THE CONNECTED NORTH 2025
CONFERENCE AGENDA
All times are listed in BST
Manchester, 23 - 24 April 2025
Schedule
Create your personal agenda –check the favourite icon
Apr 239:55
Conference pass
Chair's address
Keynotes
Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
Track 1
Apr 2310:00
Conference pass
Apr 2310:20
Conference pass
Northern Networks: collaborative strategies for accelerating connectivity deployment
Keynotes
Georgia Grimes, Director, Fibre Build, Openreach
Rob Hamlin, Chief Strategy Officer, CityFibre
Conal Henry, Founder & Chair, Fibrus
Moderator: Raj Kalia, MD, Arkal Limited
Track 1
Apr 2311:10
Conference pass
Networking break
Networking
Reflect on the morning's dicussions and network with your peers.
Exhibition hall
Apr 2311:40
Conference pass
Gigabit North: milestones, challenges, and the road ahead
Gigabit North
- How close is the North of the UK to achieving its gigabit connectivity targets?
- What are the main obstacles slowing down the rollout, and how are they being addressed?
- How is the public-private sector partnership model working in practice?
Jonathan Harris, Programme Director, Connecting Cumbria
Tony Morgan, Head of Regional Delivery North, BDUK
Moderator: Oliver Loveless, Principal, Analysys Mason
Shane Haslem, Chief Operations Officer, Fibrus
Neil Conaghan, Chief Executive Officer, GoFibre
Track 1
Apr 2311:40
Conference pass
Transforming urban spaces: the future of smart places in the North
Smart North
- How can smart city technologies enhance urban living and drive economic growth in Northern cities?
- What are the best practices for integrating IoT, AI, and data analytics into public infrastructure to create more efficient and responsive urban environments?
- How can Northern cities collaborate with technology providers, local governments, and communities to develop sustainable and inclusive smart place initiatives?
Naomi Hutchinson, Chief Innovation and Growth Officer, Sunderland City Council
Alastair Taylor, Chief Executive, NYnet Ltd
Moderator: Peter Griffiths, Global Urban Futurist & UKI Lead, BABLE Smart Cities
Track 5
Apr 2311:40
Conference pass
Empowering voices: Women shaping the future of telecoms and tech in the North
Connected Society
- What initiatives are proving effective in attracting and retaining women in tech careers?
- How does gender diversity drive innovation and business performance in the sector?
- What advice do panellists have for young women aspiring to enter telecoms and tech?
Beena Puri, Innovation and Partnerships Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Track 4
Apr 2311:40
Conference pass
Private networks
Innovate North
- How can we harness private networks as an opportunity to push 5G and 6G beyond being simply an extension of 4G?
- What can we do to address spectrum management challenges?
- What role can the public sector play in accelerating private network deployment?
David Crawford, 5G Projects Director, University of Strathclyde
Angus Verhagen, IoT and Private Networks Specialist, Vodafone
Track 3
Apr 2311:40
Conference pass
Driving inward investment in the North of the UK
Invest in the North
- How can high-speed connectivity supercharge Northern tech hubs?
- Will world-class digital infrastructure attract global investment to the North?
- Can digital innovation bridge the North-South economic divide?
- How can we better attract and retain talent to the North of the UK?
Kate Bull, Director of Economic Strategy Skills and Sustainability, Liverpool City Council
Moderator: Chris Founds, Director & Founding Partner, CJ Founds Associates
Nick Wiggin, Partnerships Director, Wireless Infrastructure Group
Matt Warman, Former Broadband Minister, UKAI
Track 2
Apr 2312:25
Conference pass
Rapid, sustainable, and cost effective Fiber-class Broadband Access in complex terrains (UK use cases)
Gigabit North
Ivo Lansky, Business Lead, Europe & Central Asia, Tarana Wireless, Inc.
Connor Milligan, Lead Network Broadband, Converged Rural Broadband
Track 1
Apr 2312:25
Conference pass
Virgin Media O2 – Connecting the North
Connected Society
Track 4
Apr 2312:25
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 1 - Axiom Sustainability
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Daniel Usifoh, Co-Founder, Axiom Sustainability
Joe Oughtred, Co-Founder, Axiom Sustainability
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2312:32
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 1 - BAYS
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Sophie Carr, BAYS Consulting
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2312:39
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 1 - CovertSwarm
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Steven Parsons, Business Development Manager, CovertSwarm Limited
Track 2
Apr 2312:45
Conference pass
Networking break
Networking
Take a break and recharge for the afternoon sessions.
