

Reindustrialising the North through Technology, Investment, and Social Mobility
🚨 Please note this event is for Digital Forge Members Only. Please go here to register for a free membership: https://forgedforgrowth.com/join/
The Digital Forge Summit: Reindustrialising the North
A bold new vision for the North’s industrial future.
On 17 July, The Digital Forge returns to Sheffield for an evening of powerful ideas, ambitious ventures, and strategic leadership.
This summit brings together founders, investors, civic leaders, and policymakers to explore how we can reignite the North’s industrial engine — using technology, capital, and social mobility as our levers for change.
Confirmed Speakers
Kate Josephs CB, Chief Executive, Sheffield City Council
Opening keynote on Sheffield’s civic strategy for reindustrialisation
Rt Hon Richard Caborn, Former Minister for Industry and the Regions
Closing keynote: a national mission for the North
Dan Ridsdale, City Analyst, Edison Group
Fireside chat: a City of London view on financing the industrial revival
Naomi Timperley FRSA, Tech North Advocates
Louisa Harrison-Walker OBE, Sheffield Chamber of Commerce
Richard Penny, Oberon Investments
Ben Morgan, University of Sheffield AMRC
What to Expect
5:00 PM – Arrival & networking
5:30 PM – Opening remarks from David Richards
5:35 PM – Keynote from Kate Josephs CB
5:50 PM – Startup Pitches: Round 1
6:00 PM – Fireside Chat: Dan Hayes
6:15 PM – Panel: The Northern Engine – Growth with Grit
6:35 PM – Startup Pitches: Round 2
6:45 PM – Closing keynote: Rt Hon Richard Caborn
7:00 PM – Final remarks + announcements: new membership & London trade mission
7:05 PM – Food, drinks, and conversation
Why Attend?
This isn’t just a summit; it’s a movement to rebuild the North’s economic backbone. Whether you’re a policymaker, founder, investor, or engineer, you’ll leave with:
Real connections
Actionable insights
A front-row seat to what comes next
🚫 Please note:
This event is designed for founders, business owners, investors, educators, policymakers, and senior leadership teams. If you’re a service provider, such as a consultant, agency, or recruiter, we kindly ask that you do not attend unless you’ve been specifically invited or are directly involved with The Digital Forge initiative.
Thank you for helping us keep the focus on meaningful, high-impact conversations and cross-sector collaboration.