Seven Hills supported Brabners to launch True North – a report and new network dedicated to driving ambition, growth and change in the North.
The launch, which took place on 14 September at Brabners’ office in Manchester, brought together leaders and influential voices within the region to meet and find routes towards new partnerships.
The True North report comprises findings from discussions that Brabners conducted in recent months in Lancashire, Leeds, Liverpool, Manchester and Sheffield, as well as case studies and insights from inspiring leaders they met along the way. The aim of the report is to showcase where there are opportunities to generate long-term change and unlock the true potential of the Northern economy, put a spotlight on those taking action, and make a call for collaboration.
By engaging with various industry leaders and change-makers across the region, Brabners has identified challenges that need addressing in four key areas:
- People, Skills and the Future
- Innovation and Change
- Sustainable Growth
- Purpose and Societal Impact
The launch event was an opportunity for report contributors, Brabners leadership team and regional leaders to share further insights on the future of the North and connect with like-minded leaders, to grow the network.
Seven Hills co-founder Michael Hayman and Brabners’ Managing Partner Nik White and CEO Robert White introduced the event to discuss the campaign’s background, True North’s purpose and why Brabners feels a responsibility to make the difference for its people.
Further discussions came through a panel of young leaders from the vocL network – promoting responsible business voices – with Riddhi Karambelkar, Head of Manufacturing Innovation at Brompton, Will Lankston, Managing Director at Timpson Director and Ben Horn, Digital Transformation Director at Crystal Doors, exploring how organisations should foster inclusion in their teams and why supporting young talent and skills can drive innovation.
They were followed by four of the report’s key contributors – Greengage’s Head of Ecology and Natural Capital Faye Durkin, Chair of Bradford’s District Place Making and Investment Partnership Pete Mills, Director of Strategy at Regeneration Brainery Judi Greenwood, and Founder and CEO of Fleetsolve Keith O’Connor – looking at how we can build a sustainable North that means people, places and the planet can thrive.
Both the report launch and event highlighted the collective voice and unwavering potential of the True North network in developing meaningful partnership’s that will drive long-term regional growth. Moving forward, the True North network aims to provide an opportunity for communities and small businesses to work in partnership and build upon its potential and ambition.
Seven Hills has supported Brabners through the True North process, collating findings from its discussion series into the report and curating the event agenda. You can read the report here.