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12:15 Registration and Light Lunch
13:00 Welcome from our Host
Gamal Fahnbulleh, Broadcaster and Journalist
13:10 Keynote Address
Cllr Craig will outline Manchester’s role in driving growth for the creative industries.
Cllr. Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council
13:20 What’s News Up North?
Join our panel of leading Northern based journalists as they unpack the key issues and events set to define the agenda in the coming year. From major policy debates to regional and world events and shifting public sentiment, gain expert insights into the stories that will shape the nation’s future.
13:50 Advertising Pays 2025
Credos, Advertising’s think tank, will launch the latest edition in its Advertising Pays series at LEAD North. Ad Pays 2025 will feature fresh research, data and insights evidencing advertising’s economic impact and its evolving role in the UK economy during the first quarter of the 21st Century. This session will present the key findings from the report, followed by a panel discussion.
14:35 Scaling Up: How Media Owners Can Drive SME Growth
This panel will explore the role of media owners in supporting SMEs on their growth journeys. Industry leaders will discuss whether media owners have a responsibility to help SMEs scale, the initiatives currently available, and what more can be done to ensure SMEs can effectively leverage media for success.
15:05 The North: A Global Powerhouse of Creativity
The North of England has long been a hub of creative talent, with its advertising industry making a significant impact both nationally and globally. But what does it take to sustain and grow this thriving creative economy? Our panel of industry leaders will explore the key ingredients for success, from talent development and investment in media to innovation and adapting to new consumer trends – while also tackling the challenge of agency visibility and the role of intermediaries.
15:30 Refreshment Break
16:00 The Influencer Effect: Trust, Creativity & Brand Success
In an age where authenticity drives engagement, influencer marketing is more powerful than ever. But what does it take to build a strong, trusted relationship between creators and brands? In this candid conversation, TikTok sensation Em Wallbank will share her experiences working with brands, the importance of creative freedom, and how influencers can deliver real impact when given the space to be themselves.
16:25 Opening Doors: Nurturing Talent and Driving Social Mobility
In this exclusive session, Ash Schofield, CEO of giffgaff will share insights from his career journey and lessons that shaped his leadership. Ash will explore the inspirations behind launching giffgaff’s Software Engineer Academy and discuss the importance of nurturing young talent, driving social mobility, and creating pathways for the next generation of leaders.
16:55 Driving Growth and Value: What’s Next?
Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association
17:00 End of Event, followed by Networking Drinks Reception
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