Accelerating sustainable innovation and commercial growth

Accelerating sustainable innovation and commercial growth across the North

Reset Connect North brings start-ups, scale-ups, investors, corporates, public sector leaders, accelerators, solution providers and buyers together to support sustainable growth and market-ready impact across the North of England.

Building on the success of Reset Connect London, the start-up and scale-up focus at Reset Connect North provides a platform for emerging businesses to refine propositions, secure funding and build the partnerships required to scale solutions supporting the transition to a low-carbon economy.

Reset Connect North is designed to help founders move from early traction to commercial scale by connecting innovation with capital, customers and real-world deployment opportunities.

Secure your free Visitor Pass to Reset Connect North or join us as a VIP and save 16% on your pass with our early bird rate by 13 February.

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Exhibitors at Reset Connect London

Visitors attend to:

Access capital and funding
Meet angel investors, venture capital funds, impact investors and corporate venture teams. Gain insight into what funders are looking for and explore funding opportunities aligned with sustainable innovation and commercial growth.

Refine and strengthen your pitch
Take part in the Pitch & Invest Programme to present your solution, receive expert feedback and improve how you communicate value to investors, partners and customers.

Build strategic partnerships
Connect with corporates, public sector organisations and delivery partners seeking innovative solutions. Develop relationships that support pilots, procurement opportunities and long-term collaboration.

Test, validate and scale ideas
Engage with organisations looking to trial and adopt new technologies. Gain market insight, user feedback and opportunities to demonstrate real-world impact.

Leverage policy and accelerator support
Explore government programmes, regional funding initiatives and accelerator support designed to help start-ups and scale-ups grow across the North.

Reset Connect North supports founders to scale solutions that address sustainability challenges while driving regional economic growth.

The exhibition

The exhibition showcases innovative start-ups and scale-ups delivering solutions across sustainability, climate, technology and the green economy.

Discover emerging technologies, platforms and services designed to support decarbonisation and sustainable growth. Connect with innovators, investors and partners offering the tools, funding and expertise needed for your next stage of growth.

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The conference

The conference programme equips founders with insight into innovation, funding, policy and commercial strategy.

Sessions explore how sustainable businesses can grow, compete and thrive in evolving markets. The Pitch & Invest Programme is a central feature, connecting start-ups and scale-ups with investors, funding partners and corporate decision-makers.

Discover the conference

Connect with 2,500 innovators driving green transformation in the North, including:

Start-up and scale-up conference highlights

Hear from leading voices shaping the future of sustainable business. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of our highlight speakers and the most relevant sessions, tailored to your interests:

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Transforming Business & Industry Stage

This stage explores how start-ups and scale-ups are reshaping markets and industries through innovation and new business models. Founders and growth leaders share insight on scaling operations, securing customers and navigating complex commercial environments.

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Transforming Cities & Communities Stage

The Transforming Cities & Communities Stage looks at how emerging businesses are contributing to local growth and place-based innovation. Sessions focus on partnerships, procurement and opportunities for start-ups and scale-ups to work with cities, regions and public sector organisations.

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Innovation Hub

The Innovation Hub provides a platform for start-ups and scale-ups to showcase solutions, test ideas and connect with potential partners. It brings together founders, corporates and delivery organisations to explore collaboration and routes to market.

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Finance & Investment Hub

The Finance & Investment Hub connects start-ups and scale-ups with investors, funders and finance leaders. It offers space to explore funding options, investment readiness and the commercial pathways needed to support growth and scale.

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VIP Workshops & Roundtables

VIP Workshops & Roundtables offer closed-door sessions for founders and scale-up leaders. These discussions focus on funding strategy, leadership challenges, market expansion and building resilient, growth-focused businesses.

Available exclusively to VIP Delegate Pass holders, secure your VIP Delegate Pass now and save £40 with the early bird rate, available until 13 February.

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Pitch & Invest Programme

Start-ups and scale-ups present market-ready solutions to a curated panel of investors, corporate ventures and funding partners. The programme supports businesses seeking funding, mentorship and strategic connections across key sectors, including Tech & AI, Engineering & Manufacturing, Energy, Urban regeneration, Corporate Sustainability, FMCG, retail & fashion, Food & AgriTech, and Female Founders.

Entry into the programme is available to VIP Delegate Pass holders, secure your VIP Delegate Pass and enter the programme by 20 February.

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Highlight and keynote speakers

Tracy Brabin

Mayor of West Yorkshire, West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Susan Aitken

Leader, Glasgow City Council

Richard Andrews

UK Sustainability Lead, KPMG

Oliver Holbourn

CEO, National Wealth Fund

Andrew Spencer

Strategic Solutions & Partnerships Director, Equans UK & Ireland

Milly Hennayake

Trustee, Engineers Without Borders UK

Amy House

Director, Green Economy

Rishi Jain

Director of Impact, Liverpool Football Club

Rebecca Ball

Area Director North, Arts Council England

Daniel Bates

Director, Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture

Tim Lambert

Regional Lead UK, Ireland & Nordics, osapiens

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Don't just take our word for it...

