Over 100 local business people attend Huddersfield Unlimited event to drive investment

Over 100 of Huddersfield’s leading business people attended Huddersfield Unlimited’s inaugural Business Forum last night, united by a collective wish to build upon and benefit from the huge upward investment trajectory the town is currently experiencing.

Huddersfield Unlimited’s event took place on Thursday 15 February and all places were reserved more than two weeks before. The Business Forum was held at the Magic Rock Tap Room and was sponsored by Handelsbanken.

In attendance were Ian Noke, from Handelsbanken, and Richard Ralph from Foresight Group, as well as Huddersfield Unlimited’s Chair, Sir John Harman.

Huddersfield is increasingly drawing attention on the national stage with over £1bn of investment heading to the area. This includes the development of a new Radisson Red Hotel at the site of the historic George Hotel and the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus (NHIC).

Attendees discussed the opportunities created by significant investment into the town, including the new West Yorkshire Investment Zone and the Station to Stadium Enterprise Corridor initiative. Another key point of interest was the opportunities for health and wellbeing organisations, stemming from the imminent launch of the NHIC later this year.

Infrastructure was also a hot topic for debate, with attendees discussing the potential for enhanced journeys and connectivity with the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) and the investment into the Huddersfield to Sheffield line.

Speaking of the event launch, Sir John Harman, said: “The pace of new investment in Huddersfield is picking up, with cranes on the skyline and the announcement of Government support for our part of the West Yorkshire Investment Zone - which is why we decided that now is the perfect time to launch our Business Forum series.
 
"At these events there are no set speeches, no long presentations, and no politics. What there will be is a chance for businesses, investors, developers and anyone with a keen interest in Huddersfield's future to keep abreast of what's happening in the town, share intelligence, make connections and identify opportunities. Our town is on the up again, and you want to be part of it.

“The turnout at our first event has been fantastic, it really is empowering to see just how many people are backing our town. I would also like to say a big thank you to our sponsors, Handelsbanken, and our hosts, Magic Rock.”

Ian Noke, branch manager at Handelsbanken Huddersfield, added: “We were delighted to sponsor the first ever Business Forum. These events from Huddersfield Unlimited offer a valuable opportunity for local leaders by providing them with the contacts, insights and opportunities to contribute to the growth and success of Huddersfield as a town.”

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