Exhibition hall
Apr 2312:46
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 1 - Origin Matters
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Nick Evans, CEO, Origin Matters
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2313:03
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 1 - Synthetiko
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
James Atkins, CEO, Synthetiko
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2313:45
Conference pass
Regulatory updates: UK telecom regulation in the wake of political change
Gigabit North
- How might the new government's priorities affect existing telecom regulations and initiatives?
- What are the implications of changing regulations on competition, market structure, and consumer protection?
Moderator: James Robinson, Senior Analyst, Assembly Research
Alex Blowers, Director of Regulatory Affairs, CityFibre
Mark Shurmer, MD Regulation, Openreach
Track 1
Apr 2313:45
Conference pass
5G project updates for the North of the UK
Smart North
- How are ongoing and completed 5G projects impacting areas like AgriTech, Smart Ports and manufacturing?
- What progress is being made with 5G on enabling smart decarbonisation and green tech?
Jonathan Harris, Programme Director, Connecting Cumbria
Matt Smith, Programme Manager River Severn Partnership Advanced Wireless Innovation Region, Shropshire Council
Julia McMurdie, Digital Renewal Manager, North Ayrshire Council
Moderator: Chris Founds, Director & Founding Partner, CJ Founds Associates
Barry McNally, Programme Manager - Smart & Connected Social Places Programme, Glasgow City Region
Track 5
Apr 2313:45
Conference pass
Addressing the Northern digital divide
Connected Society
- What are the primary factors contributing to the digital divide in the North of the UK?
- What policy changes could accelerate progress in bridging the digital gap?
- How do we overcome barriers to improved digital inclusion?
James Muscat-Sharp, Director of Business Development and Partnerships, Good Things Foundation
Beena Puri, Innovation and Partnerships Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Track 4
Apr 2313:45
Conference pass
Digital healthcare and innovation in life sciences
Innovate North
- How is wireless infrastructure set to revolutionise hospitals and healthcare across the North of the UK?
- What are the implications of connectivity services to enable life science companies to improve their operations and output?
- What regulatory challenges exist in implementing digital health innovations?
Michael Watts, Co-Founder and Managing Director, Blum Health
Moderator: Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
John Thompson, Managing Director, Advanced Power Technology
Track 3
Apr 2313:45
Conference pass
Commercial and investment perspectives for Northern network rollouts
Invest in the North
- What are the key financial considerations and investment strategies driving successful network rollouts in the North of the UK?
- How are local authorities collaborating with commercial investors to accelerate full-fibre and 5G network deployments?
- How can commercial partnerships and collaborations accelerate the deployment of advanced connectivity infrastructure?
- What are the potential economic impacts and returns on investment for stakeholders involved in Northern network rollouts?
Richard Cameron, CEO, Grain Connect Limited
Moderator: Osh Devlin-Cook, Consultant, Analysys Mason
Heather Clark, Head of Digital Projects, City of Wolverhampton Council
Neil McRae, Chair of Core Network Technology Expert Working Group, UKTIN
Track 2
Apr 2314:30
Conference pass
Inside the Deal: Why CityFibre Backed LitFibre and What’s Next
Gigabit North
Clayton Nash, Strategy Director, CityFibre
Tom Williams, Chief Executive Officer, Lit Fibre
Moderator: Tiffany Shurr, Associate Vice President Sales, Calix
Track 1
Apr 2314:30
Conference pass
Why Digital Skills Matter in Preparing Young People for the Future
Connected Society
Sophie Hope, Principal Skills Manager (Employer Engagement), GMCA
Track 4
Apr 2314:30
Conference pass
Reduce the carbon footprint of network construction
Invest in the North
Willy Pelhate, UK Marketing Manager, ACOME Group
Track 2
Apr 2314:55
Conference pass
Customer strategy to drive adoption of advanced services
Gigabit North
Marcel Horst, CEO, Common Wholesale Platform
Moderator: David Davies, Vice President - Management Consulting EMEA, Cartesian
Tommy Toner, Chief Product Experience Officer, Cuckoo
Track 1
Apr 2314:55
Conference pass
The AI impact
Smart North
- How is the North using AI and what are the barriers to adoption?
- AI transparency – understanding the ethical, legal and societal impacts of AI
- How can we promote accountability and responsible use of AI?
Ayesha Hussain, Data Governance and Quality Lead, University of Leeds
Cath Ritchie, Transformation and Innovation Manager, North Yorkshire Council
Sherelle Fairweather, Digital Strategy Lead, Manchester City Council
Moderator: Andrew Daly, Principal, Analysys Mason
Karl Havard, Chief Commercial Officer, Nscale
Track 5
Apr 2314:55
Conference pass
Digital innovation for social care
Connected Society
- How can enhanced connectivity and digital tools improve the quality and accessibility of social care services in the North?
