The inaugural UK Northern Powerhouse International Conference and Exhibition will take place 25-26 February at the Manchester Central venue (the former G-Mex Centre).

This event is designed to help the business community better understand the opportunities that are on offer due to the Government’s plans to devolve powersto regional authorities.

Supported by the chief executives of all the major councils in the North, as well as the leaders of national businesses and international trade delegations, it will include talks and interactive sessions by senior representatives from the transport, high-tech, energy, finance, property and retail sectors.

Speakers include Peel Ports chief executive Mark Whitworth, HS2 head Simon Kirby and Nicola Walker, who is business environment director of the CBI.

Keith Griffiths, a co-organiser of the conference and exhibition, said that the event will “play a major role in contributing to the commercial conversation around the Northern Powerhouse” and will help the region to reach its economic potential. “As of 2017, directly elected mayors will be awarded greater powers over areas such as housing, economic development, skills and inward investment.

Billions of pounds will be invested in infrastructure to connect the 15 million people of the North and help businesses grow.

These policy changes provide a welcome focus on the economic potential of the great cities of the North, but it is ultimately up to the business community to deliver the thousands of jobs and attract the billions of pounds of investment.”

For more information, visit the Web site (www.uk-northern-powerhouse.co.uk).