Levelling Up the North: Promise, Progress or Political Fantasy?
Levelling up has been a defining policy ambition, but what does it really mean for the North - and how will we know it is working? Hosted by Mark Manning, Managing Director of the Nothern Estate Agency Group, this session will explore what levelling up should deliver in practice, from economic growth and infrastructure to housing, affordability and opportunity. The panel will assess progress so far, asking what has genuinely changed on the ground and where challenges remain. Focusing on the reality of delivery, the discussion will examine where levelling up gets stuck, what the key blockers are - including planning, infrastructure and funding - and where effort should be focused to achieve tangible results. The session will conclude by challenging panellists to set out what needs to change in the next 12 months to turn political ambition into practical delivery.
Speakers
Mark Manning
Mark Manning is Managing Director of Manning Stainton, Ryder & Dutton and Mortimers, and a second-generation leader of a long-established family business in the UK property sector. He has built his career from the ground up across residential sales and lettings, with a strong focus on delivering the best possible client outcomes across Yorkshire and the North West. Mark has been instrumental in the growth of the business, helping transform it into a successful multi-brand, multi-office agency network that includes Manning Stainton, Ryder & Dutton, Mortimers and Fine & Country. Since stepping into senior leadership, he has led expansion through both organic growth and strategic acquisitions. Known for combining commercial discipline with a sharp understanding of brand and local market positioning, he consistently champions modernisation while protecting the values at the heart of the business. A firm believer that exceptional businesses are powered by exceptional people, Mark places talent development at the centre of the group’s strategy. He has overseen major investment in training, culture and leadership pathways, and is particularly proud of the number of colleagues who have risen through the business under his guidance. Mark is also passionate about community impact. He has driven major fundraising initiatives for Macmillan Cancer Support and supports local organisations and projects that strengthen the communities his businesses serve. Based in Leeds, Mark enjoys golf, travel and time with friends and family. He brings the same energy, humour and people-first outlook to life outside work as he does to leading the group.
Copyright © LRG 2025. LRG is a trading name of The Leaders Romans Group Limited.Registered Address: Building 1, Meadows Business Park, Blackwater, Camberley GU17 9AB. Registered in England 09939099