Jonathan Reynolds, the Business Secretary, will speak at the North East Growth Summit in Sunderland.
Key politicians and experts will join him on October 10 at Sunderland City Hall to discuss economic development strategies.
Event Overview
Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds is set to address the North East Growth Summit, an influential gathering aimed at enhancing the economic landscape of the region. The summit will convene on October 10 at Sunderland City Hall, featuring prominent speakers including Shadow Business Secretary Kevin Hollinrake and North East Mayor Kim McGuinness. The focus will be on collaborative efforts to drive economic growth.
Sunderland City Council, the North East Combined Authority, the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, the North East Chamber of Commerce, and Newcastle law firm Womble Bond Dickinson will jointly host the event. The agenda includes a series of panel discussions tackling themes such as productivity improvement, investment unlock through devolution, and the intersection of public and private infrastructure development.
Keynote Speakers
Jonathan Reynolds, who hails from Houghton-le-Spring, has deep-rooted connections to the region. He will provide insights drawn from his extensive political career and current role as Business Secretary. His emphasis will likely be on strategies for industrial growth and maximising investment in vital sectors to bolster the local economy.
In addition to Reynolds, Fiona Hill, the Chancellor of Durham University, will present findings from her recent study on German reunification and its parallels for the ‘levelling up’ agenda. Her expertise will offer valuable lessons on regional development and policy implementation.
Panels and Discussions
The summit will host panel discussions engaging key stakeholders to deliberate on productivity enhancements and regional inequalities.
Industry experts and political leaders will explore how devolved powers can attract investments to the North East. This can be pivotal in addressing long-standing regional disparities.
One panel will specifically examine the role of infrastructure, both public and private, in triggering economic growth. These discussions are expected to produce actionable strategies for sustained development.
Northern Powerhouse Partnership’s Role
Henri Murison, the Chief Executive of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, articulated the importance of this summit. He emphasized the need for public and private sector leaders to align their priorities to unlock the region’s economic potential.
Murison praised the collaborative nature of the summit, indicating that cross-sector partnerships are essential for driving meaningful progress in the North East.
Jonathan Reynolds’ Perspective
Jonathan Reynolds has a personal connection to the North East, having grown up in Houghton-le-Spring and studied at City of Sunderland College. Now the MP for Staybridge and Hyde, he has leveraged this background in his political career.
As Business Secretary, Reynolds is pivotal in executing the government’s growth strategies. He recently affirmed the development of an industrial strategy aimed at increasing the UK’s share of future growth industries. This commitment underscores his focus on sustainable economic advancement for his home region.
Preparation for Sunderland Business Festival
The North East Growth Summit precedes the Sunderland Business Festival, further amplifying the focus on regional development. This festival, running from October 14 to 18, will feature notable personalities like TV architect George Clarke and social media innovator Alex Partridge.
Rob Lawson, chair of the Sunderland Business Partnership, highlighted the significance of such events, stating they inspire and motivate local businesses. The festival aims to cultivate a robust entrepreneurial spirit throughout the North East.
Conclusion
The North East Growth Summit represents a significant step towards coordinated regional development. With influential leaders and comprehensive discussions, the summit promises actionable insights and strategies.
By fostering collaboration between public and private sectors, the North East is poised to unlock its substantial economic potential. This summit marks the beginning of a focused effort to achieve long-term growth and prosperity in the region.
The North East Growth Summit is a pivotal event for regional growth.
It aims to harness public and private sector collaboration for the region’s prosperity.