Published: Friday 02 February 2023

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9:30 – 9:35 | Welcome and introductions (Maria Machancoses, CEO, Midlands Connect)

9:35 – 9:45 | Keynote speech (Daniel Kawczynski, MP for Shrewsbury and Atcham)

9:45 – 10:45 | Panel: “Going for growth: The case for connectivity”

This panel session will bring together key stakeholders to highlight the benefits of specific schemes, and how they improve the socio-economic outcomes for the wider region. The discussion will also explore how government and devolved authority interventions can ensure the Union Connectivity Review is a success.

Panellists: Craig Williams (Private Secretary to the Prime Minister & MP for Montgomeryshire), Rachel Laver (CEO, Marches LEP), Ian Price (Wales Director, CBI), Helen Morgan (MP for North Shropshire), Philip Dunne (MP for Ludlow & Chair of the Environmental Audit Committee)

10:45 – 11:00 | Keynote speech plus Q&A (Sir Peter Hendy, Chairman of Network Rail and author of the Union Connectivity Review)

11:00 – 11:25 | Coffee Break

11:25 – 12:25 | Panel: “A platform for growth: Expanding the benefits of regional transport”

This will explore how the benefits of key regional projects – including the Midlands Rail Hub - can expand far beyond the immediate boundaries of the Midlands by connecting communities, businesses, and transport hubs.

Panellists: Cllr Gibson-Watt (Leader, Powys County Council), Cllr Ian Nellins (Deputy Leader, Shropshire Council), Drew Flowers (Director of Trade at Chambers Wales), Will McWilliams (Partner, Grant Thornton)

12:25 – 12:35 | Closing remarks (Maria Machancoses, CEO, Midlands Connect)