Scheduled to take place on Monday, May 18, 2026, the summit appearance aims to showcase the region’s economic strengths as part of a wider effort to promote the North of England.
Jonathan Brook, chair of the joint executive committee for the new Cumbria Combined Authority and leader of Westmorland and Furness Council, said: “The first ever Great North Investment Summit is a great opportunity for Cumbria to showcase its potential alongside other areas of the Great North.
“It is vital that we take our place at high-profile events like this to let people know about our story and what we have to offer.
“We must harness all the benefits offered by greater profile, powers and funding from devolution to help us deliver on our ambition to drive forward economic growth in Cumbria and across the North of England.”
The summit will take place ahead of UKREiiF, the UK’s Real Estate Investment and Infrastructure Forum, and is being organised in collaboration with UKREiiF, the Department for Business and Trade and the Office for Investment.
Led by The Great North, a partnership of northern mayors and council leaders, the summit is intended to highlight investment prospects in the region.
Westmorland Council says the “right investments” could contribute an estimated £118 billion to the UK economy.
Kim McGuinness, chair of The Great North and North East mayor, said: “We are seizing control of the North’s economic destiny, ending the days where our regions are overlooked.
“By establishing the Great North Investment Summit, we are creating the first ever forum dedicated to promoting the North of England collectively, demonstrating our unrivalled investment potential, and telling our story on the global stage with passion and pride.
“We are determined to bring jobs and opportunity to the communities we serve, and this Summit is a signal of our intent and ambition.”
A council spokesperson said: “It aims to showcase pipeline-ready investment opportunities across the North’s growth sectors, position the Great North as a world-class investment brand for growth, strengthen relationships with sovereign wealth funds, institutional investors and international partners.
“The event will showcase the North’s creativity, culture and quality of life as part of its offer to investors and talent to locate in the North.”
Further details on the agenda and speakers are set to be announced in due course.