The Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, will open the Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership’s (LowCVP) Moving North Conference.

In his keynote address, he will focus on the challenge of cutting carbon emissions and air pollution, and seizing the business opportunities for automotive and fuel supply companies in the Northern Powerhouse.

The event, on Thursday, April 12, is being held in association with the Mayor of Greater Manchester, the Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA) and Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM). It is supported by Manchester Metropolitan University and sponsored by GEFCO and Uber.

The conference features a range of high profile speakers including:

• Andy Burnham, Mayor of Greater Manchester
• Mike Hawes, chief executive, Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders
• Ian Constance, chief executive, Advanced Propulsion Centre (APC)
• Lawrence Davies, chief executive, Automotive Investment Organisation
• Jon Lamonte, chief executive, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM)
• Andy Eastlake, managing director, Low Carbon Vehicle Partnership (LowCVP)
• Carol Holden, chief executive, Northern Automotive Alliance (NAA)
• Jon King, business development consultant, Warwick Manufacturing Group
• Dave Roberts, director, Smart Interventions, EA Technology.

Moving North will look at the future of transport in the Northern Powerhouse region (and beyond) – a future that will be driven by ever-tighter regulation of carbon dioxide emissions and pollutants which damage air quality – and the resulting opportunities for businesses in the automotive, fuels and related sectors.

The event, and the drinks reception which follows the conference, will also be an important networking opportunity, as it will bring together a number of different sectors, including the automotive and energy industries, governmental/public sector organisations, ‘new mobility’ companies and other stakeholders.

Andy Eastlake, managing director of the LowCVP, said: “This is the LowCVP’s first conference in Manchester and I am delighted that we have such an impressive line-up of high profile and knowledgeable speakers. Reducing CO2 emissions and improving air quality are two key items of focus for regions around the UK.

“The conference will provide an opportunity to learn more about these issues in Manchester and the wider Northern Powerhouse area, and the resulting opportunities for businesses in the region.

“I hope that the event will help to facilitate fruitful new relationships and partnerships to accelerate solutions in the area of low emission road transport.”

Carol Holden, chief executive of the NAA, added: “The automotive industry is changing at a faster rate than at any previous time in its history. This offers opportunities for existing automotive supply chain companies, but also for companies that currently don’t supply into automotive – from sectors such as energy and technology.

“Businesses introducing innovative disruptive technologies have a real chance to break through into the mainstream. The Moving North Conference will highlight aspects of transport where new products, services and approaches are needed.”

Moving North is a ticketed event, which is free to members of the LowCVP. There is a 25% discount for members of the Northern Automotive Alliance. Non-members are invited at the standard price of £100.

There are also some indoor exhibition spaces, a small number of outside spaces for vehicles, and a very limited number of sponsorship opportunities.

For more information visit www.lowcvp.org.uk/events/North2018.htm.