With the government signalling tighter spending and uncertainty surrounding EV funding mechanisms, Bill Murray and Harrison Hughes argue that the next chapter of the UK’s clean mobility transition will be shaped not by engineering, but by economics.
When the duo founded the Powered Up Conference at the London Transport Museum, the intention was to convene people with the responsibility and capacity to influence real-world change. It was conceived as a working forum, not a marketing exercise.
The first edition in 2025 proved that the industry is ready for deeper, more practical conversations. The audience came to engage directly, to challenge assumptions and to propose viable solutions. The resulting momentum set the tone for future editions.
Powered Up returns on Wednesday 21 January 2026, again hosted at the London Transport Museum. The focus for 2026 — Finance, Fleet and the Future of Clean Mobility — reflects an evolution in priorities across the sector.
The technology is mature. The challenge now is building resilient financial systems that enable businesses, operators, and public bodies to act at scale.
Close Brothers Asset Finance joins as Lead Partner for 2026, reinforcing the conference’s core message that funding underpins the pace of progress.
As a longstanding provider of business finance and an organisation increasingly aligned with sustainability goals, Close Brothers is now positioned at the centre of enabling the next wave of fleet electrification in the UK.
Close Brothers recognises that ambition alone is not enough—businesses need access to capital and guidance to make meaningful progress. Speaking ahead of the announcement, Andrew New, Head of ESG Lending at Close Brothers Asset Finance, commented:
“As Lead Partner in Powered Up 2026, Close Brothers Asset Finance is committed to supporting UK SMEs as they transition to clean mobility. We understand that securing funding can be challenging for many businesses, which is why our experience in the sector is so vital. Our involvement in Powered Up 2026 highlights our dedication to financing the shift toward cleaner transport solutions.”
Those words capture exactly what Powered Up represents. It is not a trade show or a marketing exercise, but a working session for decision-makers. Attendance is by application only, ensuring that everyone in the room contributes something valuable.
The format is deliberately curated—bringing together experts from finance, fleet management, policy, energy, and infrastructure to foster genuine collaboration.
The 2026 conference will feature keynote sessions, panel discussions, and networking opportunities focused on how Britain can continue investing in cleaner transport during a period of economic constraint.
The timing is significant. With the government preparing its next Budget, speculation is mounting that incentives for electric vehicles and charging infrastructure could face renewed scrutiny. For many operators and investors, the question is no longer whether to electrify—but how to maintain momentum at scale when fiscal conditions tighten.
Powered Up 2026 will tackle these realities head-on. Discussions will explore how new financial models can accelerate fleet electrification, how local authorities can fund charging infrastructure, and how collaboration between the public and private sectors can unlock new sources of investment. The emphasis remains on practical, actionable solutions that keep the transition moving, even amid uncertainty.
Powered Up was originally inspired by the success of the London to Brighton Electric Vehicle Rally, another initiative led by Murray and Hughes. That event demonstrated what is possible when innovation, community, and enthusiasm intersect—turning the concept of clean mobility into something visible and engaging.
Powered Up serves as its strategic counterpart, channelling that same energy into the policy and finance conversations that underpin progress. Both share a single mission: to accelerate the shift to a cleaner, smarter transport future.
Feedback from the first Powered Up Conference confirmed that this approach works. Delegates praised the event’s honesty and focus, noting the absence of sales pitches and the value of open, solutions-driven dialogue. By the end of the afternoon, new partnerships had already begun to form—a testament to the event’s purpose as a catalyst for action rather than talk.
This year’s edition arrives at a pivotal time. The UK’s path to net zero is under scrutiny; while targets remain ambitious, funding, infrastructure, and policy are under increasing pressure. Fleet operators face rising costs, energy providers race to expand capacity, and financial institutions seek long-term stability.
None of these challenges exist in isolation—and none can be solved without collaboration. Powered Up exists to bring those worlds together, aligning their efforts toward a shared goal.
The London Transport Museum once again provides the ideal setting. Amid more than a century of transport innovation, delegates will discuss what must happen next to secure the future of clean mobility. The conference will conclude with a drinks reception in the museum gallery, offering an opportunity to continue conversations and turn ideas into partnerships.
For Murray and Hughes, this is what real progress looks like: creating spaces where honest dialogue leads to practical outcomes. As the Budget approaches and questions mount over the extent of government support for electric mobility, the role of private investment and financial innovation becomes ever more critical. The clean transport revolution will not slow down if those driving it remain committed, informed, and connected.
Powered Up 2026 takes place on Wednesday 21 January 2026 at the London Transport Museum, Covent Garden. Attendance is free but by application only, ensuring a focused and influential audience. Applications are now open at www.electraconnect.co.uk/powered-up.
Ultimately, the future of clean mobility will not be determined by technology alone. It will be shaped by finance, cooperation, and the determination to keep moving forward—no matter how narrow or challenging the road ahead becomes.
