On the 18th September, prominent business and public-sector leaders will come together at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference – the region’s largest business conference of the year.

The conference, hosted by Built Environment Networking, will see some of the region’s biggest names in business, politics and local government lead a regional economic debate including discussions on transport, housing, skills and industrial strategy to maximise opportunities within West Yorkshire. More than 30 speakers will discuss and present plans for the future of West Yorkshire including representation from:

  • West Yorkshire Combined Authority
  • Leeds City Region LEP
  • UBER
  • Leeds Rhinos and Yorkshire Carnegie
  • Avant Homes
  • Transport for the North
  • HS2 Ltd
  • University of Huddersfield
  • Lloyds Banking Group
  • Kirklees Council

The day-long event will provide a unique opportunity for delegates to hear about the collaborative approach to economic growth from the public and private sectors with the aim of ensuring positive regeneration and development within the region.

Cllr Judith Blake, Leader of Leeds City Council, said: ‘’These are exciting times for Leeds City Region; the arrival of HS2 and its impact on our economic prospects will be truly transformational and will provide much more than just transport, creating opportunities for inward investment, skills and housing, as well as generating a significant increase in tourism. With the largest regeneration projects in the north and high levels of development taking place across the region, it is crucial that we ensure we are inclusive and that we give everyone across the city region the chance to reap the benefits. It is also important that we continue working with partners from all sectors to understand the challenges we may face. The West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference in September is a fantastic opportunity for key players to come together and discuss where we are as a region now, and where we hope to be in the future. I am looking forward to attending.”

Russell Galley, Lloyds Banking Group’s Ambassador for Yorkshire and The Humber said: “Yorkshire and The Humber is home to thriving businesses, great cities and an ambitious workforce. Combined these contribute to an economy worth an estimated £110bn, which coupled with continued inward investment and growth, could make our region one of the star pupils in the UK economy. Driving economic growth in the region is absolutely critical for our future success. Planned schemes like HS2, the Huddersfield Gateway and the regeneration of Wakefield City Centre will bolster the region, but public and private organisations also need to work together to be a catalyst for positive change. That’s why events like these are so important, bringing stakeholders in our local economy together to find more ways to help Yorkshire and the Humber prosper.”

Jacqui Gedman, Chief Executive at Kirklees Council, said: ‘’Kirklees is a premier location right at the heart of the UK. Its long standing industrial heritage has flexed and transformed to deliver unrivalled expertise in advanced manufacturing and precision engineering. Innovation, high quality of life and connectivity are key economic assets, and our commitment to deliver 10,000 new homes by 2023 reflects the scale of our ambition and commitment to enable our communities to flourish and prosper. Here in Kirklees we are committed to building a strong and inclusive economy, creating the right conditions for growth by working with our partners in the district, West Yorkshire and beyond.’’

Professor Margaret A House (OBE), Vice Chancellor at Leeds Trinity University, said: ”At Leeds Trinity University we are extremely proud of our reputation for producing highly employable graduates, with 95% of our 2017 graduates in employment or further study six months after graduating. We have a whole-University approach to embedding employability within the curriculum at Leeds Trinity, and are the only University in the country to offer and embed compulsory professional work placements in every single undergraduate degree. We partner with around 5,000 businesses, organisations and charities through our Leeds Trinity Business Network, working with members to co-design courses, notably a new Computer Science degree which directly responds to the digital skills shortage in Leeds City Region and which was developed in collaboration with some of the largest and most innovative tech sector employers in the city. I’m confident that through our extensive partnerships with businesses, ongoing development of courses to include industry-relevant modules, and our thriving Leeds Trinity Business Network, even more of our graduates will see the benefit of studying at Leeds Trinity University.”

Cllr Tim Swift, Leader of Calderdale Council, said: ”In Calderdale, we’re delivering economic regeneration through unprecedented levels of investment, which will help to realise our Vision for the borough in 2024. Our investment in transport, public realm and new facilities will generate inclusive growth, creating a socially and economically vibrant Calderdale. At the heart of our regeneration agenda, we want Calderdale to be a place where people choose to invest, live, work, visit and study. Our transformation of Calderdale will achieve a place that is well-connected, with a flourishing and sustainable economy.”

Gareth Farrier, Divisional Director at BAM Nuttall, said: ”West Yorkshire remains an exciting landscape for the construction industry and BAM Nuttall is delighted to be playing a key role in the delivery of some flagship schemes for local authorities in the region. The invigoration this brings runs far deeper than the construction of physical assets and one of the most exciting outcomes is the diverse career opportunities created for local people whilst enriching the places they live. It is a great time to become involved in construction and we are proud to invest in the future of the region and the industry alongside our partners.”

Ross Markham, Director at Bull Products, said: ”We’re really excited to be attending and exhibiting at the West Yorkshire Economic Growth Conference which will provide a great opportunity to talk to leading experts who are working on some of the biggest projects in Northern UK at the moment. Fire safety on construction sites should form an integral part of any risk assessment strategy and we’re looking forward to sharing our latest fire safety innovations with delegates including our renowned Cygnus Alarm Systems and Fire 360 Service, a 15–step plan designed to provide companies with an effective and comprehensive fire strategy.”

Keith Griffiths, MD of Built Environment Networking said: ‘’Civic and business leaders in the region have an evident ambition to deliver an unprecedented level of economic growth in West Yorkshire over the next five years. It’s an incredibly exciting period for the region with the arrival of HS2 and the South Bank regeneration in Leeds set to enable larger opportunities across the wider region. This conference will be central to understanding the barriers to growth, whilst ensuring alignment and collaboration in the industry to boost jobs, skills, growth and regeneration across the whole region.’’

 

Find out more about the conference here.