Covering a growing population of 15.3 million, home to over a million businesses and with an economy totalling £329bn, the Northern Powerhouse forms the very spine of the North of England.
As such, it is a region absolutely pivotal to the future of the UK, and for meeting central government’s ambitious objectives – particularly around environmental issues. Core cities including Manchester, Liverpool, Leeds and Newcastle are vital in the strive towards a government target of net zero-carbon emissions by 2050.
Climate change has been a talking point for some time now, as we see our environment shift in this modern era, but until now there has been difficulty bringing all the necessary key voices together in one place to take note, and action.
To address this need for discussion, the EvoNorth conference has prioritised decarbonisation as one of its key agendas as it returns to Manchester for a second year.
Taking place at the Emirates Old Trafford cricket ground in Manchester, EvoNorth is a two day exhibition, conference and evening dinner which will run between March 4 and 5.
The conference will look to unite leaders from the public and private sector to collaborate, share exciting innovation and collectively build a stronger Northern Powerhouse, improving the outlook and opportunities across the North of England.
Hundreds of delegates will be in attendance at the event, which features speeches from high-profile politicians, business leaders and academics, including notable names such as Joe Howe, executive director and professor at the Thornton Energy Institute and chairman at North West Hydrogen Alliance, and Dr Tom Knowland, head of sustainable energy and climate change at Leeds City Council.
The event will see contributions from major businesses and key decision-makers, as EvoNorth looks to support and drive forward the conversations and progress made towards key agendas, including decarbonisation and a wider commitment to protecting the environment.
EvoNorth also sees a black tie networking dinner in the evening of March 4, allowing decision makers and business leaders to meet and exchange details.
The evening dinner will also see an exciting panel discussion around small businesses, with speakers including Matthew Fell, chief UK policy director from the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and Ken Cooper, managing director of the British Business Bank.
Henri Murison, director of the Northern Powerhouse Partnership, said: “We want a Northern Powerhouse by and for the North. EvoNorth is an opportunity to unite and work together to achieve our shared goals and visions.”
Edna Robinson, chair of the Big Life Group, Trafford Housing Trust and The People’s Powerhouse, said: “EvoNorth is vital to the North, because it’s an opportunity to come together to look at how we create a really positive future.”
Northern Powerhouse Minister, Jake Berry MP, said: “I’m delighted to welcome Cognitive Publishing to the Northern Powerhouse Partners Programme – our growing coalition of private and public sector organisations who proudly champion the strengths of our region.
“With exciting publications and events like EvoNorth bringing together leaders and academics from across our region, they are well placed to support us in turning our Northern Powerhouse vision into a reality.”
Home to 30% of the UK’s renewable energy, and half of the country’s nuclear projects, the North of England stands at the forefront of achieving these carbon reduction goals.
The region led the first industrial revolution and is now looking to again move the UK into the next era of significant industrial advancement. A low carbon future has the potential to provide the North of England with thousands of jobs.
But, such steps require investment. Local organisations and collaborations must ensure their supply chain is operating sustainably, while carbon-producing infrastructure needs updating, improving or even replacing.
All of this progress requires honest, face-to-face conversation which the EvoNorth conference looks to facilitate. Across the two days business leaders and policy makers across the region will be able to come together to ensure the North plays a leading role in our net zero carbon future.
For more information about attending, exhibiting and other profile enhancing opportunities contact the team on 0161 833 6320 or at www.publicsectorexecutive.com/EvoNorth
