Downtown in Business has announced Maya Ellis MP and Stephen Young, chief executive of Salford City Council, as the first confirmed speakers for its Lancashire Economic Summit, taking place at Brockholes Nature Reserve on Thursday 15 April 2027.
The half-day conference will bring together business leaders, politicians and senior public sector decision-makers to explore Lancashire’s economic potential, the challenges facing its businesses, and the leadership and investment needed to accelerate growth.
Maya Ellis, Labour MP for Ribble Valley, will bring a local parliamentary perspective to the discussion, alongside her interests in technology, innovation and manufacturing. As a member of Parliament’s Science, Innovation and Technology Committee, she will be a valuable contributor to the debate about how Lancashire can turn its industrial strengths and entrepreneurial talent into new investment, skilled jobs and greater prosperity.
Stephen Young will bring extensive experience of local government leadership and economic development. Now leading Salford City Council, he previously held responsibility for growth at Lancashire County Council. His knowledge of the county, combined with his experience within Greater Manchester’s established devolved structures, will offer a valuable perspective on how Lancashire can strengthen delivery, attract investment and build effective partnerships with business.
Frank McKenna, group chair & chief executive of Downtown in Business, said:
“Lancashire has no shortage of talent, enterprise or ambition. The challenge is turning those strengths into a more confident, coordinated approach to economic growth.
“Maya and Stephen are excellent first additions to our speaker line-up. Maya brings Lancashire’s voice at Westminster and a strong interest in the industries and technologies that will shape our future. Stephen knows the county well and brings practical experience of leading growth and working across local government boundaries.
“We want this summit to move beyond rehearsing Lancashire’s frustrations. Devolution, investment, skills and infrastructure all matter, but the real question is what business and political leaders can do together to unlock the county’s potential. That is the conversation we will be having at Brockholes.”
Further speakers and programme details will be announced in the coming weeks.
To book your place please CLICK HERE
