Dive into the North’s dynamic conference programme

The conference at Reset Connect North will unite regional businesses, investors and government bodies with the tools and partnerships needed to lead the green industrial revolution, spotlighting the North's strengths in innovation, clean energy and infrastructure to unlock new opportunities for collaboration, growth and jobs.

This year’s programme features two main stages, two show floor hubs,  VIP Workshops & Roundtables and the Pitch & Invest Programme.

Together, these elements deliver a powerful mix of keynotes and panels, interactive show floor sessions, collaborative workshops and roundtables plus live start-up pitches with real-time investor engagement.

Each designed to inspire action, spark collaboration and accelerate change.

Main stages (opens in a new tab)

Show floor hubs (opens in a new tab)

VIP Workshops & roundtables (opens in a new tab)

Pitch & invest programme (opens in a new tab)

Main Stages

Reset Connect North features two headline stages packed with powerful keynotes, panel discussions and real-world case studies, showcasing how businesses and cities are driving the North's green transition.

Transforming Business & Industry Stage 📍Pearl Suite

Discover strategies to decarbonise operations, future-proof supply chains, and align sustainability with growth. Sessions explore investment trends, digital sustainability and the green skills shaping the region’s economy.

Transforming Cities & Communities Stage 📍 Bury Theatre

Explore how local authorities and urban leaders are creating future-ready, climate-resilient places through clean transport, retrofit innovation and regional collaboration for system change.

Main stages Reset Connect North

Become a speaker (opens in a new tab)

Register to attend (opens in a new tab)

Enquire to exhibit (opens in a new tab)

Transforming Cities & Communities Stage

Loading
09:00
  1. Doors open
    Bury Theatre
    10 mins
09:10
  1. Official RCN Welcome
    Bury Theatre
    5 mins
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Tracy Brabin
    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - West Yorkshire Combined Authority
09:20
  1. Opening Keynote Panel - The Great North Mayors
    Bury Theatre
    30 mins
    Moderator
    Speaker image for Phil Murden
    Phil Murden, Office Senior Partner - KPMG Leeds
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Tracy Brabin
    Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - West Yorkshire Combined Authority
    Speaker image for Susan Aitken
    Susan Aitken, Leader - Glasgow City Council
10:00
  1. Keynote - KPMG Reframing Sustainability: Building Resilience & Driving Growth
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Richard Andrews
    Richard Andrews, Head of ESG - KPMG UK
11:00
  1. Shaping Resilient, Sustainable Cities for Thriving Communities
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    This panel looks at how cities such as Leeds, Manchester and Newcastle are leading the way in sustainable urban development. The discussion will explore green infrastructure, low-carbon transport, ene …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Amy House
    Amy House, Director - Green Economy
12:15
  1. The Warm Homes Plan Driving Consumer Engagement and Investment
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    With the government's Warm Homes Plan now a reality, this panel will get to the heart of the challenge: how do we unlock the investment and consumer buy-in needed to deliver on its ambitious goals? Mo …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for David Glew
    David Glew, Director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute - Leeds Beckett University
    Speaker image for Jim Bennett
    Jim Bennett, Low Carbon Director - Octopus Energy
    Speaker image for Jess McNeill
    Jess McNeill, Head of Home Energy West Yorkshire - West Yorkshire Combined Authority
14:00
  1. Lunch Time Keynote - Shaping a Green Future for the North
    Bury Theatre
    25 mins
14:35
  1. Keynote - KPMG x GB Energy
    Bury Theatre
    25 mins
    The future of Britain’s energy system post AR7 The UK’s Contract for Difference (CfD) scheme is the bedrock of its clean energy transition, guaranteeing fair prices for generators while shielding cons …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Simon Virley CB
    Simon Virley CB, Vice Chair and Head of Energy and Natural Resources - KPMG UK
    Speaker image for Paul Addison
    Paul Addison, Director of Policy & External Affairs - GB Energy
15:10
  1. Keynote - Department of Business & Trade
    Bury Theatre
    20 mins
15:45
  1. Can Technology Secure a Regenerative Food Future?
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    Today's food producers and farmers are harnessing technology to transform food production. This panel explores how innovations are advancing regenerative agriculture, improving soil health, sustainabi …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Tim Lambert
    Tim Lambert, Regional Lead UK, Ireland & Nordics - Osapiens
16:45
  1. Day 1 Closing Keynote
    Bury Theatre
    15 mins
09:00
  1. Doors open
    Bury Theatre
    10 mins
09:10
  1. Official RCN Day 2 Welcome
    Bury Theatre
    5 mins
09:15
  1. Keynotes
    Bury Theatre
    45 mins
10:00
  1. Keynote - Climate Change Committee
    Bury Theatre
    20 mins
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Piers Forster
    Piers Forster, Professor of physical climate change - Climate Change Committe / University of Leeds
10:20
  1. Keynote - National Wealth Fund
    Bury Theatre
    20 mins
11:00
  1. How Innovation is Driving Economic Growth in Northern Cities
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    The transition to a zero-emissions economy by 2050 demands unprecedented innovation, with over a third of the emission reductions relying on technologies not yet commercially available. This panel exp …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Natalie Allen
    Natalie Allen, Head of Business Partnerships within Research and Enterprise Services - Leeds Beckett University
12:15
  1. Collaborative Flood Management for a Climate Resilient Future
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    The North of the UK is facing increasingly severe flood risks due to climate change, from heavy rainfall and river surges to rising seas and overwhelmed urban drainage systems. Addressing these challe …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Darran Ward
    Darran Ward, Head of Alternatives - West Yorkshire Pension Fund
14:00
  1. Keynote
    Bury Theatre
    30 mins
14:30
  1. Driving Arts, Media and Creativity Outside the M25
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    The UK has long been home to creative hubs beyond London, from world-class media production to thriving arts and cultural sectors.  This panel explores how regional arts and media initiatives, through …
    Moderator
    Speaker image for Rebecca Ball
    Rebecca Ball, Area Director North - Arts Council England
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Phillip Holdgate
    Phillip Holdgate, Head of Production Sustainability / Co-Founder - ITV / SAIL (Sustainable Arts In Leeds)
15:45
  1. Can Sport Score on Sustainability?
    Bury Theatre
    60 mins
    Northern sports clubs from rugby and football to cricket are embedding sustainability into operations and fan engagement, inspired by initiatives like the RFL’s “More Than A Sport” strategy, demonstra …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Helen Pheby
    Helen Pheby, Head of Culture, Heritage and Sport - West Yorkshire Combined Authority
    Speaker image for Jonny Dowler
    Jonny Dowler, Sustainability Officer - Rugby Football League
    Speaker image for Thom Rawson
    Thom Rawson, Sustainability Lead - Sustainable Football
16:45
  1. Day 2 Closing Keynote
    Bury Theatre
    15 mins

