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?

Want to Persuade Political Leaders to Invest in Economic Development?

Struggling to Make the Case for Innovation Funding?
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
No Results Found
The page you requested could not be found. Try refining your search, or use the navigation above to locate the post.
External news
Combined Authorities (England): The £2.5bn tram scheme at risk of collapsing in repeat of HS2 farce
Source: Combined Authorities (England) Author: Steve Robson Date published: 2026-01-11 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Plans to build a long-awaited £2.5bn Leeds tram system are at risk of never happening as the project is already embroiled...
Glasgow Times | News: How a £61m investment could create 800 jobs on this derelict River Clyde site
Source: Glasgow Times | News Author: emily.moore@newsquest.co.uk | Emily Moore Date published: 2026-01-10 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The former Carless oil terminal in Old Kilpatrick is undergoing a transformation to become a...
Economic Innovation Group: Manufacturing Jobs Aren’t That Easy to Count
Source: Economic Innovation Group Author: Stephen Leverton Date published: 2026-01-09 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The post Manufacturing Jobs Aren’t That Easy to Count appeared first on Economic Innovation Group. View original article...
Economic Innovation Group: Cities made a bet on millennials — but forgot one key thing
Source: Economic Innovation Group Author: Stephen Leverton Date published: 2026-01-08 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] The post Cities made a bet on millennials — but forgot one key thing appeared first on Economic Innovation Group. View...
Local Growth and the United Kingdom: Government announces £140 million Scottish Local Growth Fund
Source: Local Growth and the United Kingdom Author: Dan Martin Date published: 2026-01-08 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Five regions in Scotland will share £140 million from the Local Growth Fund, the government has announced. Aimed at...
Local Economies (UK): Cornwall Insight: Great Britain sets new record for renewable energy planning approvals
Source: Local Economies (UK) Author: unknown Date published: 2026-01-05 [original article can be accessed via hyperlink at the end] Cornwall Insight: Great Britain sets new record for renewable energy planning approvals Published by Jessica Casey, Editor Energy...
