Northern Gritstone AGM & Innovation Showcase
DATE
Tuesday 23 June
LOCATION
Esther Simpson Building,
The University of Leeds,
Lyddon Terrace,
Leeds LS2 9LA
I am delighted to invite you to our AGM and Innovation Showcase this year in Leeds.
Speakers include David Willetts, President of the Resolution Foundation and Chair of the UK Space Agency and Tom Riordan, HM Treasury’s Northern Growth Envoy.
A selection of our portfolio CEOs will discuss the journey from product to commercial traction. For the full agenda and to register please see below.
I look forward to seeing you.
Duncan Johnson, Chief Executive Officer
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Agenda
10:45 - 11:30 — Northern Gritstone Annual General Meeting
10:00 - 10:45 — Arrivals & Registrations
11:30 - 12:00 — Lord David Willetts, President of The Resolution Foundation,
in conversation with Lord Jim O’Neill, Chair of Northern Gritstone
12:50 - 13:05 — Keynote Speaker: Tim Riordan, HM Treasury’s Northern Growth Envoy
12:00 - 12:50 — Lunch
13:05 - 13:20 — Simon Braham: Update on the Northern Gritstone Portfolio
13:20 - 14:05 — From world-class science and technology, to the commercial product and sales
Session 1: AI on the Edge
Fireside chat Khadija Ashfaq and Noel Hurley, CEO of Literal Labs
Session 2: The prize inherent in getting life science investing right
Panel session led by Cassis Doherty
IVFmicro: CEO, Helen Parris
Imperagen: CEO, Guy Levy-Yurista
Phagenesis: CEO, Chad Hoskins
Sesson 3: Driving growth in early stage deeptech businesses
Panel session led by Gordon McAlpine
Silveray: CEO, Dan Cathie
Optalysys: CEO, Nick New
Sitehop: CEO, Melissa Chambers
14:40 - 14:45 — Meeting Close
14:45 - 16:00 — Drinks
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Event Registration
If you have any queries about the event, please contact us here:
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Speakers
The Rt Hon David Willetts FRS
David Willetts is a member of the House of Lords and President of the Resolution Foundation, the leading cross-party British think tank. He is Chair of the Regulatory Innovation Office (RIO) and was the Chair of UK Space Agency. He chairs the Foundation for Science and Technology and is a visiting professor at King’s College, London.
He served as Minister for Universities and Science (2010-2014) and was Member of Parliament for Havant from 1992 to 2015. He previously worked at HM Treasury and the No.10 Policy Unit. He served on the board of UKRI, the public body funding research and innovation, from its creation in 2017 until 2023. He was Chancellor of the University of Leicester from 2018-2023 and a member of the Council of the University of Southampton. He is an honorary fellow of Nuffield College, Oxford. He is an honorary fellow of the Royal Society, of the Royal Academy of Engineering, of the Royal Society of Chemistry and of the Academy of Medical Sciences. He is a fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences.
Tom Riordan
Northern Growth Envoy
Tom Riordan joined HM Treasury as government envoy for the Northern Growth Corridor (NGC) in November 2025, working collaboratively with NGC mayors, local authorities and business to deliver lasting change through growth. His first few months in the role have included major announcements on Northern Powerhouse Rail and fiscal devolution. He also holds a non-executive director role with the National Wealth Fund.
Previously, he worked at the Department of Health and Social Care as Second Permanent Secretary from September 2024 - where he led on the 10 Year Health Plan and adult social care, among other government priorities.
Prior to this appointment, he was the Chief Executive of Leeds City Council for 14 years, during which time he led the transformation of Leeds city centre, the building of twenty five thousand new homes, the achievement of outstanding children’s services and the pioneering Home First adult social care programme.
Tom's earlier career included his role as Chief Executive of Yorkshire Forward between 2005 and 2010, and roles in international environmental policy in the Department for Environment.
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Venue Details
Esther Simpson Building,
The University of Leeds,
Lyddon Terrace,
Leeds LS2 9LA
Northern Gritstone Limited is registered in England with company number 12982592. Its registered Office is at No.1 Circle Square, 3 Symphony Park, Manchester, United Kingdom, M1 7FS.
Northern Gritstone Investment Manager Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Northern Gritstone Limited, is registered in England with company number 15186303 and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN: 1007673).