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

​4:45 PM – Arrival & networking

​5:10 PM – Gary Neville's Networking Activity

​5:40 PM – Opening remarks from David Richards

​5:45 PM – Keynote from Kate Josephs CB

​6:00 PM – Startup Pitches: Round 1

​6:10 PM – Fireside Chat: Dan Ridsdale

​6:25 PM – Panel: The Northern Engine – Growth with Grit

​6:45 PM – Startup Pitches: Round 2

​6:55 PM – Closing keynote: Rt Hon Richard Caborn

​7:10 PM – Final remarks + announcements: new membership & London trade mission

​7:15 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.