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)

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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
International Economic Development Council: Michigan kicks off 2026 with Top 5 workforce development ranking
Source: International Economic Development Council Author: unknown Date published: 2026-01-13 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Michigan is kicking off 2026 with even more national recognition, following a year that included a No. 6 ranking...
Local Growth and the United Kingdom: Urgent plea made to UK government after local growth fund is pulled from the isles for the next three years
Source: Local Growth and the United Kingdom Author: r.taylor@shetlandtimes.co.uk (Ryan Taylor) Date published: 2026-01-13 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The council is making an urgent plea to the UK government after it emerged none of its...
Local Growth and the United Kingdom: Hundreds of jobs in Glasgow at risk as workers given 90-day redundancy notice
Source: Local Growth and the United Kingdom Author: Sarah Peddie Date published: 2026-01-13 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] HUNDREDS of jobs in Glasgow are thought to be at risk as workers have been given 90-day redundancy notices following...
Local Economies (UK): Homes England Pledges “Generation-Defining” Shift in New 2030 Strategic Plan
Source: Local Economies (UK) Author: Vicky Maggiani Date published: 2026-01-13 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] December saw Homes England officially launched its Strategic Plan for 2025–2030, unveiling an ambitious roadmap designed to...
Combined Authorities (England): £1 billion pledge aims to unlock North East growth
Source: Combined Authorities (England) Author: Bdaily Business News Date published: 2026-01-13 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] £1 billion pledge aims to unlock North East growth Businesses across the North East are set to benefit from a...
Bloomberg CityLab: One Year After the Wildfires, Los Angeles Is Building Fire-Resilient Homes
Source: Bloomberg CityLab Author: Kriston Capps Date published: 2026-01-11 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Hello and welcome to Bloomberg’s weekly design digest. I’m Kriston Capps, staff writer and editor for Bloomberg CityLab and your...
