Conference Mini-Series

Lord Elliott of Mickle Fell

President, Jobs Foundation

Described by the BBC as “one of the most quietly influential people in politics in recent decades”, Lord Elliott is President and co-founder of the Jobs Foundation, a member of the House of Lords and a leading voice on growth, prosperity and the future of work. 

Lord Ben Houchen

Tees Valley Mayor

Lord Ben Houchen has served as Tees Valley Mayor since the role was created in 2017, winning re-election in 2021 and 2024.

As Mayor, he has championed greater devolution and used new powers and investment to drive economic growth across Teesside, Darlington and Hartlepool. His mayoralty has overseen the transformation of the former Redcar steelworks into Teesworks, the return of Teesside International Airport to public ownership, major transport and regeneration investment, and the attraction of significant private-sector investment and jobs.

Before entering politics, Ben worked as a solicitor and in business. He became Baron Houchen of High Leven in 2023.

Evenna Ottey

Senior Director, AI strategy and transformation, Sage

Evenna leads AI strategy and transformation at Sage, turning emerging technology into practical business value. Based in Newcastle, she is a powerful advocate for responsible innovation, future skills and the North East’s potential to become a leading centre for technology-led growth.

Claire Ainsley

Director and former policy director to Sir Keir Starmer in Opposition, PPI

A former policy director to Keir Starmer, Claire is now Director of the Center-Left Renewal Project and a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. Her work brings together politics, economic policy, poverty and the future of work at a time of major national change.

Darren Hankey

Principal and CEO, Hartlepool College

Darren has led Hartlepool College since 2013, transforming its reputation, strengthening employer partnerships and expanding opportunities for learners. A passionate champion of skills and social mobility, he works to ensure education keeps pace with the needs of businesses and a changing economy. 

Kate Shoesmith

Director of Policy and Insights, British Chamber of Commerce

Kate leads policy, research and government engagement for the British Chambers of Commerce, representing business views at the highest levels. With deep expertise in skills, employment and public affairs, she is a prominent national voice on the challenges and opportunities facing employers.

Eddie Tribe

Managing Director, SES Technology / Wates Advanced Manufacturing

Eddie Tribe is Managing Director of SES Technology and Wates Advanced Manufacturing. With over 40 years’ experience, he leads the delivery of complex industrial and advanced manufacturing projects. A strong advocate for UK industry, he champions innovation, programme certainty and collaborative delivery to achieve exceptional client outcomes.
 

Rachel Anderson

Assistant Director – Policy, North East Chamber of Commerce

Rachel Anderson is Assistant Director of Policy at the North East Chamber of Commerce and Project Lead for the Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) covering Tees Valley and North of Tyne. She has worked with the Chamber since 1998, leading on lobbying and representation across a range of policy areas and managing its Tees Valley engagement with businesses and public sector partners. Rachel has extensive experience of skills, education, economic and regional policy and is also a Board Member of Newcastle College and Governor of Middlesbrough College and Northern Skills Group.

Søren Nikolajsen

Managing Director, Government and Industry Engagement - Defence and Trade, NatWest

Søren Nikolajsen is Managing Director of Government and Industry Engagement – Defence and Trade at NatWest. HE works at the intersection of business, government and industry, helping strengthen the UK’s defence, security and international trade ecosystem. He brings deep experience in banking, strategic partnerships and complex global markets, with a strong focus on unlocking investment and growth.

Deborah Walton

CFO, Palintest

Deb Walton is CFO of Palintest, a North East-based water analysis business exporting globally. Her career spans pharmaceuticals, heavy industry, renewables and manufacturing, including helping deliver the UK’s first fully converted coal-to-biomass power station. She brings first-hand experience of international growth, investment and transformation.

Sarah McCann

Senior Solicitor - External Affairs, NorthStandard

Sarah McCann is a senior maritime lawyer with more than 14 years’ experience, working across government, regulators and international industry groups. Her expertise spans geopolitics, sanctions, decarbonisation and emerging technologies, giving her a valuable perspective on the forces reshaping global trade and maritime business.

