LEAD North Agenda

12:15  Registration and Light Lunch

13:00  Welcome from our Host

Gamal Fahnbulleh, Broadcaster and Journalist

13:10  Keynote Address

Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council

13:20 The Economic & Political Outlook

Exploring the upcoming trends in the UK media and tech markets and how political events are impacting the sector, followed by audience Q&A.

Ian Whittaker, Founder and Managing Director, Liberty Sky Advisors

13:45  Warburtons: From Bolton Grocery Store to UK’s Biggest Bakery Brand

An exclusive interview with the Chairman of Warburtons on his journey to the top, working with Hollywood’s A-List and growing the largest bakery business in the UK.

• Jonathan Warburton, Chairman, Warburtons
• Suzanne Costello, Events Director, Advertising Association

14:15  All In: Next Steps on the Action Plan

All In is the industry-wide initiative to ensure that everyone working in UK advertising feels they belong. Following the results of the 2nd All In Census in which 19,000 people took part; this session will discuss the next three areas of focus which will form part of the ongoing All In Action Plan.

• Ete Davies, Chief Operating Officer, EMEA, Dentsu Creative
• John McGeough, Commercial Operations Director, Global
• Danny Josephs, Chief Operating Officer, mFuse
• Sharon Lloyd Barnes, Commercial Director & Inclusion Lead, Advertising Association

14:45  Refreshment Break

15:15  Raising the Ceiling: How to Make a Career in Advertising Accessible for All

Many children are leaving school unaware of creativity as a career option. In this session we will hear how leading companies have partnered with non-profit programmes to educate and inspire school students and make them aware of the many opportunities that exist in the creative industries.

• Jason Spencer, Business Development Director, ITV
• Sarah Jenkins, Chief Operating Officer, Saatchi & Saatchi London
• Pete Coates, Managing Director, Omnicom Media Group, Newcastle
• James Hillhouse, Co-founder, Commercial Break

15:45  AI’s Impact on Advertising

This session will lift the lid on the government’s National AI Strategy and look at the impact of AI on jobs and training, plus we will hear from a leading agency on the importance of upskilling young talent with the necessary tools to embrace the new technology.

• Miles Beckwith, Assistant Director, Professional and Business Services, Department for Business and Trade
• Paul Cooper, Chief Operating Officer – North Group, EssenceMediacom UK

16:20 The North’s Role as a World Class Creative Hub

What are the key components to a thriving advertising industry in the North of England and what challenges and opportunities is it facing? Join this session to hear different perspectives from across the advertising ecosystem.

• Imogen Tazzyman, Executive Creative Director, McCann Manchester
• Ewan Douglas, Head of Sales & Business Development, Channel 4
• Alixe Lobato, Creative Director, Flying Duck Studio Lab
• Steve Davies, Chief Executive, APA

16:50  Closing Remarks

Stephen Woodford, Chief Executive, Advertising Association

17:00  Networking Drinks Reception

17:45 End of Event