- What are the latest digital innovations in telehealth, remote monitoring, and AI that are transforming social care delivery?
- How can collaboration between all stakeholders address the unique challenges faced by the Northern social care sector?
Moderator: Michael Armitage, Director, Seneca Enterprise
Joe Kelly, Strategic Lead for Hospitals and Manchester Community Response & Digital, Manchester City Council
Track 4
Apr 2314:55
Conference pass
Cyber resilience for Northern businesses and communities
Innovate North
- How can we address the need to ensure cybersecurity protects the digital worker?
- How will the North West Cyber Corridor prove crucial safeguarding not just the North, but the entire nation?
- Who are the innovators in cyber and how can they secure the public and private sector?
Stuart Coulson, Cyber Ecosystem Project Manager, Greater Manchester Digital Security Hub (DiSH)
Victoria Millsop, Head of Cyber Solutions Centre, University of Central Lancashire
Moderator: Dave Happy MBE, Chair Security WG at UKTIN & Non-Exec Chairman for, Transport for Wales Fibre
Track 3
Apr 2314:55
Conference pass
The role of data centres as critical infrastructure in the North
Invest in the North
- How has the growth in computing power, particularly through data centres, contributed to the increasing role of digital services in the broader economy?
- How can the North make the most out of new planning systems to ensure the growth of data centres as key economic driver?
John Steward, Digital Infrastructure Policy Advisor, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
John Wilson, Director, The Data Centre Campus, Cobalt Park
Steven Mitchell, Client Director, BT Wholesale
Track 2
Apr 2315:40
Conference pass
Innovation to Impact in 7 months
Connected Society
Sue Waller, 5G & Advanced Wireless Technology Innovation Fund Lead, Glasgow City Region
Track 4
Apr 2315:40
Conference pass
Stratup pitches round 2 - Thinking Machine Systems
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Fabiana Marcondes, COO, Thinking Machine Systems Limited
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2315:47
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 2 - Vicinity Technologies
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Victor Kwan, Senior VP, VICINITY TECHNOLOGIES LIMITED
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2315:54
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 2 - Overe.io
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Paul Barnes, CEO, Overe.io
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2316:01
Conference pass
Startup pitches round 2 - TEXpert AI
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Drishdey Caullychurn, Chief Executive Officer, TEXpert AI
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Apr 2316:05
Conference pass
Strengthening the backbone: the role of wireless infrastructure in cementing the North of the UK as a core pillar of the economy
Gigabit North
- How is advanced wireless benefiting the North of the UK, and what's its future potential?
- What investments and policies can enhance wireless connectivity?
- How can wireless infrastructure support industries and attract business?
- How can we stimulate demand for advanced wireless technology?
Moderator: Gareth Williams, Manager and Head of Research, Fide Partners
Gareth Elliott, Director of Policy and Communications, Mobile UK
Ali Akhtar, Head of Acquisition & Contracts, BT PLC
Neerad Swaroop, Digital Infrastructure Project Manager, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Track 1
Apr 2316:05
Conference pass
Digital sustainability, building for the future in the North
Smart North
Moderator: Justin Anderson, Data and Digital Managing Director, Connected Places Catapult
Patrick Ballantyne, Postdoctoral Researcher, University of Liverpool
Track 5
Apr 2316:05
Conference pass
Digital councils
Connected Society
- How to build user centered design and improve customer experience for councils with new digital services
- How can connectivity providers and councils work together to build new services and improve efficiency?
- What does ‘digital’ really mean for councils in unlocking their potential?
Moderator: Iqbal Bedi, Director & Founder, Intelligens Consulting
Anne-Louise Arkle, Head of Service Design and Digital Adoption, North Yorkshire Council
Ste Sharples, Assistant Director - ICT, Digital, Data, and Digital Governance, St Helens Council
Tom Hindmarch, Digital Adviser, Local Government Association
Track 4
Apr 2316:05
Conference pass
Fasten your seat belts turbulence ahead - Delivering high performance through our people in a chaotic Altnet World!
Innovate North
- What real-life challenges are Altnets facing in today's market?
- How can leadership, engagement and motivation drive better results?
- What practical lessons can we learn from successful Altnet?
