Teesside raised Steph is the main business presenter on BBC Breakfast and often co-hosts the whole show. She is also launched her own children′s TV show looking for the next generation of entrepreneurs, Pocket Money Pitch; and co-hosts BBC One′s prime time shows, Watchdog and Shop Well for Less.
Steph will open day three of the festival (Weds, July 11) and provide inspirational talks to the teams who will be tasked with finding real-world innovative solutions to challenges such as how to create the perfect water company, and how innovation and tech can improve Design, Construction Operation and Maintenance.
Nigel Watson, Northumbrian Water Group Information Services Director and the man behind the Innovation Festival, said: "We′re delighted that Steph is taking part in the festival. She is a proud Northerner who is a keen supporter of our region′s industries and businesses. And as a former Young Engineer for Britain who saved Black and Decker more than £1m on a design she created for its Leaf Hog product, I′ve no doubt she will have plenty of inspirational tips and advice to share."
Steph McGovern said: "I′m dead chuffed to be part of an event that really shows off how innovative our region is. I am so proud of the skills we have in the area and this festival is a cracking way of proving how good we are at collaboration and making things happen. I can′t wait to see the ideas the teams come up with to tackle important issues, which can then be put into action in the months and years to come."
The NWG Innovation Festival will see major national and global companies working with innovation experts, other businesses, local universities, schools and members of the public to come up with and explore innovative ways to help change the world.
The five day event will take place at Newcastle Racecourse from 9th to 13th July, and it′s the second time the festival has ever been held, following its hugely successful launch last year.
People can find out more about what′s taking place at the NWG Innovation Festival, and how they can get involved, at https://innovationfestival.org/