LED Confidential

Can NHS reform be a catalyst for local economic renewal? Or will institutional churn stall the promise of community health?

In this episode, David and Mike are joined by Paul Swinney to explore the UK’s new industrial strategy. They ask: does it finally embrace a place-based model of economic development? And can it tackle the UK’s long-standing productivity challenge? From sectoral strengths and urban clustering to Freeports, fiscal devolution and the role of universities, this wide-ranging conversation challenges con...

Can the UK finally overcome its infrastructure inertia? Or will local leaders be eft without the resources they need to deliver much-needed projects?

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore whether happiness rankings and well-being metrics have any real value in local economic development and placemaking. They ask: are these measures meaningful tools for policy—or just headline fodder? And if happiness does matter, how should it be measured and used by LED professionals?

In this episode, David and Mike are joined by Professor Kevin Morgan to explore the foundational economy—what it is, why it matters, and how it’s reshaping local economic development. They ask: how can food systems, especially public sector food provisioning, become a catalyst for community wealth and well-being? And what can the Welsh experience teach us about embedding foundational principles in...

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore the economic implications of flooding and water scarcity. They ask: are water-related risks a barrier to growth or a strategic opportunity for innovation and regeneration? From smart water management and wetland restoration to the blue green economy and new demands from the infrastructure powering AI, they unpack how water intersects with local...

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the 2025 Spending Review and ask: is this the moment local economic development and placemaking finally get the long-term backing they need? And will Integrated Settlements, Green Book reforms and 10-year capital deals really change the game for Mayoral Combined Authorities and their partners? They explore what SR25 means for funding stability,...

In this episode, David and Mike speak with Sarah Chaytor about the University Policy Engagement Network (UPEN) in the UK and the evolving role of universities in shaping public policy. They ask: how can academic expertise be better integrated into local and national policymaking? And what does it take for universities to move from transactional relationships to long-term civic partnerships that su...

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike examine theimplications of the Reform Party’s rise to local power in England following the May 2025 local government elections. With new Reform Mayors and councils now in place, they explore what this means for local economic development, public service delivery, and the future of place leadership. They discuss the challenges facing officers in these a...

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the economic development and placemaking implications of the May 2025 local government elections in England. These saw the Reform Party gain two Combined Authority Mayors and control of several councils. They explore what this shift means for local growth, devolution, and regional collaboration. What does the future hold for the cohesion of pan-...

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore how local leadership teams can build resilience into economic development and place-making strategies in an age of perma- crisis. Reflecting on recent power outages and cyber attacks, extreme weather and infrastructure shocks, they discuss how places can prepare for the unexpected. Drawing on lessons from recent crises and long-term planning ap...

David and Mike are joined by Emma Frost, Chair of the UK Innovation Districts Group, to explore how innovation districts can drive inclusive growth. They discuss the essential ingredients of successful districts, how to manage the risks of exclusion and gentrification, and why collaborative leadership and long-term thinking can unlock their full potential.

What can local leaders do when faced with the closure of a major employment site like British Steel in Scunthorpe that the UK government stepped in to save? When thousands of jobs are at stake is there a rulebook to follow or is politics all?

What does an aggressively protectionist US trade policy mean for local economies in the States and further afield? Can it re-industrialise Appalachia, or is it doomed to fail?

In this episode, David and Mike explore the transformative potential of Mayoral Combined Authorities in England for economic development and public services. They are joined by Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Combined Authority and one of the few professionals in the sector to have occupied senior positions in three MCAs . Through the lens of England's North East, they discuss...

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the implications of the recent NAO report on St Helena's Airport for local economic development and devolution in the UK. They explore the lessons that can be dawn from the airport's business case and its proposed contribution to the island's financial self-sufficiency. Join them as they ask: how should we define sustainable growth a...

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the UK Government's newly announced Plan for Neighbourhoods. They explore whether this initiative represents a genuine step change for local economic development or if it's merely a repackaging of the previous government's approach. They ask: how can we learn from past experience to maximise the impact of this programme? Join them as...

David and Mike explore Cambridge's tech-led economic development, its role as a global tech hub, and the challenges and opportunities of being a focus of national growth plans. Joined by Dan Thorp, CEO of Cambridge Ahead, they discuss lessons for other city regions and how non-governmental place champions like CA can effectively promote their success.

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...

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?

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.

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 loc...

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...

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 an...

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?