Rebecca Dobson, Chief People Officer, MS3 Networks Ltd
Lisa Hand, People Experience Director, Ogi
Helen Datlen, People Director, Airband Community Internet
Track 3
Apr 2316:08
Conference pass
Startup pitching round 2 - VeriFleet
Invest in the North
Judged by GC Angels and Praetura Ventures
Richard Stowe, VeriFleet
Stefano Smith, Investment Associate, Praetura Ventures
Track 2
Create your personal agenda –check the favourite icon
Apr 249:35
Conference pass
Chair's opening address
Keynotes
Harry Baldock, Editor, Total Telecom
Track 1
Apr 249:40
Conference pass
Apr 2410:00
Conference pass
Leveraging connectivity and digital inclusion for economic prosperity
Keynotes
Claire Taylor, Chief Operating Officer, Sheffield City Council
Moderator: Paul Wilson, Chair, advisory board Smart Cities World, Open & Agile Smart Cities & Communities (OASC)
Emma Grant, Head of Programmes, Manchester Digital
Lorna Rogers, Director of Digital & Transformation, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority
Track 1
Apr 2410:40
Conference pass
Networking break
Networking
Reflect on the keynote discussions and network with your peers.
Exhibition hall
Apr 2411:10
Conference pass
Building on Success: What’s Next for OTS and Business Switching?
Gigabit North
Paul Bradbury, Chief Executive Officer, The One Touch Switching Company
Track 1
Apr 2411:10
Conference pass
Edge impact: the role of edge computing in building a smarter North
Smart North
- How do we utilise the edge in areas such as traffic management and autonomous vehicles?
- Is edge AI the key to unlock exciting new areas of innovation for smart cities/places as well as industry verticals?
- How do we address the barriers to getting edge computing?
Tony Doyle, Head of ICT Services, Blackpool Council
Moderator: Duncan CLUBB, Senior Partner, Cambridge Management Consulting
Sam Li, Senior Innovation Officer, Transport for Greater Manchester
Shaun Fensom, Executive secretary, Cooperative Network Infrastructure
Track 5
Apr 2411:10
Conference pass
Working with housing associations and property professionals to deliver life changing connectivity
Connected Society
Moderator: John Duncan, Connected Places Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Chris Founds, Director & Founding Partner, CJ Founds Associates
Track 4
Apr 2411:10
Conference pass
Northern Angels: Fuelling tech and connectivity innovation in the UK's North
Innovate North
- What are the most promising areas within tech and connectivity for angel investment in the North?
- How can entrepreneurs in the region better position themselves to attract angel funding?
- What role do angel investors play in bridging the gap between early-stage funding and larger VC investments?
Rosalind Singleton, Board Advisor, Independent
Jennifer Nicoll, CFO/Angel Investor, Investing Women Angels
David Levine, Principal, Manchester Angels
David Bogg, Manager Campus Technology Hub, STFC Daresbury Laboratory
Track 3
Apr 2411:10
Conference pass
The rural network rollout strategy across the North of the UK
Project Rollout
- What are the best strategies to overcome geographical challenges in rural deployment?
- How can we innovate funding models for less commercially viable areas?
- Aligning rural rollout with broader economic development goals for the North of the UK
Gavin Rodgers, Chief Executive Officer, Highland Broadband
Shane Haslem, Chief Operations Officer, Fibrus
Sarah Eynon, Broadband Programme Director, Scottish Government, Digital Connectivity
Carolyn Johnson, Regional Lead, BDUK
Lee SPICER, Business Developpement Manager, ACOME Group
Track 2
Apr 2411:30
Conference pass
Insight into the working of the OTA2
Gigabit North
A conversation with David Halliday, who leads the Office of the Telecommunications Adjudicator (OTA), about how the OTA walks the careful balance of facilitator and trusted partner for all market participants, what the OTA’s powers and duties are, how it works with Ofcom and industry as well as examples of its challenges and successes.
Track 1
Apr 2411:55
Conference pass
Closing the Gaps: Overcoming IT Challenges in FTTX Operations for Altnets
Gigabit North
The rapid expansion of FTTX networks offers opportunities to bridge the digital divide but comes with IT challenges like operational blind spots, data silos, and scalability constraints.
- This session addresses strategies to overcome challenges, including smart workflow functionality, IT platform integration, and cybersecurity measures
- Learn how advanced workforce management systems can drive efficiency, quality and scalability
- Discover innovative solutions to manage high volume FTTH connections, improving customer experience and ensuring information security and health & safety compliance
Track 1
Apr 2411:55
Conference pass
How the NHS is saving money and innovating using cooperatively shared infrastructure
Smart North
Shaun Fensom, Executive secretary, Cooperative Network Infrastructure
Matthew Newton, Primary Care IT Operations Service Manager, NHS Tameside and Glossop ICFT
Track 5
Apr 2411:55
Conference pass
Connected North Startup of the Year winner announced
Innovate North
Find out who won the Connected North Startup of the Year pitching competition!
