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

All Speakers Hayley Hamlett Director of HR & Corporate Affairs Thursday 16 October 2025 15:00–15:40 Shaping Communities – How Leaders Unlock Social and Economic Value Barton Suite, Royal Armouries Go to session

< All sponsors LGC Stand 17 www.lgcplus.com Local Government Chronicle (LGC) is the leading publication for senior officers like you, working in local government. Through our daily news bulletins, the LGC Briefing , podcast and monthly print magazine provides you with the insight and intelligence councils need to improve services and navigate turbulent political times. A subscription offers you the following and more: Insight into the latest policy and financial developments at a time when uncertainty and budget pressures mean councils need every assistance they can get Cutting-edge analysis and thought leadership, built on unrivalled contacts within councils, government, and business, allowing us to pass on vital intelligence helping you plan ahead Learning from best practice by visiting the LGC Idea Exchange where local authorities share information about successful initiatives Visit the LGC stand and pick up a copy of the 2024 Council Control Map.

Stand TBC < Back Norse Group norsegroup.co.uk About Norse Group At Norse Group, we deliver the spaces and services that help communities thrive. As the UK’s largest Local Authority Trading Company, wholly owned by Norfolk County Council, we are rooted in public values and driven by the belief that there’s always a better way to deliver. We are trusted by councils and partners nationwide to provide integrated services across strategic asset and estates management, multidisciplinary design, facilities management, building maintenance, waste and environmental services, and care. These span key public sectors including property and housing, education, and healthcare, creating the foundations that enable communities to function and grow. We operate at the intersection of national policy and local delivery, bridging ambition with action, and making long-term impact real, scalable, and rooted in place. Built around people We work in close partnership with local authorities, public sector bodies, emergency services, and education providers to deliver tailored solutions. These relationships are built on trust, transparency, and shared objectives, enabling us to support both operational delivery and long-term strategy. By combining expertise with flexibility, we help clients sustain vital services, adapt to evolving demands, and achieve better outcomes for the communities they serve. From everyday essentials to life’s most critical moments, we are proud to be part of the public service journey – powering local potential and supporting those who need us most.

All Speakers Dr Owen Williams OBE Chief Executive,Northern Care Alliance NHS Foundation Trust Owen started in post as Chief Executive of the NCA FT in November 2021. Prior to this appointment, he was Chief Executive of Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust (CHFT), a position which he has held since 2012. In 2020 he was granted the degree of Doctor of Business Administration by the University of Huddersfield following the successful completion of his thesis which commenced 6 years previously in 2014. In the 2019 New Year’s Honours list he was awarded an OBE for service to health care across West Yorkshire and was asked to lead a National piece of work across the NHS in England with regards to reducing Health Inequalities. He was previously Vice Chair of the NHS Confederation and prior to joining the NHS he has worked across Local Government including two roles as Chief Executive at Calderdale Metropolitan Borough Council and Rossendale District Borough Council. Before working in the Public Sector, he worked in commercial business including his first employment at the Yorkshire Building Society. He is passionate about reducing health inequality and ensuring that no communities - regardless of race, colour or creed - get left behind. Thursday 16 October 2025 14:15–14:55 Local Power, National Plan: Delivering the 10-Year Health Strategy Bury Theatre, Royal Armouries Go to session

David SharmanCountywide Climate Change Coordinator, Climate Leadership < Speakers < Previous Next > David Sharman Countywide Climate Change Coordinator, Climate Leadership Gloucester City Council David is Countywide Climate Change Coordinator for Gloucestershire, helping to develop and progress a unique public sector climate partnership between the County Council, six Districts, the NHS ICB, the Constabulary, and the Local Nature Partnership. Recent shared action that David’s coordinated includes a countywide retrofit support service, collaborative coordination of in-county green skills, and the development of local area energy planning. Prior to working in local government David spent his career working in sustainability and climate change; with over a… Show More