Leaders from government, business and investment sectors gathered in Leeds to champion collaboration, innovation and growth across the UK Innovation Corridor
The UK Innovation Corridor (UKIC), in partnership with Arcadis and Willmott Dixon, hosted a high-level networking reception at UKREiiF 2026 on 20 May, bringing together leaders from government, business, investment, academia and development to celebrate the “Power of Partnership” in driving economic growth and innovation across the UK.
Held at the Arcadis Pavilion Café at the Royal Armouries in Leeds, the reception highlighted the UK Innovation Corridor’s position as one of the country’s leading economic regions for life sciences, technology, advanced manufacturing and knowledge-based industries.
Connecting London and Cambridge, two of the UK’s most productive and globally recognised cities, the UK Innovation Corridor is home to internationally significant clusters in life sciences, health and data sciences, agritech and advanced manufacturing. The partnership behind the Corridor brings together local authorities, businesses, universities and colleges in a collaborative “coalition of the willing” focused on long-term, place-based growth.
Jackie Sadek, Chair of the UK Innovation Corridor, spoke about the importance of cross-sector collaboration in strengthening innovation ecosystems and supporting sustainable economic growth.
Chris Barton CMG, Director International and Local Growth at the Department for Business and Trade, delivered the keynote address, providing an international trade and investment perspective for the UK Innovation Corridor region. His remarks focused on positioning the Corridor as a globally competitive investment destination, the role of foreign direct investment in scaling innovation ecosystems, strengthening UK–Europe collaboration and the importance of public–private partnerships in unlocking long-term growth.
During the event, the UK Innovation Corridor was also recognised as one of the Top Innovation Zones in the UK and Europe, highlighting the region’s growing international profile and investment potential. The award was presented by Courtney Fingar and Richard Betts of Real Asset Media, with Jackie Sadek and John McGill receiving the recognition on behalf of the partnership.
Jackie Sadek, Chair of the UK Innovation Corridor, said:
“The UK Innovation Corridor demonstrates what can be achieved when public and private partners work together with a shared ambition for growth, innovation and opportunity. UKREiiF provided an important platform to strengthen relationships, encourage investment and showcase the Corridor as a globally competitive destination for innovation-led growth.”
John Gordon, Arcadis, said:
“Strong partnerships are fundamental to delivering sustainable economic growth and creating places that support innovation and long-term prosperity. It was a pleasure to host this reception and bring together organisations committed to shaping the future of the UK Innovation Corridor.”
Sally Bedwell, Director at Willmott Dixon, said:
“UKREiiF demonstrated the value of collaboration in turning ambition into action. By working across sectors and regions, we can accelerate investment, support development and help create thriving communities across the Corridor.”
The reception concluded with an extended networking session, enabling attendees to continue discussions, strengthen partnerships and connect with leaders from across the UK’s innovation, infrastructure and investment sectors.
