DIPLOMAT and humanitarian Terry Waite will be one of the guest speakers at the North West Development Agency's (NWDA) annual conference and general meeting being staged at the Manchester International Convention Centre on Friday.

The event, to be hosted by BBC North West political editor Jim Hancock, will also be addressed by NWDA chief executive Steven Broomhead and chairman Bryan Gray. Topics which will come under the spotlight include the structure of the draft regional economic strategy and future priorities for the region.