The BUSINESSiQ Impact campaign brings together the people and conversations shaping the North East's future. The next event in the series turns its attention to the supply chain. The big investments are making headlines. Gigafactories, freeports, offshore wind — the capital commitments are real and they are substantial. But behind every major project sits a supply chain, and the question this session asks is a direct one: is the supply chain community across the North East positioned to benefit, or is it simply trying to keep pace? We will bring together manufacturers, logistics operators, procurement leads, investors and policy partners to get into the detail — where the gaps are, what is working, and what regional businesses need to do to secure a place in these supply chains before others do. The conversation will cover how local suppliers are responding to the scale and speed of demand, where skills, capacity and capital are falling short, and what genuine collaboration between businesses and institutions looks like when it actually delivers. The event takes place at the Orbit Building at NETPark — itself a site that speaks directly to the question. NETPark's recently completed £100m Phase Three expansion added 285,650 sq ft of space across 11 units, built for science, engineering and technology businesses with room to grow. It is a concrete example of the kind of infrastructure investment the region is making. Whether the supply chain around it is keeping up is exactly what we are here to discuss. Whether you work in manufacturing, logistics, procurement or policy, or you are trying to work out where your business fits in the region's growth story, this is the conversation worth being in — with time built to connect, challenge thinking and build relationships that go somewhere. Agenda 9:30 Arrival and networking 10:00 Keynote (TBC) 10:30 Panel discussion with Impact partners, plus audience Q&A (Host: Mike Hughes) 12:00 Close As part of registration, you will be invited to submit up to two questions. Where possible, these will be woven into the discussion — helping to shape the conversation. Important information: Free parking is available on site. Upon arrival, please sign in at the main reception. Tea and coffee will be available. The Northern Echo's Impact campaign is designed to highlight and drive economic, social, and environmental change across the North East, helping to build a region where businesses thrive, communities are empowered, and sustainability, innovation and inclusivity are at the core of growth, leaving a lasting impact for future generations.
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