All Speakers Dr Peter O’Brien Executive Director, Yorkshire Universities Peter leads the Yorkshire Universities’ (YU) Executive Team, and he is the Company Secretary for the Limited Company and Charity. With over two decades’ experience, as a practitioner and academic, Peter has driven YU’s increasing and influential policy engagement activity, including YU’s strategic relationships with local government and combined authorities in Yorkshire. He has worked extensively at a senior level across the north of England and published widely on research relating to local and regional development. He represents YU and the higher education sector on many high-level national and regional groups. Peter is a Commissioner on the Yorkshire and Humber Climate Commission, and a member of the Universities UK Civic and Local Growth Network Steering Group. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Public Collaborations: What are they for? Who does all the work? How long do they last? And who really benefits? Pearl Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

Manny Singh Planning Services Improvement Manager < Speakers < Previous Next > Manny Singh Planning Services Improvement Manager Wealden District Council Manny has worked in local government for eighteen years and the Private Sector for four years and is the Planning Services Improvement Manager. Manny is passionate about public services and how he can contribute to differences he can make to our residents and communities. His professional journey has been defined by a commitment to enhancing the customer journey, improving service access, and influencing managed services with a firm belief that exceptional results can be achieved in even the most dynamic… Show More

Ringo CheungProgramme Manager - Transport Partnerships - Delivering Capital Infrastructure Projects < Speakers < Previous Next > Ringo Cheung Programme Manager - Transport Partnerships - Delivering Capital Infrastructure Projects West Yorkshire Combined Authority I have 18 years of management experience with a focus on inclusive leadership. Throughout my career, I have developed skills in communication, staff development, humility, and courage, all to deliver results. I am passionate about creating environments where everyone feels valued and empowered to contribute their best. Currently, I am taking part in the Solace Amplify Diverse Leadership course to develop my skills for higher-level responsibilities. I believe that continuous learning is essential in today’s ever-changing world. This course… Show More

Peter AghManaging Director < Speakers < Previous Next > Peter Agh Managing Director ICMA Europe Peter Agh is the Managing Director of ICMA Europe, former Vice-President of ICMA and former President of the Slovak City Managers Association. Peter has 15+ years of experience as City Manager of the Municipalities of Nove Zamky, Dvory, Kamenin, Bratislava (all in Slovakia). In addition to his professional experience, Peter is a graduate of Harvard University (Kennedy School of Government - Senior Executive Program) and the University of Virginia (Weldon Cooper Center - Senior Executive Institute). He completed his PhD… Show More

Jamie OunanCo-Founder and Executive Chairman < Speakers < Previous Next > Jamie Ounan Co-Founder and Executive Chairman Inner Circle Consulting Jamie Ounan is the Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Inner Circle Consulting, where he has played a pivotal role in delivering transformative regeneration projects across East London. From the 2012 Olympics and Crossrail to local estate renewal and community-led cultural initiatives, Jamie has spent over a decade driving change in some of the UK’s most complex urban environments. With a background spanning city planning, economic growth, and infrastructure, Jamie transitioned to service design and system transformation, helping local leaders achieve… Show More

All Speakers Ciara Graven Consultant – Economics and Casemaking Team, Arup Ciara is a Consultant in the Economics and Casemaking team at Arup providing strategy, planning and economic services to private and public sector clients. She specialises in developing the vision, strategy and economic narrative for regeneration, development and infrastructure proposals in cities, towns and their regions. She is a certified practitioner in authoring HMT Green Book compliant business cases for investment and undertake socio-economic needs analysis and impact assessments for planning and policy and provide strategic advice on inclusive growth and project appraisal, delivery and management. She is currently working on several projects that include providing strategic advice to the Hull and East Yorkshire Combined Authority on their Local Growth Plan and Investment Pipeline and supporting the development of an Economic Strategy for the Humber region. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Delivering Together: How Local Authorities and Strategic Authorities Are Jointly Driving Place-Based Transformational Growth Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session

Martin NealeCEO < Speakers < Previous Next > Martin Neale CEO ICS.AI Martin is an experienced entrepreneur and a visionary in digital AI innovation, with a track record of launching over 20 cutting-edge technologies. Passionate about generative AI, he sees it as the key to the fifth industrial revolution. Martin's expertise propels the company’s innovation, transforming the UK public sector and revolutionising Local Government. Martin is driven by the endless potential of AI, focusing on its transformative capabilities. He strongly believes in the thoughtful and ethical integration of AI, aiming to provide… Show More

Jessica MullingerDirector of Interim Management < Speakers < Previous Next > Jessica Mullinger Director of Interim Management Solace in Business

All Speakers Amy Harhoff Chief Executive, East Midlands Combined County Authority Amy Harhoff is the first permanent Chief Executive of the East Midlands Combined County Authority. Amy joined EMCCA from her role as Corporate Director for Regeneration, Economy, and Growth at Durham County Council. Her extensive leadership experience also includes senior leadership roles for West Mids, South Yorkshire Combined Authority, and Transport for Greater Manchester.   Working alongside Mayor Claire Ward, Amy is driving forward EMCCA’s ambitious agenda, focused on improving transport, housing, skills, employment, and climate resilience. Her leadership is rooted in inclusivity, collaboration and delivery, bringing together local authorities, businesses, and communities to unlock the region’s full potential.    With a clear vision for inclusive growth, Amy is harnessing the East Midlands’ strengths, from world-class universities and global industries to a thriving visitor economy and rich cultural heritage. Under her leadership, EMCCA is building a more connected, skilled, and sustainable region - one with a strong identity and shared purpose.  Thursday 16 October 2025 15:45–16:25 Delivering Together: How Local Authorities and Strategic Authorities Are Jointly Driving Place-Based Transformational Growth Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session Friday 17 October 20225 10:00–10:50 Storming and Forming: The Creation of Combined and Strategic Authorities Main Stage, New Dock Hall Go to session

All Speakers Lord Gary Porter Political Leader and National Voice on Housing Safety Lord Gary Porter is a political leader and respected national voice on housing safety. With decades of public service, he has championed initiatives that protect residents and strengthen accountability. His influence spans policy, regulation, and advocacy, ensuring safety remains a priority in housing at both local and national levels. Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Life Safety First: Turning Risk into Assurance Hall B, Royal Armouries Go to session

< All sponsors Locality Stand 2 locality.org.uk Locality is the national membership network of 2,000 community organisations. We believe in the power of community to transform lives. As well as supporting local charities and social enterprises with paid specialist advice and resources, we’ve helped over 80 local authorities build stronger communities by investing in and working with local people. We’re experts in VCSE funding and governance, community engagement, service transformation, climate projects and community ownership of assets. Find out more at www.locality.org.uk/consultancy-services .

Trudy BirtwellDirector of Learning < Speakers < Previous Next > Trudy Birtwell Director of Learning Solace Trudy has been Director of Learning at Solace since 2011, leading their partnership work with MHCLG, LGA, INLOGOV, Collaborate and PPMA. Key areas of responsibility include: Solace Ignite programme, Total Leadership, Springboard and National Graduate and Apprenticeship programmes . A professional HR/OD practitioner with over 20 years' experience of working at board and executive level, she is a strong leader, able to inspire and motivate individuals and multidisciplinary teams. Trudy has a passion for getting the best out of… Show More