ONE WEEK TO GO | North East Development Update
There’s still time to get your tickets: Place’s North East Development Update will bring together leading voices from Homes England, NECA, Gateshead, the Government Property Agency, Stockton-on-Tees, Caddick, Haskoning, and Muse.
Expect a lively exploration of transformative regeneration projects across the region’s cities, alongside insights into the accelerating momentum of the North East’s industrial sector.
From clean energy, to the creative industries, to advanced manufacturing and digital defence – the sectors being targeted by NECA and Tees Valley are varied and ambitious.
Where are the development sites that will benefit from these plans? This event will bring you up to speed with what – and where – the local authorities are targeting.
There will be a mix of presentations and panels. Breakfast and lunch are included, providing plenty of opportunity for business development.
Expert speakers confirmed so far:
Simon Hulme, director of capital projects, Government Property Agency
Simon oversees the delivery of construction and fit outs in line with business cases from the CIO. He previously worked at the Department for Energy Security & Net Zero, where he worked as a director and chief project delivery officer. Simon brings with him a breadth of experience from his time in the British Armed Forces and Royal Engineers and then, when leaving the army, his work in the construction sector at an international firm. He joined the Civil Service in 2020.
Jen Hartley, assistant director of capital investment & growth, Newcastle City Council
Hartley is a seasoned economic development director with a proven track record of attracting new businesses, investment and job opportunities to Newcastle. Hartley is responsible for developing and delivering major projects to stimulate investment and development across Newcastle convening stakeholders around the city council’s strategic priorities for growth. Hartley previously led InvestNewcastle, the inward investment agency for Newcastle and Gateshead, working to bring global organisations and funds to the North East, creating opportunities for local residents and communities.
Danielle Phillips, assistant director for inward investment & business growth, North East Combined Authority
Phillips leads the strategy to position the region as a leading destination to launch, scale, and grow innovative businesses. She works closely with investors and high-growth companies across sectors including health, digital, and technology-led industries. Formerly chief executive officer of CyberNorth, the region’s cyber security cluster and industry body, Phillips has played a pivotal role in strengthening the North East’s digital and innovation ecosystem.
Simon Dew, managing director for Yorkshire & North East, Muse
Muse’s managing director of Y&NE, Simon Dew has 30 years’ experience in property acquisition and development and joined the Muse team in 2010. Simon heads up the regional team and is responsible for the delivery of Muse’s pipeline of projects including Baltic Quay, Gateshead; The Durham Innovation Zone; Bradford City Village; Wakefield Strategic Regeneration Partnership; and Hull East Bank in Yorkshire.
Jeremy van de Bergh, associate director, Haskoning
A chartered engineer with more than 16 years of experience across mission-critical sectors, including data centres, rail, aviation, and nuclear. He currently serves as associate director – data centres at Haskoning, where he oversees a multi-disciplinary portfolio that spans from 1MW legacy sites to 300+MW greenfield campus designs. His focus is performing deep analytical dives into existing assets to identify critical pain points and model future potential.
Anneliese Hutchinson, strategic director of economy, innovation, & growth, Gateshead Council
Hutchinson’s remit covers regeneration, economic growth, business support, transport, culture, planning, and regulatory services. She is a chartered town planner with more than 30 years’ experience in local government and is vice chair of the Planning Officers Society, a charity which represents Local Authority UK Planning. With a background in policy, planning delivery, and major regeneration projects, she has been involved in Heathrow Terminal 5, Staiths South Bank, and all of Gateshead’s recent major regeneration projects.
Stuart Howie, national regeneration lead, Avison Young
Howie leads Avison Young’s regeneration business, advising public and private sector clients on the delivery of major property and economic development projects. He specialises in structuring, procuring and implementing public private partnerships to deliver large scale development projects such as mix use developments, urban extensions, innovation districts and town centre repurposing. His clients include local and combined authorities, development agencies, funders, investors and developers.
Matthew Bell, assistant director, Homes England
Bell has reasonability for the North East and Tees Valley. Bell and his team lead on the engagement with the Combined Authorities and Local Authorities and manage some of the region’s most complex and transformational regeneration project such as Forth Yards in Newcastle and Riverside Sunderland. Bell is a chartered planning and development surveyor with extensive experience in the North East residential development sector having previously worked for Savills before moving to Homes England in 2019.
Paul Dodsworth, managing director, Caddick
As part of the wider Caddick Group, the business plays a key role in delivering the facilities and infrastructure that support economic growth across the business’ key regions. Beginning his career as an apprentice bricklayer, Paul is a passionate advocate for the industry and believes that a sustainable and innovative future for construction is reliant on the fresh ideas of the future workforce.
Chris Renahan, assistant director for inclusive growth & development, Stockton-on-Tees Council
Renahan leads a diverse service with a portfolio of teams that includes Place Development, Economic Development, Inward Investment, Business Engagement, Adult Learning & Skills, Land & Property, Planning Services, and Building Control. He is also the corporate lead for the Education, Employment and Skills agenda alongside the Tees Valley Combined Authority.
The event will take place on Tuesday 9 June, from 8am to midday at Newcastle United Football Club, St James’ Park.
Tickets cost £90+VAT. Local authorities and registered providers can purchase tickets at a 50% discount. Breakfast and lunch is included.
Book using the form below – if you can’t see the form, please contact [email protected]
North East Development Update is sponsored by Haskoning and Caddick
