On Thursday 9 June, Centre for Cities hosted ‘Realising Regional Growth: What next for West Yorkshire?’ at Leeds’ Royal Armouries– the second in a new series of regional events exploring what the Levelling Up programme means in reality for local economic growth around the country.

This half-day conference brought together national and regional politicians, academics and business leaders to discuss how West Yorkshire can build on existing strengths, as well as developing new ones, in order to harness opportunities presented by the Levelling Up agenda, and maximise growth not just across the region, but across the whole UK.

Keynote speakers:

• Lord Sainsbury of Turville, former Minister for Science and Innovation
• Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
• Sinéad Rocks, Managing Director for Nations and Regions, Channel 4

Panel speakers:

• Professor Shirley Congdon, Vice-Chancellor, University of Bradford
• Andrew Greenwood, Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Leeds Building Society
• James Mason, Chief Executive, West and North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce
• Zandra Moore, CEO and co-founder, Panintelligence
• Cllr Susan Hinchcliffe, Leader, Bradford Council
• Tom Riordan, Chief Executive, Leeds City Council