There will be a particular focus on some of the big challenges our economy and communities face across the region, a spotlight on policy, as well as showcasing  co-operative solutions that can be expanded and supported to build the fairer future we so desperately need.

Sessions and Speakers:

• 10:30: Welcome and introduction (Gary Booth, Co-operative Party NEC Representative for the North West).
• 10:45-11:45: Policy Debate 1: Connectivity - Transport and Telecoms. With:
  • Kevin Albertson, Professor of Economics: MMU Business School
  • Mark Wynn, Director, Heywood, Middleton & Rochdale Circle Volunteer Drivers Service
  • Shaun Fensom, Community Broadband Network
  • Alex Hulley, Charge My Street
  • Chaired by Jo Platt, former MP for Leigh.
• 11:45: Being a Councillor: How to nominate candidates, manifesto ideas and other support (With Community the Union). With:
  • Cllr Paul Dennett, Mayor of Salford
  • Cllr Emma Hoddinott, Co-operative Party Local Government Officer
  • Tom Jennings, Community
• 12:30: Co-operative Party Campaigning: Community Safety. With:
  • Baroness Beverley Hughes, Deputy Mayor of Greater Manchester (Police, Crime, Criminal Justice & Fire)
  • James Butler, Co-operative Party Campaigns Officer
  • Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton
• 13:15: Lunch(a sandwich lunch is included with your registration fee)
• 14:00: Community Business and Co-operative Development. With:
  • Chris Dabbs, Unlimited Potential
  • Thomas Barlow, the Media Fund
  • Dennis McGinn, Working Class Movement Library
  • Chair: Jo Platt, former MP for Leigh
• 14:45: Policy Debate 2: Accountability and Corporate Governance. With:
  • The Rt. Hon Hazel Blears, the Co-operative Group
  • Mary Patel, Fair Tax Mark
  • Chair: Jim McMahon, MP for Oldham West and Royton
• 15:45: Summing Up and Next Steps. With:
  • Gary Booth, Co-operative Party NEC Representative for the North West

Travel