Richard Oppenheim

Director of the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, British Chambers of Commerce

Richard Oppenheim leads the Diplomatic Advisory Hub, helping UK businesses access trusted geopolitical insight and navigate complex international markets. A highly experienced former diplomat, he has served across the Middle East, Japan, the UN and Commonwealth, including as UK Ambassador to Yemen.

Dame Irene Hays DBE DL

Owner and Director, Hays Travel

Dame Irene Hays is owner and director of Hays Travel, the UK’s largest independent travel agency. Under her leadership, the Sunderland-headquartered business has grown significantly, including through the acquisition of Thomas Cook’s retail estate. Appointed CBE in 2008 and DBE in 2021, she brings extensive experience in business growth, employment, skills and supporting young people.

Ben Bradford

International Trade Specialist, North East Chamber of Commerce

Ben Bradford is an International Trade Specialist at the North East Chamber of Commerce, supporting businesses across the region to develop their international trade and navigate the complexities of global markets, customs and compliance. He has extensive experience in international trade consultancy, training and management, having previously worked as International Trade Director at Tees Global UK.

Ben also has a background in law, having studied at Northumbria University and worked as a Legal Assistant at Womble Bond Dickinson. He has particular expertise in interpreting complex trade regulations and helping businesses identify practical opportunities for international growth

David Hopkinson

CEO, Newcastle United FC

David Hopkinson brings more than 25 years of senior commercial leadership across some of the world’s biggest sporting brands, including Real Madrid and Madison Square Garden Sports. At Newcastle United, he is helping grow the club’s global reach and drive sustainable success on and off the pitch.

Vicky Pryce

Chief Economic Adviser, Centre for Economics and Business Research

Vicky Pryce is one of the UK’s leading economic commentators, with senior experience across government, banking, energy and professional services. A former Director General of Economics in government, she now advises on the forces shaping growth, investment and the wider UK economy.

George Clarke

Architect and former Government adviser on homes

George is one of the UK’s best-known voices on architecture, housing and place. Born in Sunderland, he has spent more than 30 years championing better-designed homes and communities, including through Channel 4 programmes George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces, The Restoration Man and Old House, New Home.

Marie Nixon

Theatre Director, Sunderland Empire Theatre

Marie Nixon leads Sunderland Empire Theatre and brings 30 years of experience across culture, music, education and the charity sector. From performing with Kenickie to leading one of the region’s landmark cultural venues, she is a passionate advocate for creativity, place and regeneration.

Dr Catherine Glover

Assistant Professor, Northumbria University

Dr Catherine Glover brings 30 years of experience across industry and academia, connecting creativity, wellbeing, culture and place. Her work explores how new ways of thinking and working can create positive social impact, stronger communities and more sustainable approaches to learning and leadership.

Darush Dodds

Director of Corporate Affairs and Social Value, Esh Group

Darush Dodds leads corporate affairs and Esh Group’s award-winning social value programme, helping connect business, education and communities across the North East. He is also Chair of the North East Institute of Technology and a strong advocate for skills, opportunity and lasting local impact.

Lucy Dixon

Head of External Affairs, Karbon Homes

Lucy Dixon brings more than 20 years’ experience in communications, public affairs and campaigning, including eight years in social housing. At Karbon Homes, she helps shape regional conversations around housing, communities and policy, while also representing the sector through several North East partnerships.

Chris Kelsey

Public Affairs Manager, North East Chamber of Commerce

Chris Kelsey is Public Affairs Manager at the North East Chamber of Commerce, leading on public affairs, policy and stakeholder engagement across a range of issues affecting businesses and the regional economy. He has more than 30 years' experience spanning politics, government affairs, public relations, communications and business development, having worked in Westminster, London and the North East.

Before joining the Chamber, Chris was Director of Impact and Influence and Communications Manager at Banks Group, and previously held senior public affairs roles at Finsbury, Manganese Bronze and LTI Vehicles. He began his career as a researcher to MPs in the House of Commons and has extensive experience of developing and delivering high-profile public affairs campaigns, building stakeholder support and influencing policy and regulation.