With devolution entering a new and decisive phase, Downtown in Business (DIB) has announced its sixth annual Talking ‘Bout Regeneration national conference that will explore how political leadership, regeneration and business partnership can deliver the next generation of economic growth.
The event will focus on placemaking, regeneration and politics and will take place on Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Liverpool – the week before Labour’s annual party conference – bringing together senior decision-makers, metro mayors, council leaders, investors, developers and senior business figures from across the country.
The conference comes at a pivotal moment for the country. As the new Government accelerates its devolution agenda, expands the powers of England’s regions and places housing and infrastructure at the centre of its growth strategy, the relationship between politics, place and private enterprise has never been more important.
The event will ask one central question:
How do we turn greater local powers into better homes, stronger communities, more productive economies and places where businesses can thrive?
Discussions will examine the opportunities created by a new wave of devolution, ambitious housebuilding targets, planning reform, transport investment and public-private partnerships, while considering what national government must do to enable local leaders to deliver.
The programme will include keynote speeches and panel discussions featuring influential voices from politics, business and regeneration.
Conference themes will include:
- The next chapter of English devolution and what it means for business.
- Delivering ambitious housing targets while creating great places to live.
- Regeneration that drives inclusive economic growth.
- The future of high streets, town centres and city centres.
- Planning reform, infrastructure and investment.
- How public-private partnerships can unlock long-term prosperity.
- The role of culture, hospitality and the visitor economy in successful placemaking.
Downtown in Business group chair and chief executive Frank McKenna said:
“For the best part of a decade, many of England’s metro mayors have demonstrated what devolved leadership can achieve. Now the challenge is to build on that success and ensure every part of the country has the powers, resources and confidence to shape its own economic future.
The Government has set out ambitious plans for housing, regeneration and economic growth. Those ambitions will only be realised if national politicians, local leaders and the private sector work together with a shared purpose.
Liverpool is the perfect place for this discussion. It is a city that has transformed itself through bold leadership, strategic investment and genuine partnership between the public and private sectors. Our conference will bring together the people who will shape the next chapter of Britain’s regeneration story.”
A full speaker line-up will be announced shortly, with invitations being extended to ministers, metro mayors, local authority leaders, developers, investors and business leaders from across the country.
The conference is expected to attract senior decision-makers and will provide a platform for fresh thinking on the policies and partnerships needed to deliver sustainable growth throughout the UK.
DIB Strategic partners are entitled to TWO complimentary tickets for this event. To claim your complimentary ticekts contact events@downtowninbusiness.com.
To book your conference tickets please CLICK HERE.
