A couple of years ago I helped a region review its approach to enterprise and business growth and inward investment promotion. One of my key observations was that – this region is renowned for being a tech and business success, but in reality this success was in a...
The preceding four articles have sought to build perspectives on the role of industrial development in local and regional economies. In this final article. I tie this together by looking at the role of industrial policy and strategy. The perennial question for the UK:...
Guidance for local and combined authorities Local and Combined Authorities in England are tasked with creating Get Britain Working (GBW) plans to tackle local labour market challenges, boost employment (aiming for 80%), and reduce barriers to work. DWP guidance...
The idea of fostering local industrial clusters as a driver for economic development is appealing, but the reality on the ground presents some significant hurdles. In today's interconnected world, truly self-contained local or regional clusters are increasingly rare....
Strategy and policy work matters - if done well, the benefits can last for years, and establish your organisation or endeavour as a serious, creative endeavour which is attractive to major stakeholders Sometimes the strategy development work you commission as local...
February's high rate of GDP growth surprises many The UK economy surpassed analyst's expectations with its 0.5% growth in February. Growth was widespread across services and manufacturing, and marked the fastest monthly pace since March 2024. The GDP figures predate...