Investing in the Midlands and the North

Over the past decade, city-region devolution has been central to the UK’s strategy for driving economic growth. More recently, this approach has been widened to include a broader range of areas. However, linking governance devolution to economic development presents complex challenges—ranging from the distribution of powers and accountability to coordination and strategic alignment between central and subnational governments.

Unlike many other OECD countries, the UK has historically struggled to stimulate growth in its largest cities outside London. Now that attention is also turning to smaller towns and communities, it has prompted a shift in policy narratives. Yet transforming regional and local economies remains difficult. The UK’s infrastructure and housing systems are underdeveloped and expensive to upgrade, governance remains overly centralised, and regional disparities are among the highest in the OECD.

The panel will address these challenges from multiple perspectives, offering insights into the evolving relationship between governance and development, and the emerging trends in regional investment.

The event will be introduced and moderated by Prof. Philip McCann, Sir Terry Leahy Chair of Urban and Regional Economics at Alliance Manchester Business School & The Productivity Institute, followed by brief remarks from:

– Dr. Rudiger Ahrend, Head of the Economic Analysis, Statistics and Multi-Level Governance Division, OECD Centre for Entrepreneurship, SMEs, Regions & Cities.

– Zoe Billingham, Director IPPR North

– Ed Cox, Deputy Chief Executive & Executive Director for Strategy, Economy & Net Zero at West Midlands Combined Authority

– Helen Heap, founder and CEO of Seebohm Hill Ltd and Visiting Fellow of Heseltine Institute for Public Policy, Practice and Place and Chair of the Liverpool City-Region Strategic Investment Advisory Panel

– Steve Wilson, Group CFO, Greater Manchester Combined Authority

The session will conclude with a moderated Q&A with participants.

Please note that this event will take place in person only at Alliance Manchester Business School.