Meaningful Business Network holds event in York on growth

In the wake of growing national interest in the approach, York and North Yorkshire’s business community gathered earlier this month to discuss what meaningful, place-based growth looks like and why the region is well-placed to lead the conversation.

The Meaningful Business Network’s third annual conference, held at York’s Priory Street Centre, brought together senior representatives from Siemens Energy, PwC, Aviva, and the University of York, alongside SMEs, social enterprises, and local authorities.

Katie Wytwyckyj, programme manager for the Meaningful Business Network, said: “Today shows what happens when a region commits to working differently.

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“York and North Yorkshire has the ideas, the ambition and the shared purpose to lead the place-based growth agenda and meaningful partnerships can turn that agenda into real impact.

“The energy in this network is real and it’s exactly what will drive change that benefits everyone who lives and works here.”

Robin Sundaram, a sustainability and community impact adviser, reinforced the need for joint working rooted in local priorities.

He described place-based collaboration as now central to economic resilience, and pointed to local procurement as one of the most effective ways to strengthen supply chains and keep value circulating within the community.

Paddy Schmidt of PwC shared findings from the consultancy’s Good Growth for Cities report 2025, which ranked York first in the UK for performance on jobs, youth and adult skills, income distribution, health and high streets.

Siemens Energy representative Chris Mackinnon offered a real-world example of place-focused growth.

The conference took place in York recently (Image: Pic supplied)

He highlighted Hull’s transformation through offshore wind and said that success depended not just on investment, but on long-term collaboration with suppliers, colleges, the council, and the wider community, underpinned by clear and consistent policy.

Professor Kiran Trehan, pro vice-chancellor for partnerships and engagement at the University of York, said: “Our job is to be more than just voices, it’s to ensure that the people in this room are around the tables where decisions are being made now.

“Change happens when we work as a collective and create that movement for change.

“There’s only one way to do business and that’s the right way, the responsible way.”

Rob Wolfe, managing director of Chy Consultancy, spoke about the power of procurement and social value in shaping stronger communities.

He emphasised that businesses of all sizes have an important role in creating meaningful places.

The Meaningful Business Network, a partnership between Enterprise Works and the University of York’s School for Business and Society, supports organisations across York and North Yorkshire with events, workshops, and practical resources to embed social value into everyday business decisions.

More information is available at https://www.york.ac.uk/enterprise-works/meaningful-business-network/