North West Resources Forum launches with inaugural event at Greater Manchester’s Renew Hub

The first North West Resources Forum (NWRF) took place on 29 April 2025, bringing together professionals from across the waste and resources sector, to share best practice, collaborate and network with their peers.

Genee Consulting Ltd, the organisers of the event, said the themes of the Forum were circularity, social value, and sector-wide progress. The Forum was hosted at the Greater Manchester Renew Hub, the ‘UK’s largest reuse facility’.

The forum featured a programme of expert speakers who shared insights, strategies, and ambitions for the future of the sector. These included:

• Claire Shrewsbury, speaking on behalf of WRAP, who highlighted innovations and forward-looking strategies driving the circular economy;
• CIWM Junior Vice President Vicki Hughes spoke about the importance of professional development and upskilling, and how these efforts can unlock growth for the sector through circular economy initiatives.
• Dave Cairns from the Environment Agency outlined the Agency’s priorities for 2025, offering delegates regulatory insights to support planning and compliance.
• Claire Williams gave an overview of the Renew Hub, illustrating its measurable impact on waste reduction and community benefit.

Commenting on the event, Nathan Hughes, Business Development Manager for Alfred H Knight and now a member of the newly formed NWRF Executive Team, said: “If you missed it, you missed a big one – an absolutely outstanding launch for the NWRF, with big hitters in the sector coming to see what NWRF is all about. Amazing spread of Councils represented and a brilliant venue.”

The forum will continue with quarterly meetings across the region and an Annual Conference, which the NWRF says are designed to foster collaboration, share best practices, and respond to emerging challenges.

Jo Holmes, Managing Director of Genee Consulting Ltd and facilitator of NWRF, reflected on the launch: “The energy in the room was fantastic and the Renew Hub was an inspiring backdrop for these important conversations – we’re thrilled to see such strong engagement from across the sector. This is just the beginning of what we hope will become a vital network for the North West.”

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