Speakers revealed for Convention of the North 2025 in Preston

Some of the North’s most influential mayors, council leaders, business executives, and academics, as well as senior Government and Opposition figures, will be taking the stage at the Convention of the North this February.

The speaker line-up and programme for the upcoming Convention of the North have been revealed.

This year will boast the attendance of: Greg Jackson CBE – founder and CEO of Octopus Energy, Katie Gallagher OBE – Chair of the UK Tech Cluster Group, Jude Kelly CBE - Chair of UK One Creative North, and Craig Boothby – Managing Director at Springfields Fuels Ltd.

Joining a number of other Northern mayors this year will be mayor of the North East, Kim McGuinness and mayor of York and North Yorkshire David Skaith, following their successful elections last summer.

In addition, a senior government minister will be in attendance.

The two-day event will take place in Preston on February 27 and 28 at County Hall and University of Central Lancashire in the centre of the city.

The event in Preston follows previous Convention of the North events held in Rotherham, Gateshead, Liverpool, Manchester and Leeds.

Last year saw more than 800 delegates come to Leeds and participate in the development of the Manifesto for the North.

Good Morning Britain presenter and University of Central Lancashire chancellor, Ranvir Singh, will host the event.

The full programme for Convention of the North 2025 has been revealed, with mayors, senior council leaders, business leaders and academics taking the opportunity to further the conversation around northern-focused policy. 

Hosted by Lancashire County Council, the event will be held at County Hall and the University of Central Lancashire on February 27 and 28, the 2025 event will bring together key decision-makers to drive forward discussions on the North’s future.

In the main plenary, high-profile keynote speakers from government, business, and academia will provide thought-provoking insights, challenge perspectives and inspire new approaches to unlocking the North’s potential.

Discussions will include “The North as a Growth Engine for UK plc” and a panel session on “Opportunities for Northern Collaboration.”

A forum titled Game Changers of the North, will bring together senior local government leaders and high-profile business figures to explore transformative initiatives and bold strategies driving growth and innovation across the region.

Since its inception in 2018, Convention of the North has been a pivotal forum for fostering collaboration across sectors. Previous conventions have been held in Leeds, Gateshead, Rotherham, Liverpool, and Manchester, each building on the momentum to create a "powerful, unifying voice of the North."

For the 2025 iteration of the Convention, there will be a particular focus on skills and innovation.

Phillippa Williamson, leader of Lancashire County Council, said: “It’s a great honour to host this year’s convention in Preston, Lancashire. It will provide an invaluable opportunity to unite and celebrate the power and potential of Northern collaboration.

 “Lancashire has a proud history, from its key role in the Industrial Revolution to its ongoing contributions to the North’s economy and culture. Our legacy of innovation and community spirit continues to shape the future of the county, and we’re excited to take the lead in showcasing this to our other Northern partners.

 “As we gather at the University of Central Lancashire next week, it’s essential that we learn from one another. By exchanging ideas and experiences, we empower each other to create a brighter future for our communities and region.”

This year’s discussions will be crucial in the post-election period, where it is essential for the North to present a clear, coordinated, cross-party agenda to the new government.

Clare Hayward MBE DL, co-chair of the convention, said: "The participation of such influential speakers at the Convention of the North brings real gravitas to this critical event.

"We must present a clear, coordinated agenda to the new government to ensure our region’s priorities are heard as well as acted upon. The Convention provides a vital platform for leaders across the North to drive the change we need and secure the future we all deserve.

 "Next week, we will be hearing from a range of distinguished speakers, from business leaders to elected representatives, all committed to championing the North’s economic growth, infrastructure development, and long-term prosperity.

"Attendees can expect lively discussions on the key issues that matter most to our region, including transport, skills, housing, and innovation, with a focus on building a more sustainable and inclusive economy.

 "This is a chance for the North to demonstrate its collective strength and vision as we work together to shape the future of our communities.

"I’m particularly looking forward to hearing from leading national businesses and seeing how we can all work together to drive forward our shared goals for the North."

 The event is invite only and registration opened in January.

For more information visit: Convention of the North