On Wednesday 27 April, Centre for Cities hosted ‘Realising Regional Growth: What next for Greater Manchester?’ at the Science and Industry Museum in Manchester – the first 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 Greater Manchester can build on its 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:

• Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
• The Rt Hon Gordon Brown, former Prime Minister of the United Kingdom
• Lord Sainsbury of Turville, former Minister for Science and Innovation

Panel speakers:

• Chris Fletcher, Director of Policy and Campaigns, Greater Manchester Chamber of Commerce
• Jessica Bowles, Director of Strategic Partnerships and Impact, Bruntwood
• John Holden, Associate Vice-President for Major Special Projects, The University of Manchester
• Lou Cordwell OBE, Chair, Greater Manchester LEP