Leading regional voices examine the economic outlook, business challenges, and opportunities ahead for the North East.

Friday 25 September – New College Durham

North East businesses continue to navigate a fast-changing economic landscape shaped by global trade, investment conditions, political decisions, skills pressures and rapidly evolving technology.

This special AMF event will bring together four highly respected regional leaders to examine the economic outlook and what it means in practical terms for manufacturers and other businesses across the North East.

Richard Swart DL JP, Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum, said:

“With the next UK Budget approaching, borrowing costs rising globally, increasing defence expectations, major international conflicts and fluctuating oil prices all reflecting continued instability and a weakening international order, this is one of the most difficult periods in which to run a business of any kind.

“The expert speakers we have brought together will help businesses understand these issues, adapt to the challenges and identify potential opportunities. They will also offer practical perspectives on strengthening business leadership in such demanding conditions.”

The event will explore:

The regional and national economic outlook

Changing international trade and investment conditions

Access to finance and funding for growth

Business confidence, productivity and competitiveness

Skills, leadership and the region’s future workforce

The opportunities the North East should be pursuing

Our speakers

Ed Twiddy is Chair of Northstar Ventures, co-founder of Durham-based Atom Bank and a Non-Executive Board Member at HM Treasury. He was previously the first Director of the North East Local Enterprise Partnership and spent 13 years working at HM Treasury.

James Ramsbotham CBE DL is Chair of Newcastle Building Society and Chancellor of the University of Sunderland. He previously served for 15 years as Chief Executive of the North East England Chamber of Commerce and has extensive experience across banking, business and regional economic development.

Rod Wilkinson brings more than four decades of experience with KPMG, including many years leading its Corporate Finance practice in the North East. He has advised business owners and boards on mergers and acquisitions, disposals, investment, fundraising and strategic growth.

Mike Butterwick CBE brings insight from a distinguished 34-year Army career and his subsequent work in industry in the areas of talent, leadership and skills. Mike was recently appointed as His Majesty’s Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham.

Mike will discuss why investment in skills and leadership is imperative for organisations seeking to navigate the current regional and international landscape.

Each speaker will first share their individual perspective on the economic landscape, the challenges facing North East businesses and the opportunities they believe the region should pursue.

Their contributions will be followed by a panel discussion hosted by Richard Swart DL JP, Chair of the Advanced Manufacturing Forum. A former senior global manufacturing executive and now a business consultant, Richard will bring together the different viewpoints before opening the conversation to questions from the audience.

The event will provide practical insight, honest discussion and a distinctly North East perspective on the challenges and opportunities ahead.

Description supplied by the event organiser.