Business North East Festival comes to The Glasshouse, Gateshead, on Wednesday 20 January 2027. Doors open at 8.45am. The festival runs from 9.30am to 5pm, followed by the ClimbUK Takeover.
During the day, ClimbUK runs four live sessions on Sage Two. Inside the Investment Committee reveals how investors weigh up a business. The Great Northern Investment Debate asks whether it is harder to raise investment in the North. Business Growth: You Make the Call puts a business challenge on stage for the audience to help solve. The ClimbUK Business Growth Quiz tests what you know, with prizes to play for.
From 5pm, the ClimbUK Takeover brings investor speed networking, founder pitching, small roundtable discussions and time to meet people building, funding and supporting businesses.
Speed networking, pitching and roundtable places are limited, with participants selected to bring the right mix of people together. When you register, tell us which you would like to join.
Attendance is free and advance registration is essential. One registration covers the day sessions on Sage Two and the ClimbUK Takeover. The festival is delivered by the North East Mayoral Strategic Authority; ClimbUK runs the Sage Two sessions and evening takeover.