The North East Chamber of Commerce has launched a new three-part conference mini-series designed to examine how the region’s economic goals are moving into the active phase. The program, titled “Unlocking the NE Economy: From Ambition to Action,” will be hosted across Teesside, Sunderland and Gateshead during September and October. This series arrives one year after the Chamber introduced its two-year policy plan, which was intended to serve as a roadmap for regional development.
The stated goal of the upcoming events is to move beyond abstract strategy and instead showcase practical delivery and regional insights from organizations that are already driving change. The series will bring together business leaders, policymakers, partners and stakeholders to examine the steps being taken to support a stronger economy. While such series often serve as networking platforms, the Chamber has framed this specific cycle as a direct review of its previous policy pledges.
Focus on Productivity and Future Skills
The opening event, “Powering Productivity and Growth: People, Jobs and AI,” is scheduled for Friday, September 18. It will be held at Teesside University’s Digital Life Centre in Middlesbrough. The agenda covers how the region can build a future-ready workforce, with specific attention given to skills gaps, productivity metrics, workplace culture and the application of artificial intelligence.
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Several high-profile figures have been confirmed for this session. Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell, president of the Jobs Foundation, will speak alongside Evenna Ottey, the director of strategy and execution for small business at Sage. The roster also includes Claire Ainsley, a former policy director to Sir Keir Starmer who now serves as a director at PPI. Rounding out the group are Darren Hankey, principal of Hartlepool College, and Kate Shoesmith of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Transitioning from policy papers to on-the-ground execution is often the most difficult phase of regional economic development. While strategic documents provide a necessary roadmap, business leaders usually require tangible case studies and evidence of success before fully committing to new initiatives. This series attempts to force that conversation by focusing on what is actually working rather than what might happen in the future.
Trade and Global Expansion
The second event, “Trade, Devolution and the North East’s Global Future,” will take place on Thursday, October 1, at The Culture House in Sunderland. This session aims to address how the region can bolster its standing on both the national and international stage. It will also explore methods to support businesses entering new markets and maximizing the benefits of devolution.
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Speakers for the Sunderland event include Soren Nikolajsen, managing director, government and industry engagement, defence and trade at NatWest. He will be joined by Deb Walton, chief financial officer at Palintest, and Sarah McCann, a senior solicitor at NorthStandard. Additional speakers include Tom Riordan, the northern growth corridor envoy, and Richard Oppenheim of the British Chambers of Commerce.
Culture and Investment
The final event in the series, “Place to Prosperity: Culture, Investment and Growth,” is set for Thursday, October 15. It will be hosted at The Glasshouse International Centre for Music in Gateshead. This discussion will focus on the relationship between physical places, cultural assets and economic growth, specifically how the North East can create environments that attract investment and deliver social value.