Focus North Conference '23

Focus North Conference ’23

Focus North Conference 2023

An interactive event exploring the exciting economic opportunities in the North of Mainland Scotland.

Keynote Address – Michael Matheson, Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport.

Master of ceremonies Nicky Marr – Broadcaster, magazine editor, event host, columnist and writer.

A packed agenda which will also include:

Speakers covering opportunities in The Offshore Wind Industry; The Space Industry; Hydrogen production; Tourism and Hospitality; Natural Capital; and more
Findings from recent research which highlights what key regional demographics see as important for economic growth
An interactive panel session discussing the regional economic opportunities and challenges
An update on the evolution of the Caithness and North Sutherland Regeneration Partnership to become Focus North

8th February 2023 – Weigh Inn Thurso: 09:30 – 16:00.

Event Programme

Time	Activity	Location
0930 – 10:00	Registration and Tea & Coffee	Lounge Bar – Weigh Inn Hotel
1000 – 1010	Welcome	Function suite
1010 – 1025	Keynote address (Video address) Michael Matheson – Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport	Function suite
1025 – 1045	Introduction to Focus North Our purpose, regional background, and the need for change. Simon Middlemas OBE – Focus North Independent Chair	Function suite
1045 – 1100	Focus North Masterplan The opportunities and how we will deliver Peter Faccenda – Focus North Programme Manager	Function suite
1100 – 1140	Tea & coffee Opportunity to network and visit stands on various topics to inform and engage.	Function Suite / Conservatory / Lounge bar
1140 – 1155	Sustainability Developing a Sustainable future for the area Magnus Davidson – DSRL Socioeconomic Manager	Function suite
1155 – 1210	Offshore wind Floating offshore wind – the opportunities Richard Copeland – Programme Director, Pentland floating offshore wind farm	Function Suite
1210 – 1225	Hydrogen Greg MacIntosh Hydrogen Industry	Function Suite
1225 – 1230	Summary and close of the morning session	Function Suite
1230 – 1315	Lunch	Conservatory
1315 – 1320	Reconvene	Function Suite
1320 – 1325	Video Address by Maree Todd – MSP Caithness Sutherland and Ross	Function Suite
1325 – 1340	Space Hub Sutherland Opportunities in the Space Industry David Howie	Function Suite
1340 – 1355	Flow Country Green finance for peatland restoration & update on UNESCO world heritage site bid Graham Neville – Area Manager, NatureScot	Function Suite
1355 – 1410	Higher and Further Education Role in future in a thriving local economy and its communities Debbie Murray – Principal UHI North Highland College	Function Suite
1410 – 1440	Tea & coffee Opportunity to network and visit stands on various topics to inform and engage	Function Suite / Conservatory / Lounge bar
1440 – 1455	Tourism The future opportunities that tourism can bring Cathy Earnshaw – Destination Strategy Manager, Venture North	Function suite
1455 – 1510	Worldwide Experiences in economic transition Diversifying and capturing opportunities Dr Rick Robinson (he/his) FBCS CITP FRSA AoU – Global Principal, Connected, Secure & Smart Places – Jacobs Limited	Function suite
1510 – 1540	Panel session Chaired by Nicky Marr Opportunity to quiz panel members: – Stuart Black – Chief Executive, HIE Raymond Bremner – Leader, Highland Council Trudy Morris – Chief Executive, Caithness Chamber of Commerce Debbie Murray – Principal, UHI North Highland College	Function suite
1540 – 1550	Next steps Simon Middlemas OBE	Function suite
1550 – 1600	Summary and event close Nicky Marr	Function suite

Speakers & Panel Members

Speakers:

MC Nicky Marr
Michael Matheson MSP, Video Address
Magnus Davidson
Richard Copeland
Greg MacIntosh
Maree Todd MSP, video address
David Howie
Graham Neville
Debbie Murray
Cathy Earnshaw
Dr Rick Robinson

Panel:

Stuart Black
Raymond Bremner
Trudy Morris
Debbie Murray