New network gives the North a stronger voiceA new professional network is uniting public affairs and policy specialists in the North. Northern Influence officially launched with its first event in Newcastle last Thursday (September 25), hosted at Womble Bond Dickinson at The Spark building in Newcastle Helix. Founded by Lorna Snowball, Martin Osborne and Louis O’Halloran, Northern Influence is designed to connect professionals, spark collaboration and champion the North’s voice in policy and public affairs. “Networks like Northern Influence are vital in ensuring that our region doesn’t just feed into the national debate, but helps to shape it. Louis, founder of Northern Influence Manchester, added: “We’re thrilled to be bringing Northern Influence to the North West.