“I think Reset Connect London is a good opportunity to gather thoughts together from lots of experts in one place at one time and to have a conversation about how can we decarbonise our world.”
Corporate Communications Director, BMW Group

BMW Group Logo

"It's a great opportunity to see what's going on within different industries and to see what technologies are available. It really challenges the mindset and gets you thinking in different channels."
Branch Manager, DSV

"I'm especially interested in the technology part, energy tech and solutions. I saw something amazing I had never seen being commercialised before at this scale. I was like wow, I'm going to send this to my energy manager."
Earth Care Strategy Lead, LUSH

Transforming Cities & Communities Stage Programme

Day 1

09:00

Doors open

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

10 mins

09:10

Keynotes

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

50 mins

Speakers

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire - West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Susan Aitken, Leader - Glasgow City Council

10:00

Reframing Sustainability: Building Resilience & Driving Growth

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

60 mins

This panel will explore how forward-looking organisations are beginning to reframe sustainability, both through the lens of business resilience and as a driver of innovation, growth and competitive ad …

Speakers

Jerome Baddley, Sustainability Director - Center Parcs

11:00

Shaping Resilient, Sustainable Cities for Thriving Communities

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

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

Christopher Hammond, CEO - UK100

Amy House, Director - Green Economy

James Lewis, Leader - Leeds City Council

12:15

The Warm Homes Plan Driving Consumer Engagement

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

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

Jim Bennett, Low Carbon Director - Octopus Energy

David Glew, Director of the Leeds Sustainability Institute - Leeds Beckett University

Jess McNeill, Head of Home Energy West Yorkshire - West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Andrew Spencer, Strategic Solutions & Partnerships Director - Equans UK & Ireland

14:00

Understanding GB Energy's Role in Britain's Energy Transition

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

25 mins

Speakers

Simon Virley CB, Vice Chair and Head of Energy and Natural Resources - KPMG

Paul Addison, Director of Policy & External Affairs - GB Energy

14:30

The Electric Revolution Transforming Transport for a Zero-Emission Future

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

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

Julia Meek, Director of Bus and Coach - UK - Zenobē

Polly Cook, Chief Officer, Climate, Energy and Green Spaces - Leeds City Council

15:45

Building a Sustainable Food Future and Resilient Supply Chains

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

60 mins

This panel explores the critical challenges shaping sustainable food systems and supply chains. Panelists will examine how climate change is affecting agricultural productivity and food security, alon …

Speakers

Tim Lambert, Regional Lead UK, Ireland & Nordics - osapiens

Yeshna Mistry, Sustainability Manager - Myton Food Group

Bibi Rodgers Hunt, Head of Sustainability - Quorn Foods

16:45

Day 1 Closing Keynote

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

15 mins

Day 2

09:00

Doors open

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

10 mins

09:15

Opening Keynote Panel - How Regional Stakeholders are using Investment to enhance Community Development and Nature Recovery

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

45 mins

Speakers

Clare Ollerenshaw, Project Manager - Nature - West Midlands Combined Authority

Mark Burley, Social Value & Partnership Manager - Keepmoat

Philip Webb, Founder & CEO - Investors In Community

10:00

Keynotes

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

40 mins

Speakers

Piers Forster, Professor of physical climate change - Climate Change Committe / University of Leeds

Oliver Holbourn, CEO - National Wealth Fund

11:00

How Innovation is Driving Economic Growth in Northern Cities

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

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

Ed Whiting, Chief Executive - Leeds City Council

Ste Garlick, Strategic Lead for Decarbonisation & Retrofit and Manchester Lead Sustainability Champion - BDP

Ryan Case, Public Affairs and Corporate Communications Manager (Europe) - Starship Technologies

12:15

Collaborative Flood Management for a Climate Resilient Future

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

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

Alex Martin, Head of Environmental Risk - Admiral

Jonathan Moxon, Executive Manager - Flood Risk & Climate Resilience - Leeds City Council

James Morgan, Project Manager - United Infrastructure

Nick Sellwood, Programme Director - Northern Forest - The Woodland Trust

14:00

Keynote

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

30 mins

14:30

Driving Arts, Media and Creativity Outside the M25

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

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 …

Speakers

Phillip Holdgate, Head of Production Sustainability - ITV

Daniel Bates, Director - Bradford 2025, UK City of Culture

Beatrice Neumann, Head of Skills and Industry Engagement - Screen Yorkshire

Terry Roberts, Environmental Sustainability Manager - Edinburgh International Festival

15:45

Can Sport Score on Sustainability?