Transforming Business & Industry Stage

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09:00
  1. Doors open
    Pearl Suite
    10 mins
11:15
  1. How Can Businesses Turn Sustainability into Opportunities?
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    Today’s challenge isn’t just about cutting carbon, it's about gaining a competitive edge.  Join us to hear from businesses leading the charge to net zero and decarbonisation. We'll explore how they’re …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Rishi Jain
    Rishi Jain, Director of Impact - Liverpool Football Club
    Speaker image for Michelle Cooper
    Michelle Cooper, International Trade Adviser - Department for Business & Trade
12:30
  1. Powering Industry for a Flexible Renewable Energy Future
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    The North of England is central to the UK’s energy transition, from offshore wind on the Humber to hydrogen innovation in Teesside and smart grid trials in Manchester. Rising demand from electrifying …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Noel Collings
    Noel Collings, Head of Net Zero & Energy - West Yorkshire Combined Authority
14:30
  1. The Electric Revolution Transforming Transport for a Zero-Emission Future
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    The UK’s shift to electric transport is accelerating across private, commercial and public fleets. This panel explores how innovation, infrastructure and policy are enabling the change, from urban bus …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for James Murray
    James Murray, Editor-in-Chief - Incisive Media
    Speaker image for Julia Meek
    Julia Meek, Head of Bus, UK - Zenobē
15:45
  1. Decarbonising the North’s Hard-to-Abate Industries for a Resilient Future
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    The North is home to some of the UK’s most iconic industries and energy-intensive industries. From the glass and steel that shape our world to the chemicals that power our future. These are more than …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Neil McDermott
    Neil McDermott, CEO - Low Carbon Contracts Company (LCCC)
    Speaker image for Alasdair Dalzel-Job
    Alasdair Dalzel-Job, Technical Lead - Green Economy
    Speaker image for Rupert Bull
    Rupert Bull, CEO and Co-Founder - The Disruption House
09:00
  1. Doors open
    Pearl Suite
    10 mins
09:40
  1. Keynote - Why don’t consumers engage with sustainable investing?
    Pearl Suite
    20 mins
    It isn’t because people don’t care about the planet — it’s because financial capability in the UK is uniquely poor - most people barely understand saving, pensions, or investing, so concepts like sust …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Dan Russell
    Dan Russell, Chief Commercial & Marketing Officer - Fintel / SimplyBiz
10:00
  1. Fast-Tracking Green Development with Philanthropy and Impact Investing
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    Philanthropy and impact investing are playing an increasingly important role in accelerating green development, as donors and investors look for more strategic ways to address environmental challenges …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Nancy Bikson
    Nancy Bikson, Managing Director - Chapel & York
11:15
  1. How Local Nature Recovery Strategy and Green Finance Can Unlock the Value of Nature
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    The North boasts a variety of stunning landscapes, from the ancient woodlands of Otley Chevin to the restored wetlands of Wigan Flashes. These beautiful spaces are not just scenic; they are also essen …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Thomas Viegas
    Thomas Viegas, Group Nature Lead - Aviva
12:30
  1. A Green Patient is a Healthy Patient - Investing in Health Through Sustainability
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    A healthier planet supports healthier people and healthier patients reduce pressure on healthcare systems. In the North of England, where health inequalities are often greatest, investing in green hea …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Helena Vesty
    Helena Vesty, NHS, Social Care and Patients Reporter - Manchester Evening News
14:30
  1. Skills, Innovation and Opportunity for Green Jobs and Global Impact
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    The transition to a low-carbon economy is creating new career paths for young people, from hands-on green skills to high-tech innovation. As global markets invest in climate solutions, Northern cities …
    Speakers
    Speaker image for Sarah Mukherjee
    Sarah Mukherjee, CEO - Institute of Sustainability and Environmental Professionals (ISEP)
15:45
  1. ClimateTech Investment Fueling the Next Wave of Northern Start-Ups and Scale-Ups
    Pearl Suite
    60 mins
    The entrepreneurial spirit of net-zero innovation is thriving outside London, with start-ups and scale-ups in clean energy, smart mobility and green manufacturing developing breakthrough technologies …

