month, the Government committed £2.3 billion for city investment funds in the North and West Midlands, alongside backing for Northern Powerhouse Rail.
Prof Juergen Maier, chair of Great British Energy, and Oliver Holbourn, CEO of the National Wealth Fund, round out the speaker roster for an event modeled after the spirit and success of the Great North Run.