Placecast

In Episode 18 of Placecast , Nicola Headlam interviews Professor Calvin Jones , a LPIP Hub Place Fellow working on sustainability and regional economics in Wales. The discussion explores how devolved governance in Wales is evolving, particularly in areas such as fiscal powers, wellbeing policy, and green transition. Cavlin argues that traditional growth-led economic models are failing to deliver f...

In this episode of Placecast , presenter Dr Gerardo Javier Arriaga-Garcia is joined by Nina Ruddle and Sophie Cloutterbuck to explore what really enables innovation to take root in places as different as North Wales and London. Together, they argue that successful place-based development is not driven primarily by infrastructure or investment, but by relationships, trust and the often overlooked “...

In this episode of PlaceCast , Rebecca Riley talks to Dr Conor O’Carroll about how research careers need to evolve to better support place-based policy and real-world impact. Dr O'Carroll argues that traditional academic pathways, particularly the PhD as a route into academia, are no longer fit for purpose, with most researchers working beyond universities. The conversation highlights the need to...

In the latest episode of Placecast , host Dr Nicola Headlam is joined by Richard Jeffery , National Director at GC Insight and long‑standing leader in local economic development, and Nathan Shoesmith , Economic Consultant at GC Insight, specialising in data‑driven economic development and place‑based strategy. Together, they explore a deceptively simple question with profound implications for poli...

How do communities move from being consulted to being genuinely heard? What does it take to turn knowledge into influence, and influence into action? And what happens when universities, civil society and local leaders commit to working together over the long term rather than through short-term projects? In this episode of Placecast, we explore these questions through a rich conversation grounded i...

What if nature recovery wasn’t a “nice to have”, but a foundation of regional development? What if parish councils, farmers, and local communities were recognised as national assets rather than peripheral actors? And what if the future of England’s economy depended not only on cities, but on the rural places that quietly sustain them? In Episode 13 of Placecast , host Nicola Headlam is joined by P...

In the latest episode of Placecast , Professor Michael Wood s, Director of the Cymru Wledig LPIP (Rural Wales), offers a rich and thoughtful journey through Welsh devolution, rural policy, and the power of deeply embedded place-based research. It’s a conversation that blends decades of academic insight with a grounded understanding of how communities, policymakers, and researchers mutually shape o...

In the latest episode of Placecast , Dr Nicola Headlam sits down with one of the UK’s most respected place‑based leaders: Kersten England , former Chief Executive of Bradford and York, Chair of the Young Foundation, and Co‑Investigator on the Yorkshire Policy Innovation Partnership (YPIP). Across a rich, wide‑ranging conversation, Kersten reflects on her 30‑year career in local government, her ear...

In this episode of Placecast , Nicola Headlam speaks with Abigail Taylor (City-REDI) and Jeff Matsu (City-REDI Fellow) about their groundbreaking comparative research on governance and fiscal devolution between Japan and the UK. Their work, supported by international partnerships and field visits to Osaka and Tokyo, offers fresh insights into how decentralisation and collaborative leadership can s...

In this episode of Placecast , Nicola Headlam sits down with Dr Sarah Longlands, Chief Executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES), to explore why place matters more than ever in shaping policy, economy, and community wellbeing. Their conversation offers a compelling case for moving beyond one-size-fits-all solutions and embracing the complexity of local contexts. Placecast is a&n...

Episode Eight of the Placecast Podcast dives deep into the power of place-based leadership and social entrepreneurship with guest Mark Swift , a social entrepreneur with over 15 years’ experience in health and care. Hosted by Nicola Headlam , the conversation explores how community-centred approaches can transform health outcomes, reduce demand on public services, and reconfigure system architectu...

In the latest episode of Placecast , Nicola Headlam sits down with Dr Charlotte Hoole and Professor Andy Pike for a deep dive into one of the most pressing challenges facing England today: how we allocate public funding and govern economic development across regions. Drawing on extensive experience in subnational governance and policy research, Charlotte and Andy offer sharp insights and grounded...

In this episode of the  Placecast  podcast, Nicola Headlam speaks with Liz Shutt, Programme Director at Insights North East (INE). This episode offers a compelling look at how place-based leadership, cross-sector collaboration, and a generous spirit can reshape the way we think about and do policy. It’s a call to action for anyone committed to making a tangible difference in their region...

In this episode of Placecast , Nicola Headlam speaks with Des McNulty about the evolving relationship between academia and policymaking, particularly through the lens of place-based leadership. They explore how universities can act as hubs of knowledge and collaboration, contributing to local and regional development by aligning research with real-world policy needs. Des reflects on his experience...

In the fourth episode of Placecast, Gerardo Javier Arriaga-Garcia sits down with Nina Ruddle, Head of Public Policy Engagement, Wrexham University. Their conversation dives deep into the challenges and triumphs of inclusive innovation, particularly in the context of Wales. PlaceCast is a  Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub  production based at City-REDI, University of Birming...

In the third episode of Placecast, Dr Abigail Taylor explores with Chris Naylor and Jamie Ounan how effective place leadership—rooted in collaboration, local knowledge, ambition, and institutional reform—can drive inclusive and sustainable growth in communities. PlaceCast is a Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub production based at City-REDI, University of Birmingham. Our new podcast is...

This conversation is between Dr Konstantinos (Kostas) Kollydas and Professor Andy Westwood. It explores the complexities of skills development, regional disparities, and the impact of local and regional institutions on shaping effective policies. PlaceCast is a Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub production based at City-REDI, University of Birmingham. Our new podcast is essential liste...

PlaceCast is a Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub production based at City-REDI, University of Birmingham. Our new podcast is essential listening for those keen to explore the ins and outs of knowledge mobilisation for influence in central and local government, based on the view that it's only through animating the power of place-based leadership that the wicked problems of 2025 can be...