Become a speaker (opens in a new tab)

Register to attend (opens in a new tab)

Enquire to exhibit (opens in a new tab)

Show Floor Hubs

Located within the exhibition, the Innovation Hub and Finance & Investment Hub, offer hands-on learning, live demonstrations and networking opportunities focused on the core challenges and opportunities of the green economy.

Innovation Hub 📍 Exhibition Hall

Discover sector-specific tools and technologies to cut emissions, explore circular economy and sustainable supply chain solutions. Connect with experts driving scalable green business models whilst highlighting talent and training pathways for green jobs.

Finance & Investment Hub 📍 Exhibition Hall

Sponsored by FUNKLED

COPY TO BE INSERTED ABOUT F&I HUB CONTENT

Innovation Hub Reset Connect North

Stay tuned - we’ll be announcing the show floor hub programmes in January!

Become a speaker (opens in a new tab)

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Enquire to exhibit (opens in a new tab)

VIP Workshops & Roundtables

Available exclusively to VIP Delegate Pass holders, these ten interactive workshops and roundtables run alongside the main stages and show-floor content, offering in-depth, collaborative sessions curated for peer-to-peer learning and problem-solving.

Workshops 📍 Aire Suite  |  Roundtables 📍 Vera/ Hotot Suite

Designed to spark open discussion and cross-sector collaboration, the sessions explore essential themes including:

  • Regulatory readiness and compliance
  • Data strategy and digital transformation
  • Local authority collaboration and regional planning
  • Workforce development and green skills

With smaller group formats that encourage meaningful exchange, these VIP-only sessions provide practical insight, partnership-building opportunities and actionable outcomes to help organisations accelerate their sustainability goals.

Secure your VIP Delegate Pass now and save £75 with the preview rate, available until 16 January 2026.

VIP Workshops & Roundtables at Reset Connect North

Stay tuned - the full lineup of VIP workshops & roundtables will be revealed in January!

Host a roundtable/ workshop (opens in a new tab)

Attend as a VIP (opens in a new tab)

Enquire to exhibit (opens in a new tab)

Pitch & Invest Programme

The Pitch & Invest Programme is where innovation meets opportunity.

Designed to connect start-ups, scale-ups and investors, it brings together the brightest entrepreneurial minds with the capital and expertise needed to scale market-ready solutions across the sustainability and net zero landscape.

Pitch & Invest Programme 📍 Barton Suite

Across two days, innovators will pitch their solutions live to a panel of investors, corporate ventures and funding partners, spanning the full spectrum of capital. 

The sessions span a diverse range of sectors, including Tech & AI, Engineering & Manufacturing, Energy, Urban Regeneration, Corporate Sustainability, Retail, Fashion & FMCG, Food & AgriTech and Female Founders.

To pitch, you must exhibit or attend as a VIP.

Explore exhibiting options or secure your VIP Delegate Pass and save £75 with the preview rate until 16 January 2026.

Pitch & Invest Programme Reset Connect North

Become a judge (opens in a new tab)

Pitch as a VIP (opens in a new tab)

Pitch as an exhibitor (opens in a new tab)

Pitch & Invest Programme

Day 1

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11:00
  1. Tech & AI
    Barton Suite
    55 mins
12:00
  1. Engineering & Manufacturing
    Barton Suite
    55 mins
13:00
  1. Energy
    Barton Suite
    55 mins
13:55
  1. Lunch Break / Keynote in Bury Theatre
    35 mins
14:45
  1. Urban Regeneration
    Barton Suite
    55 mins
15:45
  1. Corporate Sustainability
    Barton Suite
    55 mins

Day 2

Loading
11:00
  1. Retail, Fashion and FMCG
    Barton Suite
    55 mins
12:00
  1. Food & AgriTech
    Barton Suite
    55 mins
13:00
  1. Female Founders
    Barton Suite
    55 mins
13:55
  1. Lunch Break / Keynote in Bury Theatre
    Barton Suite
    35 mins
15:00
  1. Pitch & Invest Winners Grand Finale
    Barton Suite
    90 mins

Become a judge (opens in a new tab)

Pitch as a VIP (opens in a new tab)

Pitch as an exhibitor (opens in a new tab)