Momentum York - York's Professional Services Conference
Join us for a dynamic half-day conference and expo bringing together small and medium-sized professional services businesses, sector leaders, and partners from across York for expert insight, practical discussion, and valuable networking opportunities.
When: Tuesday 23rd June 2026, 12-8PM
Where: Creative Centre, York St John University
Register your place free of charge
Agenda
- 12:00-1:30pm - Welcome and Expo (lunch provided)
- 1:30-2:30pm - It’s All York: updates on York’s major developments
- 2:30-3:30pm - Economic insight from Emma Wilks, HSBC
- 3:30-4:00pm - Break and Expo
- 4:00-5:00pm - Why York? Presentations and panel discussion
- 5:00-7:00pm - Refreshments and canapes, hosted by York Professionals
Meet The Speakers
Tom Gilman, Managing Director, McLaren Regeneration
Tom has been with McLaren since 2020 and leads the Regeneration business, focusing on urban renewal and aiming to positively impact on the social, cultural and economic challenges within urban areas.
Tom brings significant experience which encompasses 30 years of property industry knowledge, with over 25 as a developer, delivering projects across the UK and covering all asset classes.
Max Reeves, Development Director, Helmsley Group
Max is Development director at the Helmsley Group, a York based property and development company responsible for bringing forward Coney Street Riverside along with numerous other development projects in central York with a focus on high street renewal and re-positioning of existing retail buildings.
David Colthup, Chief Operating Officer, York Minster
David previously had a long military career before joining the Minster in Jan 23, now leading an ambitious strategy and transformation plan to evolve the business which enables the cathedral to deliver its Mission and Ministry.
Emma Wilks, UK Economist, HSBC Global Investment Research
Emma is HSBC’s UK Economist, based in London. Having worked as an economist for a decade across both the public and private sectors, she brings a wealth of experience in forecasting and researching the UK economy. At HSBC Emma is responsible for UK forecasting, has been ranked consistently in the top 5 by Bloomberg, and produces insightful analysis to support corporates through an ever-changing economic landscape.
Meet The Exhibitors
What To Expect
- Hear directly from the leading developers transforming York, including York Central, Coney Street Riverside, York Station Gateway, Castle Gateway, and the York Minster Precinct.
- Gain insight into the city's economic performance with expert analysis by Emma Wilks, UK Economist at HSBC.
- Learn about the exciting work happening on your doorstep through presentations and a panel discussion with colleagues from across the sector.
- Build meaningful connections during the dedicated Expo and Networking sessions.
- Shape the future of the sector in York through post-event feedback that will directly influence the focus of the second event and local support services.
Join more than 100 professionals, exhibitors, and city and regional leaders for an afternoon of insight, inspiration, and meaningful connection, as we explore the developments, opportunities, and businesses shaping York’s professional services sector.
About Momentum York
York is widely recognised as a beautiful heritage city, celebrated for its tourism, hospitality, and retail offer. Less visible, but equally important, is its diverse, dynamic, and growing professional services sector.
Momentum is a new network that gives professional services organisations in York a platform to connect, learn, and grow together.
Our ambition is to:
- Bring together and mobilise a new professional services network in York
- Showcase the depth of expertise and innovation across our historic city
- Strengthen connection and collaboration between micro-firms and global companies
- Position York as a hub for professional excellence in the UK
Momentum York is delivered by York BID in partnership with York Professionals, York Business School at York St John University, HSBC, City of York Council, and West & North Yorkshire Chamber of Commerce, with vital funding support from David Skaith, Mayor of York and North Yorkshire, and the York and North Yorkshire Combined Authority.
