Keynote speakers:

• Lord Sainsbury of Turville, former Minister for Science and Innovation

• Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire

• Sinéad Rocks, Managing Director for Nations and Regions, Channel 4

Panel Speakers:

• Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bradford

• Andrew Greenwood, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Leeds Building Society

• James Mason, Chief Executive, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce

• Zandra Moore, CEO and co-founder, Panintelligence

• Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader, Bradford Council

• Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council

More speakers to be announced

This half-day conference will bring together national and regional politicians, academics and business leaders to discuss how West Yorkshire can build on existing strengths, as well as developing new ones, in order to harness opportunities presented by the Levelling Up agenda, and maximise growth not just across the region, but across the whole UK.

The recently published Levelling Up White Paper sets out the Government’s ambition for all places to achieve their productivity potential, supporting economic growth and improvements in living standards across the UK. But what does this mean in practice for West Yorkshire’s cities, whose success are critical to a more prosperous region and country? Will a renewed focus on supporting innovation, research and development in the city region drive growth and prosperity for local people? And what future devolution deals should the city region be seeking, if it is to have the powers and funding to realise its full economic potential?

The event is free to attend, but places are limited, so please register. Registration will close two days before the event.