Trade, Devolution and the North East’s Global Future

8:45am – 11am, 1 October 2026 ‐ 2 hours 15 mins

Event 2: Trade, Devolution and the North East’s Global Future

This session looks at how the North East can strengthen its position on a national and international stage.

As competition for investment and talent increases, there is a need for the region to present a clear and confident offer. This goes beyond individual sectors and looks at how the North East is understood as a place to do business.

The session will explore how trade, connectivity and devolution can support this. There will be a focus on how businesses can access new markets, build relationships and navigate an increasingly complex global environment.

It will also consider how the region tells its story, including how its strengths, heritage and ambitions are communicated in a way that resonates with investors and partners.