This event is by invitation only. You should only register if you are in Partner, Corporate or Enterprise membership. If you're unsure, speak to your account manager or email [email protected].
Our 1815 dinner and lunch events, a nod to our founding year. They consistently bring together more than 150 senior leaders, from the largest and most influential businesses across the North East - and are some of the region's highest profile business events.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The North East Chamber of Commerce is delighted to welcome Amanda Brooks CB CBE, Interim Permanent Secretary at the Department for Business and Trade, as keynote speaker at our November 1815 Lunch.
Taking place during International Trade Week 2026, this event will look beyond trade policy to explore the bigger questions facing business leaders: where future growth will come from, how Britain’s position in the world is changing, and how organisations in the North East can remain competitive and ambitious in an increasingly complex global economy.
Drawing on her experience at the heart of UK business and trade policy, Amanda will share a strategic perspective on geopolitical change, investment, innovation, international markets and the evolving relationships between government and business. She will also consider what these shifts mean for the North East and its strengths in advanced manufacturing, energy and clean growth, innovation, services and international trade.
Having led major international trade negotiations and spent four years in Singapore as Deputy High Commissioner and Director of Trade and Investment, Amanda brings a unique combination of economic, international and leadership experience. Her perspective is particularly timely as the Chamber prepares to lead its first Trade Mission to Singapore later that month.
Importantly, our 1815 Lunches provide a valuable opportunity for senior leaders to connect with peers from across the region, build relationships and share perspectives with others facing many of the same strategic challenges and opportunities. Whether your organisation trades internationally or operates primarily within the UK, this is an opportunity to hear directly from one of the country’s most senior business and trade leaders about the forces shaping investment, markets, supply chains and growth over the next five to ten years, and what leaders should be thinking about now.
RUNNING ORDER:
11:30 Arrival and refreshments
12:15 Chamber welcome
12:20 Welcome from our event sponsor
12:30 Keynote speaker – Amanda Brooks CBE
Followed by questions from the audience
13:00 Lunch is served
14:15 Closing remarks
14:30 Event closes
WHAT'S THE FORMAT?
On arrival there's refreshments and informal networking followed by a two-course lunch featuring words from the Chamber and our guest speaker. You'll be given your table number on arrival, so you know where you're sitting and in most cases, your table will be hosted by a Chamber colleague. They'll ensure everyone is introduced around the table and can facilitate any introductions in the room.
WHY SHOULD I ATTEND?
These event are unique. You'll meet cross-sector senior leaders to nurture your network, share experiences, knowledge and learning.
WHO WILL I MEET?
These events are open to the most senior representatives from our Partner, corporate and enterprise members, as well as other key stakeholders and invited guests or Chamber members.
