By Kirklees Local TV – 

Huddersfield Unlimited announces fifth annual conference as town enters a new era of development

Huddersfield Unlimited is preparing to celebrate five years of its annual conference with a bigger event and a new name – HUDNEXT2026.

Taking place on Thursday 22 October, this year’s conference will focus on the significant development taking place across Huddersfield and the opportunities emerging for businesses, investors and the wider community.

Sponsored by Huddersfield Town A.F.C., the event will bring together civic, business, education and transport leaders to reflect on the town’s progress over the past five years and look ahead to its future.

Celebrating Huddersfield’s transformation

HUDNEXT2026 will highlight major projects and developments currently reshaping Huddersfield, including the Transpennine Route Upgrade, Kirklees Council’s Cultural Heart programme and the University of Huddersfield’s National Health Innovation Campus.

Organisers say the conference will provide an opportunity to celebrate the progress already being made while making the case for continued investment in the town.

Local and regional leaders set to speak

Guests will hear from a range of prominent figures involved in Huddersfield’s development, including:

• Mayor Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire
• Kirklees Council senior leadership
• David Threlfall-Sykes from Huddersfield Town A.F.C.
• Professor Parik Goswami, Director of Research and Innovation at the University of Huddersfield
• James Richardson from the Transpennine Route Upgrade

Following the main presentations, attendees will have the opportunity to network before taking part in two panel sessions featuring local business leaders.

The panels will provide an opportunity to hear directly from businesses about the opportunities emerging across Huddersfield and the wider area.

Free event with networking opportunities

HUDNEXT2026 will begin with registration and refreshments from 12.30 pm, with the first speakers taking to the stage at 1.30 pm.

The formal conference programme is expected to conclude at around 6 pm, followed by refreshments and a further networking opportunity until 7 pm.

Tickets for the conference are free, although places are limited. Places can be booked online via Eventbrite.

Businesses, organisations and individuals interested in Huddersfield’s future are being encouraged to book their place and join the conversation about the town’s next chapter.