A major conference in June will bring together the West of England’s political and business leaders as it faces a period of unprecedented change following the Metro Mayor and national Parliamentary elections.
The West of England Economic Growth Conference on June 23 will offer delegates the first opportunity to discuss the region’s economic future against a backdrop of a new combined regional authority – led by the newly-elected Metro Mayor – potentially a new intake of MPs as well as the likely impact of Brexit. 
The one-day event is being organised by Built Environment Networking – the organisers behind the hugely successful Northern Powerhouse annual conference. It will, for the first time, bring to the West the kind of showcase event that has been so important to giving the North a higher profile.
West of England business leaders have for years looked enviously at the progress made by the North in winning more funding – and, with it, political clout – from central government.
They see the Metro Mayor election and the formation of the combined authority made up of representatives from Bath & North East Somerset (B&NES), Bristol and South Gloucestershire councils as the first step on the path to more devolution for the West.
The newly-elected West of England Mayor will be invited to speak at the conference along with the Mayor of Bristol Marvin Rees and the leaders of (B&NES), South Gloucestershire and North Somerset.
The current Business Secretary Greg Clark has also been invited as a guest speaker, along with local MPs. The conference is being supported by the West of England LEP, the new West of England Combined Authority and the four local authorities.
Built Environment Networking managing director Keith Griffiths said: “This is the first conference of its kind in the West of England and will play an important role in bringing together around 500 of the region’s businesses with new political leaders, so it’s not surprising people are keen to be involved.”
“We have been running similar events successfully for the Northern Powerhouse for several years and felt that there was a real need for a conference of this type in the West of England. With regional mayoral elections taking place and now a snap General Election, there’s never been a more important time for businesses in the region to make the case to politicians about the economic growth opportunities the West of England offers and the asks business needs to help deliver them.”
The conference takes place at Brunel’s Engine Shed (Passenger Shed) next to Temple Meads station.
Full day tickets cost £150. Sponsorship opportunities are now available with exhibition stands starting at £1,500 and remaining sponsorship opportunities starting at £300.
For more information, visit http://www.westofenglandeconomicgrowthconference.com/
