The full line-up has been revealed for a live event looking at how the North East is becoming a gateway for International Trade.

The discussion at the Port of Middlesbrough building on September 28 is the latest event as part of The Northern Echo's Level Up campaign for jobs and investment. Each quarter the Echo's business brand, BUSINESSiQ, gather partners and an invited audience to talk about key themes for the region.

This time the subject is The Gateway to International Markets, with our VIP guest, Keirra Smith. Based at the Darlington Economic Campus, Keirra is one of the Government’s leading voices on exports, as Deputy Director of the Department of Business and Trade’s Programme and Insight & Operations Teams. 

  • There are still a few seats left - to register for your free ticket, just CLICK HERE

Our panel who will be discussing the international gateway will be:

Phil Clements, Director of Energy Infrastructure at SSE

Felipe Rocha, General Manager of Europe Trucks OEMs for Cummins

Dan Kitchen, CEO of IT solutions firm razorblue

Peter Snaith, partner at transatlantic law firm Womble Bond Dickinson

Sarah Slaven, Managing Director of Business Durham

Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen

James Davison, International Trade Manager at North East England Chamber of Commerce.

  • Check out our new YouTube channel HERE for videos of previous Level Up events, our BUSINESSiQ Awards and much more

With Freeport status and devolved powers, this region is better placed than ever to export its goods, services and reputation. We are creating a global gateway to trade and vital relationships, so we'll identity and analyse the markets available to different sectors - what do we send and where does it go - as well as highlighting the key advantages of exporting from the North East and the challenges we still face.

The event will be split into two parts, with our panel giving their opinions and then a short lunch break before Keirra talks to BUSINESSiQ Editor Mike Hughes.

Join the debate about the future of our region by CLICKING HERE for tickets, or contact ryan.fenwick@localiq.co.uk for details of becoming a partner.