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

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

Helen Pheby, Head of Culture, Heritage and Sport - West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Jonny Dowler, Sustainability Officer - Rugby Football League

Thom Rawson, Sustainability Lead - Leeds United FC

16:45

Day 2 Closing Keynote

Bury Theatre (Ground Floor)

15 mins

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Transforming Business & Industry Stage Programme

Day 1

09:00

Doors open

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

10 mins

11:15

How Can Businesses Turn Sustainability into Opportunities?

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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

Rishi Jain, Director of Impact - Liverpool Football Club

Michelle Cooper, International Trade Adviser - Department for Business & Trade

Andrew Forsyth, Head of Climate Resilience and Sustainability (UK) - Zurich Resilience Solutions

Tom Patterson, Senior Agency Partner & Sustainability Lead - Channel 4

12:30

Powering Industry for a Flexible Renewable Energy Future

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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

Noel Collings, Head of Net Zero & Energy - West Yorkshire Combined Authority

Jeanette Whitaker, Associate Science Director - UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology

15:30

Decarbonising the North’s Hard-to-Abate Industries for a Resilient Future

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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

Alasdair Dalzel-Job, Technical Lead - Green Economy

Rupert Bull, CEO and Co-Founder - The Disruption House

Kate Lloyd, Civil Engineering Manager - Civil Engineering Contractors Association

Dan Sadler, Director of Scheme Delivery - Low Carbon Contracts Company & Electricity Settlements Company

Day 2

09:00

Doors open

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

10 mins

09:40

Keynote - Why don’t consumers engage with sustainable investing?

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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

Dan Russell, Founder - Funkled

10:00

Embodying Your Values: The Synergies Between Philanthropy and Sustainability

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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

Nancy Bikson, Managing Director - Chapel & York

Rachel Tomlins, Head of Philanthropy - The Charity Service

Cate Quentin, Head of Wealth Management - Tribe Impact Capital

11:15

Securing the Environment for Business in the North

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

60 mins

The North boasts stunning landscapes, from the ancient woodlands of Otley Chevin to the restored wetlands of Wigan Flashes. These spaces are not just scenic; they are critical natural infrastructure t …

Speakers

Phoebe Tucker, Senior Nature Associate - Green Finance Institute

Mark Cunliffe-Lister, Owner - The Swinton Estate

Will Lockhart, Deputy Director for Nature Markets and Investment - DEFRA

Hannah Eskell, Senior Nature Manager - Aviva

12:30

A Green Patient is a Healthy Patient - Investing in Health Through Sustainability

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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

Esther Smith, Senior Adviser Health and Environment - Natural England

14:30

Skills, Innovation and Opportunity for Green Jobs and Global Impact

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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

Fiona Bolam, Chief Officer for Economy and Skills - Leeds City Council

Kim Schoppink, Europe Regional Lead - SBTi

Olivia Partington, Engagement Lead - AXA Climate

Chris Hewett, CEO - Solar Energy UK

15:45

ClimateTech Investment Fueling the Next Wave of Northern Start-Ups and Scale-Ups

Pearl Suite (First Floor)

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 …

Speakers

Nic Spicer, Director - mc2 Transition Partners Ltd

Nima Farighi, Managing Director - Grosvenor Impact Capital

Roland Harwood, Co-Founder & Board Member - Climate Tech Supercluster

Agnes Czako, CEO and Founder - Airex

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Innovation Hub Programme

Day 1

11:00

Engineering Sustainable Futures: Rethinking Building and Infrastructure Design in The North

Innovation Hub (Ground Floor)

30 mins

Speakers

Amira Damji, Director - Additive Sustainability

11:30

Sensing Leeds: Shaping the Future of Urban Environmental Data

Innovation Hub (Ground Floor)

30 mins

Join us for an inspiring session as we unveil Sensing Leeds, an innovative digital platform set to transform how we understand and shape our urban environment. Discover how a new, open-access web-port …

Speakers

Jim McQuaid, Atmospheric Scientist - The Institute of Climate and Atmospheric Science at University of Leeds

Robert Harwood, CEO - SimAnalytica

Jim Parker, Reader - Leeds Sustainability Institute at Leeds Beckett University

12:00

Harnessing Technology for Energy Optimisation

Innovation Hub (Ground Floor)

30 mins

How the use of digital tools, smart systems and data-driven insights to reduce energy waste, improve efficiency and lower operating costs. By integrating technologies such as IoT sensors, AI‑powered a …

Speakers

John Swallow, Managing Director - Test Consulting

12:30

The Role of Consultants and Software in Corporate Carbon Accounting

Innovation Hub (Ground Floor)

30 mins

As climate disclosures become mandatory and auditable, carbon accounting is rapidly increasing in complexity - particularly around scope 3, transparency and data assurance. While the market is crowded …

Speakers

Javier Mateos, Sales Manager - Carbon+Alt+Delete

Susanna Jackson, Sustainability Manager and Lead Consultant - Beyondly