Region’s Top Businesses Encouraged to Collaborate to Achieve Energy Goals
Date published:
Leading speakers from across the UK shared fascinating insights with the region’s top businesses at the North East England Chamber of Commerce Larger Business Summit.
The conference is the only one of its kind in the North East and brings together senior leaders from multi-sector medium and large business from across the region.
The topic for the event was energy, with speakers covering business energy use as well as the future of energy on our region.
Sara Walker, professor of energy at Newcastle University and director at The Centre for Energy, said: “The North East region’s mining, engineering and shipbuilding heritage has created a cultural fabric which is intrinsically linked with the energy industry, and an appetite for innovation with world leading businesses and universities on our doorstep.
“Decarbonisation of power, of heat, and of transport, is needed. It is vital that we grow the low carbon and renewable energy economy, to create more and better jobs for the region. By hosting this event, the Chamber enables regional businesses to hear from a range of experts on this vital topic of energy. It couldn’t be more topical as energy prices soar.”
Guests also heard from Guido Frenken, chief growth and innovation officer at PX Energy Solutions. The company has been involved in energy transition projects in the region and across the UK for many years and is now expanding its footprint into the European market.
Guido said: “I was delighted to have the opportunity to speak about our experience of decarbonisation and energy transition at NEECC’s Larger Business Summit, at a time when energy is such a key focus for every organisation.
“These focused events organised by the Chamber are an important way to bring regional businesses from multiple sectors together where they can gain new knowledge and share experiences and initiate new cooperations to make progress in the energy transition.”
Winton Keenan QPM, Chief Constable, Northumbria Police, presented on business continuity and emergency planning.
There was a panel discussion on energy, looking specifically at practical tips for business. Panel members shared their views on working together to action change and achieve energy goals.
Closing the summit, Chamber chief executive John McCabe acknowledged the challenges businesses continue to face, whilst highlighting reasons to be hopeful going into 2023. He said by working together, the Chamber can continue to provide the right support for businesses going into the future.
The Larger Business Summit took place at Hilton Gateshead Newcastle today (30 November) and was kindly sponsored by LNER. The Chamber’s large business associate sponsors are Learning Curve.