Attracting SMR Investments: Lessons From South Yorkshire LED Confidential podcast

12:17

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore the implications of the UK Government's announcement that defence spending will increase to 2.5% of GDP by 2027, with a longer-term goal of 3%. Which regions will benefit most? And how should local economic development leaders and professionals respond to the resulting opportunities and challenges of this policy change? Tune in for insights on the potential economic impact, regional rebalancing, and the strategic importance of understanding local defence industry profiles.…

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Putting the ‘local’ in local government 46:24

18 days ago46:24

46:24

David and Mike speak are joined by Ian Fytche, long-serving former CEO of North Kesteven District Council in Lincolnshire. They ask: will the current approach to local government reform take the ‘local’ out of local authorities in England? And how is placemaking impacted by scale and does it demand different types of leadership?…

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Should your Local Growth Plan include an AI Growth Zone? 11:13

25 days ago11:13

11:13

What is an AI Growth Zone in the UK? Should your area be making plans for one? And what does this latest flavour of economic zone say about the future of zonal policies and designations in Britain? Join David and Mike as they unpack the issues.

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How can local government balance economic growth and environmental goals? 8:44

5 weeks ago8:44

8:44

With its recent announcements of support for environmentally contentious projects like building a third runway at Heathrow Airport, has the UK Government struck the right balance between its economic growth and environmental priorities? And how can we manage any economic and environmental tensions and trade offs locally? In this short Espresso Shot episode David and Mike discuss the challenges local governments face in balancing economic growth and environmental priorities. They explore the government's recent pro-development announcements, the role of local authorities in implementing green initiatives, and the potential impact of new funding mechanisms like the Nature Recovery Fund. They highlight the need for evidence based decision-making and collaboration between national and local governments to navigate these complex trade-offs effectively.…

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Decoding Rachel Reeves growth plan for local economic development in the UK 9:52

6 weeks ago9:52

9:52

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike delve into the implications of Rachel Reeves' January 2025 growth plan for local economic development and regional disparities across the UK. They explore whether the measures announced will shift priorities for sub-national growth strategies and discuss the potential impacts on local decision-makers and professionals. Key topics include the Oxford to Cambridge growth corridor, and Heathrow's third runway. How will these initiatives affect regional economic imbalances, and what challenges lie ahead for local implementation? Tune in to find out!…

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How to empower local communities through inclusive innovation and participatory democracy? 43:41

7 weeks ago43:41

43:41

How can local communities actively participate in and share the benefits of major government reforms and changes? Join David and Mike as they explore the pathways to inclusive innovation and participatory democracy with Kersten England, a champion of community empowerment. In this episode, they dive deep into the challenges and opportunities of ensuring local communities have a meaningful voice and stake in the big ticket changes being driven by local government in the UK. Kersten England, with her extensive experience in local government and community leadership, shares insights on reinvigorating representative and participative democracy, leveraging digital tools for civic engagement, and rebuilding vital neighborhood-level infrastructure. Discover how a focus on inclusive innovation and equitable growth can transform places and empower local people.…

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What's going wrong with the UK's economic and labour market statistics? 9:53

8 weeks ago9:53

9:53

In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike reflect on the growing chorus of high-profile criticism of the quality of UK official statistics and what this might mean for local economic development. They ask - what are the issues, and what are the consequences of this data crisis? How should sector professionals and local leadership teams respond?…

1
What next for fiscal devolution in the UK? 9:42

9 weeks ago9:42

9:42

In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike consider the absence of hard commitments to fiscal devolution in the UK Government's Devolution White Paper. Was the government right to exclude this? How long can local revenue raising remain off the table for England, with new tourist levies in the Pipeline for Scotland and Wales? What options are available for those seeking to champion this agenda?…

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Is bigger always better for local government reorganisations? 10:33

10 weeks ago10:33

10:33

In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike discuss the parameters of the upcoming local government reorganisation set out by the UK Government in its Devolution White Paper. They ask: does a target size for English Unitary Authorities of 500k+ make any sense in economic development or placemaking terms? And how can local economic development and placemaking professionals contribute positively to the reorganisation process?…

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Hopes and fears for UK local economic development in 2025 14:21

13 weeks ago14:21

14:21

Mike and David take to the LEDC crystal ball again as a new year beckons. What will be the key challenges and opportunities at the forefront of UK local economic development and placemaking in 2025? Could it be a year of bold progress for devolution? Will new strategic plans stick, and even if they do, how far can planning reform on its own fix broken housing markets? How far will global turmoil distract and disrupt even the best laid plans…?…

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Creating ‘healthy’ local economies and communities 45:18

14 weeks ago45:18

45:18

David and Mike are joined by Richard Stubbs, CEO of Health Innovation Yorkshire & Humber. They explore how health and economic agendas are co-dependent in creating healthy and prosperous local communities.

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Will the Get Britain Working White Paper get your place working? 11:13

15 weeks ago11:13

11:13

Mike and David give the local economic development and placemaking perspective on the UK Government's Get Britain Working White Paper ( GBWWP). What is its major significance for local and regional leadership teams? What does it mean for those working on England's Local Growth Plans?

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Facing the storm: Jack Shaw on England's Local Authority financial crisis 45:25

17 weeks ago45:25

45:25

Join David and Mike as they dive into England's local authority financial crisis with leading expert Jack Shaw. Hear about the new insights from recent research and the glimmers of hope for reform and recovery. Tune in for a must-listen discussion on the future of local governance and financial resilience. Read Jack's recent paper with Professor Andy Pike (also a former LEDC guest): ‘ The geography of Local Authority financial distress in England…

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Should Mayoral Combined Authorities run public services? 10:00

18 weeks ago10:00

10:00

David and Mike review proposals to extend MCA powers and responsibilities, as set out in the Public Services Reform and Devolution report by Sam Freedman and Labour Together.

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Making the UK's Industrial Strategy work for places 10:18

18 weeks ago10:18