Track 3
Apr 2411:55
Conference pass
State of the altnets report
Project Rollout
Veronica Speiser, Senior UK Plus Broadband and Telecoms Analyst, Point Topic
Track 2
Apr 2412:20
Conference pass
Navigating the digital switchover: ensuring no one is left behind
Gigabit North
- What are the timelines and implications of the PSTN, 2G, and 3G switch-offs across the UK?
- How can telecoms providers identify and support vulnerable customers during the transition?
- What are the potential impacts on critical services (e.g., emergency alarms, telecare systems) and how can they be mitigated?
- What's needed to ensure a smooth transition and maintain universal service obligations?
Lucie Smith, Director of Programmes, Mova
Chris Grant, Community Team Lead, AbilityNet
Moderator: Sarah Shepherd, Head of Digital Phone Switchover, techUK
Track 1
Apr 2412:20
Conference pass
Driving forward: the future of smart transport in the North of the UK
Smart North
- How can smart transport improve connectivity and efficiency in the North of the UK?
- What role do EVs, autonomous vehicles, and smart infrastructure play in sustainable transport?
- How can public-private partnerships develop regionally focused smart transport solutions?
Richard Adams, Head of Digital Architecture, LNER
Helen Ellerton, Head of Transport Policy, West Yorkshire Combined Authority
Track 5
Apr 2412:20
Conference pass
How to nurture digital skills with inclusivity and diversity as a core principle
Connected Society
- How to nurture collaborative initiatives for inclusive skill development in businesses and communities
- What is the impact of inclusive digital skills programs on local economies?
- How to tailor digital training programs to diverse local demographics
Alexandria Morgan, Digital Inclusion Officer, Trafford Council
Alex Yoxall, Digital Inclusion & Engagement Officer, Wigan Council - Digital Wigan
Sara Prowse, Chief Executive Officer, UA92
Moderator: Rob Benson, Digital Inclusion Lead, Liverpool City Region Combined Autority
Track 4
Apr 2412:20
Conference pass
Investor insights for Northern early-stage tech businesses
Innovate North
- What criteria do investors prioritize when evaluating potential investments in Northern businesses?
- What are the emerging investment trends and opportunities in Northern business sectors?
- How can businesses in the North attract and secure funding from top investors?
George Mensah, Principal, Sure Valley Ventures
Track 3
Apr 2412:20
Conference pass
Maintaining a worldclass network
Project Rollout
- The role of data in improving network efficiencies
- How can operators balance network reliability with the need for continuous innovation?
- What emerging technologies will shape the future of network maintenance and optimisation?
Track 2
Apr 2413:00
Conference pass
Networking break
Networking
Take a break and recharge for the afternoon sessions.
Exhibition hall
Apr 2414:00
Conference pass
Pioneering the future with 5G Advanced and 6G
Smart North
Ed King, Technical Advisor, DSIT
Moderator: Phil Reid, Head of Telecoms and Spectrum Policy, techUK
Track 5
Apr 2414:00
Conference pass
5 Lessons from Lake District rural mobile trials - from Mountain Rescues to Burberry Photoshoots
Project Rollout
Residents in the Buttermere have campaigned for mobile coverage for 30 years and it was finally installed last year, not by big mobile operator but a community initiative.
Find out how:
- They managed to bring a 4G service into the valley
- The 4G has been used by half a million people
- The social benefits – avoiding mountain rescues and 999 calls.
Malcolm Corbett, Director, Malvio Ltd
Track 2
Apr 2414:20
Conference pass
Closing the loop and bridging the digital divide through partnership working
Connected Society
Chris Northen, Digital Inclusion Co-ordinator, Manchester City Council
Adrian Nottingham, Business Development Manager, Community Computers
Track 4
Apr 2414:20
Conference pass
Mobile network deployment in the North & Midlands
Project Rollout
- How can public-private collaboration accelerate network deployment across our regions?
- What solutions exist for network deployment in challenging Northern and rural terrains?
- Which innovations are driving faster, wider coverage across the North and Midlands
Moderator: Guy Middleton, Director, Spirit Public Sector Ltd
Track 2
last published: 20/Apr/25 22:45 GMT
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