Lancashire County Council is set to host Convention of the North 2025, it can be revealed.
The event will be held at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan) in Preston next year on the 27 and 28 of February 2025, with more details to be announced later this year.
Convention of the North 2025 will bring together business, community, academic, and political leaders to discuss how they can address the pressing challenges and opportunities facing the North of England.
This year, the 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.
Phillippa Williamson, Leader of Lancashire County Council, said:
“It’s a privilege to host the Convention of the North in Lancashire in 2025.
“This event provides a fantastic opportunity to unite our leaders across the North to respond collectively to the new government agenda and deliver on our ambitious regional plans.
“A successful North is a prerequisite for a successful UK economy. The scale, nature, and importance of the North means it has a vital role in driving national growth and the event provides an opportunity for Lancashire to showcase and align its exciting plans with neighbouring regions for advanced engineering and manufacturing, future aerospace, cyber security, and clean growth.”
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.”
Professor Graham Baldwin, University of Central Lancashire Vice-Chancellor, said:
“Convention of the North 2025 will continue the meaningful collaboration between Government, academia, and business for the good of the northern economy and we are delighted to be able to facilitate this.
“It’s wonderful news for the University of Central Lancashire, the city of Preston and the wider region that we are hosting this prestigious event.
“Fostering regional growth, innovation and collaboration across the North is essential to achieving the national aspirations for growth and development. Universities across the North are instrumental in this process so it is fitting that through hosting we can show what we and others have to offer.”
Clare Hayward MBE DL, Co-Chair of the Convention, said:
“The Convention of the North is a remarkable opportunity to elevate the profile of the North on an international stage. As co-chair, I’m looking forward to taking part in some thought-provoking discussions about the future of our region.
“Each Convention presents a new opportunity to collaborate and build a thriving, well-connected North, unlocking the region’s full potential.”
Keynote speakers and the full programme will be announced later this year, promising an exciting and impactful agenda.