“Cross examining the wicked challenges – Dealing with the Heartland’s elephant in the room issues” is a key session at England’s Economic Heartland’s annual regional conference, Delivering a World Class Heartland, at Silverstone on Wednesday, 20 October 2021.
The sub-national transport body’s wide-ranging event, and its first face-to-face meeting since the pandemic, brings together stakeholders from across the region, where transport is a key issue.
Speaking at the session are:
- Tackling inequality in transport: Silviya Barrett, Head of Policy, Research and Projects, Campaign for Better Transport
- Rural connectivity: Dr Scott Copsey, Smart Mobility Research Unit Director, University of Hertfordshire
- Supporting freight while reducing its environmental impact: Steve Gooding, president of CILT
Following short scene setting briefings the expert witnesses will be “cross-examined” by an end-user’s panel, offering a broad range of both professional and personal perspectives on the importance of each issue
End-user panel
- Adrian Hickford, University of Southampton
- Roz Bird, Chair, Silverstone Technology Cluster Board (representing technology companies in and around Silverstone)
- Phil Southall, Managing Director, Oxford Bus Company (representing the Heartland’s Bus Operators’ Association)
- Lucy Ellis, Section Engineer, East West Rail Phase 2 (offering a young professional’s perspective)
There will certainly be a lot to talk about at the conference, and EEH has lined up a diverse range of speakers and networking opportunities to ensure plenty of discussion and debate on the day.
This year’s conference will include:
- Updates on EEH’s work driving forward the region’s agenda, achieving decarbonisation while supporting economic growth
- The latest news on major schemes being planned for the region
- A panel discussion on the ‘wicked challenges’ facing the Heartland
- A spotlight on how our local authority partners are transforming places through transport
- A focus on social inclusivity with our private sector delivery partners
A free bus service will be provided to delegates using Milton Keynes and Bicester Village stations at the start and end of the conference. All those who can are encouraged to take advantage of this service, in order to reflect the priorities for sustainable travel set out in the EEH transport strategy.
To register your interest in attending and for more information about the full programme, see the dedicated conference website.
