CPD, training and skills in Local and Regional Economic Development
Expert knowledge, proven frameworks, and practical tools for local authority officers, consultants, and practitioners delivering regional growth strategies, innovation programmes, and place-based policy – built from 31 years of working in the field
- 15 hours of on-demand courses covering the 8 disciplines of local and regional economic development
- Practical workbooks (e.g. FDI from scratch; develop a great project idea)
- Community, chatrooms, discussion
- Mentoring and coaching support
- Continuing Professional Development (CPD)
- Skills and training in local and regional economic development
Endorsements
“A big shout out to Glenn Athey who has taken his many years in economic development consultancy and created Economic Development World (www.economicdevelopment.world), the UK’s first online community for local and regional economic development that provides CPD, on-demand lean learning, a community of peers and workbooks. Built on three pillars of accelerated learning, shared knowledge and community support, it is a fabulous resource for our industry.
“From what I have seen already, this has the potential to create a step change in how the UK delivers economic development, putting the skills and development of practitioners, whether newbies or old hands, front and centre. Get yourselves signed up, get involved and support this great initiative.”
Adam Breeze, Breeze Strategy
“2026 has to be the year that economic development professionals take the important steps, from policy comment, strategic views, to decisive practictioner application and delivery. Critical is to have an accessible platform for CPD, training, and a focused community to ask questions and discuss best practice and aspects of local and regional economic development. I am delighted that an established and respected colleague Glenn Athey has founded and created this resource on www.economicdevelopment.world .”
Mark Pearson, Head of Economic Development, Reading's Economy & Destination Agency (REDA)

Want Local and Regional Economic Development Strategies that Actually Get Implemented?

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Founded by Glenn Athey, an Economic Development Professional and Advisor With 31 Years of Supporting UK Economic Development
LPIP Fellow, University of Birmingham
Author of "The Local and Regional Economic Development Handbook"
Latest News and Advice
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External news
City Economies: Reeves told City at ‘critical juncture’ after claims of golden age
Source: City Economies Author: Samuel Norman Date published: 2026-01-25 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Rachel Reeves has been handed a firm warning that Britain’s financial ecosystem is facing a “critical juncture” even after the...
Local Growth and the United Kingdom: UK earmarks £1.5 billion in arts funding until 2030 – expert panel responds
Source: Local Growth and the United Kingdom Author: Adam Behr, Reader in Music, Politics and Socieity, Newcastle University Date published: 2026-01-23 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Visitors enjoying Manchester Art Gallery. Mark...
Combined Authorities (England): DfT says underground Manchester Piccadilly ‘needs testing further’ as NPR agreements signed
Source: Combined Authorities (England) Author: Rob Hakimian Date published: 2026-01-23 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The Department for Transport (DfT) has agreed to re-examine the value of an underground station at Manchester Piccadilly...
City Economies: Maharashtra to get India’s first Innovation City near Mumbai, says Fadnavis
Source: City Economies Author: unknown Date published: 2026-01-23 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Thursday shared a detailed plan of India's first "Innovation City" close to Mumbai,...
Cities & Communities | Brookings: Not your grandfather’s factory: Why tariffs won’t help Midwest manufacturing
Source: Cities & Communities | Brookings Author: unknown Date published: 2026-01-22 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Speaking on the 2024 campaign trail in Michigan, then-candidate Donald Trump promised to bring manufacturing jobs back to...
SmartCitiesWorld News: Leading data infrastructure is helping power better lives in Sunderland
Source: SmartCitiesWorld News Author: unknown Date published: 2026-01-22 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Leading data infrastructure is helping power better lives in SunderlandSunderland City Council is using data to put residents first and...
