Party Conference season provides the opportunity for stakeholder organisations to join ministers, MPs, advisers, business leaders, party members and sector representatives in one place, creating rare access to decision-makers outside formal policy channels. For universities such as Loughborough, they offer the chance to showcase research, shape policy discussions, build relationships across government and industry, and position themselves as delivery partners on national priorities such as growth, skills, innovation and net zero. They also provide valuable intelligence on the direction of policy and funding, helping institutions align their influence and strategy.
Labour Party Conference
The majority of the University’s focus was on Labour Party Conference this year. Jo Maher and Dan Parsons both attended along with Paddy Smith and Graham Hitchen, Director of the Policy Unit.
The Policy Unit was involved in running four different events this year:
“How can renewable energy be a key driver of economic growth?”
Professor John Downey joined a panel event, run by Loughborough in partnership with the University of Leicester. It explored how the East Midlands can leverage its manufacturing base, engineering capabilities and universities to drive clean energy growth, create skilled local jobs and support the national economic agenda. Speakers examined the practical steps needed to overcome barriers such as grid capacity and skills shortages, and discussed how investment, innovation and community benefit can position the region as a leader in renewables and the green economy.
“Investing in Her Game: Women's Sport as a Catalyst for National Growth, Improving Health and Spreading Opportunity”
Professor Jo Maher sat on a panel along with Kim Leadbeater MP, Sue Day, FA Director of Women’s Sport and Andy Reed. The discussion reflected on a landmark summer for women’s sport and examined both the momentum and the barriers that remain for women and girls getting into sport, from access to facilities and equipment to funding and media coverage. Speakers focused on what government, industry and communities can realistically do in a tight fiscal climate, and the wider economic, health and social gains that investment in women and girls’ sport could unlock.
“Universities: Fuelling Growth, Unlocking Investment”
In partnership with Midlands Innovation, this event saw Helen Turner interview Dudley MP Sonia Kumar about the important role that university research can play in informing the policymaking process at all levels. It was followed by a panel discussion about the important role of research and innovation in economic growth with Samantha Niblett MP, MP for South Derbyshire, Vivienne Stern, Universities UK CEO and Professor Nishan Canagarajah, Vice-Chancellor at the University of Leicester.
“Creative tech, place-based innovation & growth”
The session highlighted the rapid growth of the UK’s creative technology sector and its potential to act as a major driver of regional innovation and economic development. Speakers from the CoSTAR Network, of which Loughborough is a leading member, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and industry partners explored how targeted R&D investment can stimulate new partnerships, attract talent and create commercial opportunities across clusters.
Reform Party
For the first time, Loughborough attended the Reform Party Conference in Birmingham. Senior Public Affairs Manager Paddy Smith represented the University with the aim of better understanding the party’s stance towards the HE sector. With the Reform Party now running Leicestershire County Council, this was a timely listening exercise that aligns with ongoing discussions among Universities UK members based in Reform-led areas about how best to engage constructively.
Engagement with opposition parties
Conversations with Midlands Innovation are continuing about the possibility of running an event in Parliament aimed at opposition parties including the Conservatives, Liberal Democrats and Greens.