Meet our team
We work with experienced professionals and thought leaders.
Glenn Athey, Director
UK expert on local, city, and regional economic development
Senior Management Experience in the public and consultancy sectors
Hands-on experience with senior stakeholders and politicians
Practical, purposeful and solutions-driven
At cutting edge of policy and practice - particularly in low carbon, enterprise, skills and inclusion
I'm Glenn Athey - an economist, economic developer and public policy expert. I work with cities, localities and regions to help them understand their economic challenges and opportunities, and what they might to do help improve wealth, economic inclusion, and meet the climate change challenge.
My clients are always handing me challenging assignments as they trust me to deliver on them.
The kind of opportunities I seek - whether a permanent role or consultancy projects - are those that span economics, evidence, policy and solutions development.
I've had a career spanning 28 years working with and in economic development organisations around the UK including Scottish Enterprise, London Development Agency, the East of England Development Agency, and I was the CEO of Greater Cambridge Greater Peterborough Local Enterprise Partnership.
I've done groundbreaking work on enterprise, innovation, skills and labour markets. I was Head of Research at the Centre for Cities, establishing its first research plan, securing core funding from the Gatsby Trust, and the first editions of the influential annual Cities Outlook report and event. I wrote my PhD working with and sponsored by Scottish Enterprise on good practice in economic development agencies which also took me to Ireland and Germany.
Current and recent projects
- Delivering a Green Economy and Jobs Strategy and Action Plan for North of Tyne Combined Authority
- Providing a review and future plan for the UK Innovation Corridor
- Helping the UK Atomic Energy Authority examine some of the local benefits from fusion energy
- Helping the London Borough of Tower Hamlets understand its inward investment offer and opportunities
- Reviewing energy efficiency policies and initiatives in London
- Reviewing trailblazer Local Skills Improvement Plans
- A Vision for Urban Growth and Recovery for the Local Government Association.
In 2020 I advised six localities on the emerging economic impacts and risks from Covid-19, and have worked on Local Economic Recovery Strategies.
I currently mentor 4 young professionals, and offer 25 days of pro-bono time per year. In 2023 I have worked with The Work Foundation on Insecure Work on pro-bono time.
mylocaleconomy advisors network
Mark Beresford
International technology business
Mark specialises in technology business, international trade and investment. Between July 2016 and March 2021 he was a Technology Specialist with the Department for International Trade and since then has worked on global trade & technology related projects with Tech Nation and a global financial services company.
Mike Spicer
Enterprise, advocacy, lobbying and policy
Mike is a policy and economics expert and was formerly the Director of Policy at the British Chambers of Commerce. He spent a decade at the BCC representing the interests of business to government, and as its lead spokesperson on local growth issues. His successful campaigns achieved policy changes across all areas of business life.
Pete Tyler
Global urban and regional expert
Peter Tyler is a Professor in Urban and Regional Economics in the Department of Land Economy, University of Cambridge and President and Fellow of St. Catharine’s College. He has an extensive track record in undertaking research with a particular emphasis on urban and regional economics and industrial policy.
George Bennett
Property, place and funding
George is an expert in property, place and funding with expertise in capital funding and grant appraisal and programme management.
Karl Dalgleish
Economic development and evaluation
Karl has significatn experience in business improvement, enterprise, innovation and technology, low carbon and renewable energy, ICT and technology, health and housing, innovation, public policy and sectors/clusters. He has assessed many social, employment and skills programmes too and has expertise around social inclusion and culture.
Dominic Williams
Property, regeneraiton and planning
Dominic is a career expert on property, planning and development, regeneration, social mobility, economic development, regional policy, transport. He was Chair of the FSB’s Policy Group for Growth and Devolution 2010-2020.