The Northern Transport Summit 2023 – hosted by DevoConnect (Now DevoInflect) – took place in the Liverpool Maratime Museum and set out a vision of what a better transport system looks like for the North.

It came after a turbulent year to transport, including industrial action, staff and skills shortages, as well as cuts and delays to HS2 and the Integrated Rail Plan. The reality of Northern transport falls far short of the vision and ambition of the North’s political and business leaders, which was demonstrated over the course of the day. #NTS2023 called for a transport system that is ‘fit for purpose’ and ‘world class’ to unlock innovation, attract investment and reduce regional inequalities. The morning included two panesl of experts looking at what the North needs to build ‘world-class’ transport, and what does the North need to go further, faster and greener, as well as a keynote address from National Infrastructure Commission CEO, James Heath.

After lunch and networking, Transport Minister Huw Merriman MP delivered his keynote address, followed by a Northern Mayor’s Panel – which the Minister stayed and listened to intently. Delegates then chose one of four mini-summits: Connecting the North, The Rail Summit, Roads and Buses Summit and the Ports and Airports Summit.

A final panel was held, summarising the key asks to the government of the mini summits, before Shadow Secretary of State for Transport Louise Haugh MP gave Labour’s vision for a better, more Connected North.

ClientNorthern Transport SummitServicesEventsYear2019 - present