every city, region and local area is different – we listen, we learn and we custom-build economic strategies
strategy & delivery
We love learning about new places, and how places we know have changed. We are skilled in listening, understanding, and differentiating city, region and local economies. We specialise in building unique local, “bottom-up” economic strategies that also play into national policies and funding conversations.

Inward investment proposition and opportunities for Tower Hamlets
Evidence-based review of FDI strengths and offer of the London Borough of Tower Hamlets
We were delighted to work with the London Borough of Tower Hamlets to develop their inward investment proposition and key market messages. We conducted thorough research on the economy, company base, leading sectors, local HE institutions and R&D activity, and real estate market – and we consulted with key stakeholders. We also thoroughly researched London’s recent FDI track record and current trends and opportunities in FDI relevant to Tower Hamlets.
Review of testing needs and local benefits for UKAEA fusion STEP project
Assessment of testing needs and UK economic opportunities for Spherical Tokamak for Energy Production
We worked with the UK Atomic Energy Authority to explore the additional testing and R&D needs to deliver a working fusion energy power plant in the UK by 2040, and to also explore the current UK and global supply chain for a fusion reactor, and the potential UK economic benefits.

Review of trailblazer Local Skills Improvement Plans
We reviewed the 8 trailblazer Local Skills Improvement Plans and workshopped findings with local Chambers of Commerce
We were delighted to work with the British Chambers of Commerce to review the trailblazer Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs) – delivered by eight local Chambers of Commerce for the localities of Cumbria, Tees Valley, South Yorkshire, Lancashire, Leicester and Leicestershire, West of England Plus, Sussex and Kent.
Regional economic growth and recovery strategy
Leicester and Leicestershire Economic Growth Strategy 2021-2030
We worked with local stakeholders and board members to produce an economic strategy for Leicester and Leicestershire that ingrained local character, history and progress – putting local identity and ideas throughout the final strategy document. This was also made relevant to existing and emerging government policy themes such as levelling up, build back better, innovation and trade.

A strategy to kickstart the UK Innovation Corridor
We managed and facilitated a nine-month Growth Commission and created an ambitious strategy for change
Nine Growth Commissioners, four inquiry events, piles of evidence, international experts and case studies… we collated, put together and analysed a high quality evidence base and produced a high-impact stratetgy that was a game-changer for the London Stansted Cambridge Corridor. This provided the roadmap and priorities for the next evolution of the initiative into the UK Innovation Corridor.
Growth industries and SMEs strategy
Stockton-on-Tees
We researched the Stockton-on-Tees company base and industrial specialisms in depth and explored options for growth business and industry strategy and delivery using the latest academic and business research on scale-ups, entrepreneurship and enteprise support.


A New Innovation Agency for Wales
Expert advisor to the Welsh Government on innovation policy and suport
Working with CM International, and the University of Cardiff, an expert team reviewed innovation needs and policy options to inform the development of a proposed new agency by the Innovation Advisory Council for Wales.
Skills strategy
Ambition Southend
We researched, consulted and wrote an ambitious new Skills Strategy for Southend-on-Sea. This was very much a bottom-up, locally specific strategy that used the latest economic evidence and research on changing skills needs, and also involved in-depth consultations with major employers, schools, public service providers, careers organisations and colleges.


Local economic strategy
New economic strategy for Gloucester
A highly tailored economic strategy for Gloucester was devised to take advantage of its strategic location, and successful business and industrial parks – whilst addressing the skills needs and deprivation of some of its inner city areas.
NEWS AND VIEWS – READ OUR LATEST ARTICLES
Rethinking enterprise support in England – top 10 tips and observations
With the introduction of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, the winding down of ERDF and the cutting of funds for Growth Hubs – how do we deal with these changes and continue to support businesses in our local economies? I’ve lost count of the number of enterprise support...
Local Investment Plans – approaches and advice
No doubt colleagues in local and combined authorities in the UK are busy writing their Local Investment Plans to unlock their shares of the UK Shared Prosperity Fund. And at a frenetic pace, with them due in at the end of July. And local partners and MPs have to...
Hot tips for restructuring local and regional economic development
I live and work in England in the UK. In such a centralised country, where the national government funds and shapes much of the local economic development landscape, the influence of the political cycle is massive. Whether its a government coming into power fresh from...
Get in touch.
We are based in Cambridge, UK, and work and meet clients all over the UK. Of course, we have access to MS Teams and Zoom as well. Get in touch if you want to discuss an idea, project, or just want an informal discussion about your work.
Please get in touch using the form below or call us on 07799 880137
(international +44 7799 880137)
mylocaleconomy is the trading name of Athey Consulting Limited, a Limited Company registered in the UK (Company no. 07771760) and based in Cambridge, UK. (c) Athey Consulting Limited.