Showcasing the North of England on the global stage to unlock new investment opportunities
The Great North in partnership with:
The Great North Investment Summit is the first ever forum dedicated to promoting the North of England collectively, demonstrating our unrivalled investment potential on the global stage.
Organised by The Great North — a partnership founded by northern mayors to create prosperity and opportunity — the Summit will take place ahead of UKREiiF 2026, in collaboration with the Department for Business and Trade (DBT) and the Office for Investment (OfI).
The Summit responds to growing calls from business and civic leaders for a dedicated, place-led, investor-focused event to unlock the North's economic potential — which could add £118bn to UK PLC with the right investments.
"We are seizing control of the North's economic destiny, ending the days where our regions are overlooked. By establishing the Great North Investment Summit, we are creating the first ever forum dedicated to promoting the North of England collectively, demonstrating our unrivalled investment potential, and telling our story on the global stage with passion and pride."
"We are proud and delighted to host an enhanced Great North presence in Leeds on the eve of UKREiiF 2026. The strategic alignment between what the North's brilliant towns and cities wish to accomplish and what UKREiiF is trying to do is clear and we are honoured to be supporting all the great Northern Mayors."
Present pipeline-ready investment opportunities across the North's growth sectors
Position The Great North as a world-class investment brand for growth
Strengthen relationships with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and international partners
Hear from the leaders shaping the future of the North of England, including mayors, government ministers and industry champions.
Summit Host
UK Government Northern Growth Envoy
Award-winning Creative and Cultural Leader
CEO, Confederation of British Industry
North East Mayor
West Yorkshire Mayor
Greater Manchester Mayor
York & North Yorkshire Mayor
South Yorkshire Mayor
Hull & East Yorkshire Mayor
Chair of Great British Energy
Creative Director, Bradford 2025
The Summit will showcase the North's innovation, creativity, culture and investment potential. Join us for an afternoon of keynote speeches, breakout sessions and networking.
The North has always been a leader in innovation, and we are now producing future products that will change the world. Come and hear lightning talks and demonstrations from Northern companies who are leading innovation in products and services.
Culture, creative, heritage and sport are fundamental drivers of place attractiveness and investment. Hosted by Jude Kelly CBE, Chair of the Great North Creative, non-exec director with DCMS and cultural lead for the 2012 Olympics, this session shares insights and best practice demonstrating how the diversity and creative vibrancy of the North make it a unique environment for growth and investment.
This session takes a deep dive into the government's newly launched Northern Growth Strategy. Discussing the importance of investing with cross-boundary impact and demonstrating the ease of investing in the North.
An evening networking event for delegates and their teams, showcasing Northern musical talent.
North Bar & The Attic
The Great North Investment Summit is the first ever forum dedicated to promoting the North of England collectively. Register your interest to join us at the Royal Armouries, Leeds Dock on Monday 18th May 2026.