B&M and Bauer among first speakers for Radiocentre’s Tuning In North

Radiocentre has revealed the opening line-up for Tuning In North, the latest in its series of spring events on radio and audio and their ability to amplify advertising.

The morning conference will be held at the Stoller Hall in Manchester on Wednesday 22 April, bringing together brands, broadcasters and industry figures to hear the latest audio research and innovation.

Matt Payton, chief executive of Radiocentre, will open the event with a market overview at a strong moment for UK commercial radio, which recorded record advertising revenues in 2025.

A session on long-term audio partnerships will feature Shelley Robinson, head of marketing at Liverpool-based retailer B&M, and Emma Brown, brand and partnerships director at Cash for Kids, Bauer Media's charity.

The pair will look back on 12 years of the Mission Christmas appeal, which provides toys for disadvantaged children around the UK. The partnership has raised £100m and supported more than two million children, showing how audio is rooted in communities and can reach audiences nationwide.

Louise Twycross-Lewis, managing partner and head of insight at PHD, and Sophia Field, insight director at PHD, will share findings from the agency's latest Culture Currents study, 'Anticipation: Do good things come to those who wait?'. They will examine what drives anticipation, how it shapes consumer behaviour and how brands can use it to drive disproportionate growth, with audio case studies.

Charlie Brookes, director of digital at Bauer Media Audio UK, will present AudioXi, a platform that brings digital audio advertising together and lets brands reach millions of radio, podcast and streaming listeners. He will talk about how it was built, what it offers advertisers in the North and where digital audio is heading.

Payton said: “Audio continues to offer huge potential for advertisers. From the latest research to inspiring case studies, Tuning In North will showcase how the medium can amplify advertising and drive results for brands everywhere. We’re looking forward to bringing these brilliant speakers together and welcoming the region’s vibrant media and marketing community.”

Tickets are free for brands, agencies and Radiocentre members in the area, but numbers are limited.