Why ‘place‑first’ matters now: Businesses invited to help shape York & North Yorkshire’s economic future

With Andy Burnham’s Prime Minister-in-waiting speech putting ‘place-first’ firmly on the national agenda, businesses across York and North Yorkshire are being invited to the third annual Meaningful Business Network Conference to join the growing conversation about how stronger partnerships can drive economic growth, attract investment and create lasting social value across the region.

This year’s conference, taking place at York’s Priory Street Centre on Thursday 9th July, will focus on the theme of Meaningful Places. Organisations are increasingly being asked to demonstrate not only their economic impact, but also the contribution they make to the places where they operate.

Hosted by the Meaningful Business Network – established by Enterprise Works and the School for Business and Society at the University of York – the conference will bring together business leaders, SMEs, universities, local authorities, social enterprises and community organisations. The event will share practical examples of how cross-sector collaboration can create social value, strengthen local economies and support long-term, sustainable growth across York and North Yorkshire.

Dr Adrian Madden, a specialist in Meaningful Business research, said:

“Businesses are increasingly recognising that success isn’t measured by profit alone. Stronger partnerships between business, public organisations and communities can help create places where people want to invest, work and build their futures. It’s not just about competitive advantage but building collaborative advantage that’s good for business and for everyone in York and North Yorkshire.”

The programme features speakers from business and academia sharing real examples of partnership working and its impact.

Rob Wolfe, of Chy Consultancy, will discuss the role of social value and procurement in driving inclusive growth, while Paddy Schmidt from PwC will present findings from the latest Good Growth for Cities report and what they mean for York and North Yorkshire.

Sam Gardner, Director of Enterprise Works at the University of York, said:

“The long-term success of businesses is closely linked to the success of the places where they operate. Understanding what drives good growth is becoming an increasingly important part of building sustainable and meaningful businesses.”

Meanwhile, Dr Alex Alterskye, a specialist in entrepreneurship and innovation at the University of York and one of the conference organisers, said:

“York and North Yorkshire has enormous potential for collaboration. Bringing together businesses, public organisations and community partners creates opportunities that no single organisation could achieve alone. This conference is about making those connections and turning ideas into action.”

Other speakers include Robin Sundaram, Strategy and Sustainability Adviser, Chris MacKinnon of Siemens Energy, who will share lessons from Hull’s regeneration, and Professor Kiran Trehan, Pro-Vice-Chancellor at the University of York, who will close the conference with reflections on turning ideas into action.

Robin Sundaram added:

“Businesses have a vital role to play in strengthening the places in which they operate, not just through charitable giving or volunteering, but through everyday decisions on employment, procurement, skills, partnerships and investment.

“For York and North Yorkshire, the opportunity is to move from individual good intentions to more sustained collective action. That matters because stronger local supply chains, more inclusive routes into work and deeper partnerships between business, universities, social enterprises and communities all help to build long-term economic resilience.”

The Meaningful Places conference runs from 9.30am to 1pm at the Priory Street Centre, York, followed by a networking lunch.

Meaningful Business events regularly reach capacity, so while attendance is free, early booking is essential.

To book your seat, please visit: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/meaningful-places-tickets-1989542585430?