Speakers

Kevin was born and raised near Easingwold, North Yorkshire. He is passionate about sports and an accomplished businessman. After studying physics at university, he co-founded Hunters Estate Agents in 1992, expanding it into one of the UK's leading estate agencies. Influenced by his parents' interest in politics, Kevin stood for and was elected MP for Thirsk and Malton in 2015. Since then, he has been very active in Parliament on both national and local issues and held several government roles, including Minister for Small Business from October 2022 to July 2024, most notably Kevin led the Government's action on ensuring compensation for sub-postmasters following the Horizon Scandal. He previously co-chaired the successful APPG on Fair Business Banking from 2018 to 2022, championing efforts against economic crime and corruption. Kevin is a strong advocate of the small and medium sized business sector and of the North and has been campaigning hard for more investment in Northern roads, rail, digital networks, skills training and private sector investment, which he believes is key to growing the Yorkshire and wider UK economy. Re-elected for the fourth time in July 2024 when he was appointed as the Shadow Secretary of State for Business and Trade, he now serves as Shadow Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities.