Seven of the region's leading business voices are to discuss how rapid changes in technology are reshaping the North East and providing cutting-edge opportunities for young people.

In the latest in a series of free live events run by BUSINESSiQ with The Northern Echo, the business leaders will form a panel at the Cummins plant in Darlington on September 26 for an event called A Global Capital of Technology, which will assess the region's vital role.

  • Get your FREE ticket by clicking HERE and reserving a spot.

After a keynote speech BUSINESSiQ Editor Mike Hughes will lead the discussion in front of an audience of senior business people from across the region. They will hear the opinions and insight of our hugely experienced panel about the effect technology is having here, and what we need to do to make sure we make the most of every opportunity.

The panel for the event, which includes plenty of chances to network at the start and over a buffet lunch, comprises:

Chris Hunter, Deputy CEO of Darlington Building Society

Sarah Slaven, Managing Director of Business Durham

Simon Whitaker, Assistant Director of Strategy and Insight at believe housing

Chris Bowen, Managing Associate at Womble Bond Dickinson

Siobhan McArdle, Chair of the Tees Valley Business Board

Emma Laidler, Test Technology Leader at Cummins

Phil Forster, Managing Director at Teesside International Airport

A limited number of our audience will then be able to join a tour of the Cummins site, by registering HERE.

BUSINESSiQ Editor Mike Hughes said: "We've managed to assemble an impressive panel covering a wide range of sectors, so we will be able to talk with some authority about the rise of technology and how some of the most groundbreaking advances are happening right here in the North East.

"The whole region is changing and we want to make sure there is enough information out there to help young people make the right decisions about where their futures lie."