Hi Economic Developer!
Curious? What is Economic Development World?
My name is Glenn Athey – I’ve spent a career in local, city and regional economic development here in the UK.
You might know me from my LinkedIn presence – where I write articles and posts every day on all things to do with local, city and regional economies.
When I first joined this profession in the 1990s, economic development was at an exciting frontier – where information and best practice was shared, and networking and learning were prominent. I was wide open to ideas, inspiration and lessons from all over the world.
And hey, I want to recreate that golden period!
A community that supports economic developers at every stage of their career
My career is one of multiple journeys and roles – I’ve been in prominent national policy roles, and I’ve worked directly with local communities. If I’m entirely honest – there have been some fantastic career highs working with amazing communities and colleagues, and some parts of my career where I could have benefitted from supportive professional community and better, more specific professional development.
Such is the working life in economic development – it can be very cyclical, with golden periods where we get some amazing work done, but also those frustrating years where we just feel that our talents aren’t being put to good use.
So the plan is to launch an economic development community in October 2025. This will comprise:
- Podcasts, webinars and discussion spaces
- A chance to seek answers, inspiration and showcase your own local economy
- A foundation course in economic development
- Personal as well as professional development and technical knowledge
- Regular articles, tips and guides
- More in-depth courses, coaching and mentoring
Regular updates
What drives me is a passion for transforming the economic lives and welfare of communities, and working with the dedicated and talented people working in this field.
Anyone who knows me will tell you that I will put my mind, heart and soul into this new venture and I will make it work. Most of all, I’ll be listening to what the Economic Development Community needs and wants.
I’ll be sending a weekly email, reporting on progress and occasionally asking you – how a new online community could support your personal and professional development and your impact on your community.
Glenn.
