Unlocking the North East: From Ambition to Action
Join the North East Chamber of Commerce this September and October for a three-part conference mini-series exploring how the ambitions of Unlocking the North East Economy are being translated into action.
One year on from the launch of the Chamber’s two-year policy plan, this series will bring together business leaders, policymakers, partners and stakeholders to focus on practical delivery, regional insight and the opportunities shaping the future of the North East economy.
Across three focused events, we will explore how key policy themes connect to real business activity, moving beyond strategy to showcase practical examples of organisations already driving change.
Running throughout the series is a focus on the North East’s identity, culture and creativity, and the role they play in shaping the region’s future.
From the way businesses innovate and collaborate to how places grow and attract investment, the series will explore how economic success is driven not only by infrastructure and capital, but by people, ideas, creativity and a strong sense of place.
Delegates will leave with a clearer understanding of the region’s direction of travel, the practical steps already being taken and the role they can play in helping unlock the North East’s future potential.
The three events are:
Friday 18 September 8:45am – 11am Powering Productivity and Growth: People, Jobs and AI
Event 1: Powering Productivity and Growth: People, Jobs and AI Sponsored by SES Technology
This session focuses on how the North East can build a workforce that is ready for the future.
As technology continues to change the nature of work, there is a growing need to balance technical capability with adaptability, creativity and strong workplace cultures. This is not just about skills provision, but about how organisations attract, develop and retain people in a way that supports long-term productivity.
The discussion will explore how businesses are responding in practice, including approaches to skills development, inclusive recruitment and employee wellbeing, alongside the role AI is beginning to play across different sectors.
AI will be considered in a practical sense: not just as a tool to improve efficiency, but as something that is changing how people work, solve problems and make decisions.*
Thursday 1 October 8:45am – 11am Trade, Devolution and the North East’s Global Future
Event 2: Trade, Devolution and the North East’s Global Future
This session looks at how the North East can strengthen its position on a national and international stage.
As competition for investment and talent increases, there is a need for the region to present a clear and confident offer. This goes beyond individual sectors and looks at how the North East is understood as a place to do business.
The session will explore how trade, connectivity and devolution can support this. There will be a focus on how businesses can access new markets, build relationships and navigate an increasingly complex global environment.
It will also consider how the region tells its story, including how its strengths, heritage and ambitions are communicated in a way that resonates with investors and partners.
Thursday 15 October 8:45am – 11am Place to Prosperity: Culture, Investment and Growth
Event 3: Place to Prosperity: Culture, Investment and Growth Sponsored by Esh Group
This session focuses on how the North East can translate its strengths into places that attract investment and support long-term growth.
This includes the role of infrastructure, development and regeneration, but also how places are designed and experienced by the people who live and work in them.
The discussion will explore how different elements come together to create investable locations, including transport and digital connectivity, sustainability, town centres and wider community identity.
There will be a focus on practical examples, including how organisations are approaching development and how projects are being shaped to deliver both economic and social value.
The session will also introduce the Social Value Framework and how it can support a more joined-up approach to investment across the region.
Book using the link below.
| Date | 8:45am on 18 Sep 2026 to 11:00am on 18 Sep 2026 |
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| Venue | Teesside University Digital Life Centre, Clarendon Road, Middlesbrough, TS1 3BB |
| Cost | Single event: £40 members | £70 non-members Full three-part series: £100 members | £180 non-members |
| URL | Find More Information Here |