Engine Of The North: Energy, Innovation, Manufacturing & Investment 2022 | Insider Media Limited | 8 December 2021 | Virtual Event

Perfectly placed between the Northern Powerhouse and the Midlands Engine is an area set to become the country’s next hotspot for energy innovation and advanced manufacturing investment.

Blue chip companies like Rolls Royce, Bentley, JCB and Toyota have already made their base there and are part of a ‘drive’ towards hydrogen engine innovation, with Staffordshire-based JCB and Ryze Hydrogen recently signing a multibillion-pound green hydrogen deal with an Australian energy giant.

Staffordshire boasts a growing cluster or Advanced Manufacturing, Advanced Logistics and Energy – particularly hydrogen. This cluster works hand in hand with its institutions like Keele University and the University of Nottingham.

With the north of the county offering a hotbed of innovation and a ready skills base, there are plentiful development and ‘green growth’ investment opportunities for property investors, private equity investors and manufacturers and their supply chain – whilst Manchester’s financial and professional services centre is under an hour away by car, and even less by rail.

This cluster is along the A50, which makes an H between the M6 and M1 – it provides East-West connectivity and joins what will become HS2 to the East Midlands Airport/Freeport.

Our panel will discuss:

• The innovation of the area and the Freeport opportunities
• Possibilities for property investment and relocation
• Opportunities for private equity and VC investment
• The offer for your supply chain

2021 Speakers

Ann Pittard
director of engagement & partnerships, Keele University

Philip White
deputy leader, Staffordshire Council and Cabinet Member for Economy and Skills

Sinéad Butters
group chief executive, Aspire Housing

Rebecca Sinclair
investment manager, WestBridge

Richard Bradley
Head of strategy, Midlands Connect

2021 Sponsor

• STAFFORDSHIRE COUNTY COUNCIL