VISION 31 returns to charge North East growth

The countdown is on – VISION 31 is just days away!

Powered by headline partner international law firm Womble Bond Dickinson, the unmissable event will shine a spotlight on the North East’s rapidly evolving business landscape.

Taking place in the mayor’s parlour at Sunderland’s striking City Hall on Tuesday, March 18, VISION 31 will amplify the region’s game-changing industrial advances, the highly skilled talent driving them forward and the pioneering projects shaping a more sustainable future for all.

Backed by additional partners Jackson Hogg, North East BIC, Lloyds Banking Group and Recognition PR, NET’s flagship growth event will also celebrate powerful stories of business resilience, success and growth, while offering a unique opportunity to connect with leading executives, investors and entrepreneurs.

VISION 31 will feature two thought-provoking panel discussions, which will explore the North East as a launchpad for homegrown business success and as an attractive destination for firms keen to expand nationally and globally.

Speakers lined up include:

• Ben Shaw, head of space operations and capture at aerospace firm Lockheed Martin UK
• Clare Loveridge, vice president and general manager of Europe, the Middle East and Africa at cybersecurity firm Arctic Wolf
• Dame Irene Hays, owner and chair of North East-founded holiday firm Hays Travel
• Ed Twiddy, co-founder of digital bank Atom
• George Paterson, vice president of product at electrification and powertrain component firm Turntide Technologies
• Carole O’Neil, managing partner at multi-disciplinary engineering and design consultancy Cundall
• Lara Jones, director of client services and consulting at Motivait

Further panellists will be revealed in the coming days.

The Sunderland event follows a hugely successful VISION 31 summit in London [pictured above], which showcased the North East’s commercial landscape to an audience that included City investors and business leaders.

Steven Hugill, NET editor-in-chief, says: “We’re really excited about the next instalment of our VISION 31 campaign.

“VISION 31 is all about championing the North East and supporting efforts to bolster the region’s economic and social standing – things that sit at the heart of everything we do at NET.

“We’re looking forward to another fantastic event.”

Simon Rowland, of VISION 31 headline partner Womble Bond Dickinson, added: “We firmly believe in the potential of the North East and the importance of showcasing its strengths on an international stage.

“We are thrilled to be part of VISION 31, and are looking forward to the Sunderland event.”