University of Central Lancashire will host conference which addresses challenges and opportunities for the North
Convention of the North 2025 will take place in Preston and the host venue will be the University of Central Lancashire.
The event, which 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, will take place on 27 and 28 of February 2025 after Lancashire County Council successfully secured a bid to host.
Convention of the North 2025 will focus primarily this year on skills and innovation.
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.”
"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"
— Vice-Chancellor of the University of Central Lancashire Professor Graham Baldwin
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."
"The scale, nature, and importance of the North means it has a vital role in driving national growth"
— Leader of Lancashire County Council Phillippa Williamson
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."
Keynote speakers and the full programme will be announced later this year, promising an exciting and impactful agenda.
For more information visit Convention of the North