iED Annual awards - congratulations to our winners!

The winners of the Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards 2024 were announced at a dinner held following on from the sold-out Annual Conference earlier in the day, when over 100 delegates gathered to celebrate the successes of individuals, teams and organisations representing the full breadth and contribution of economic development.

Our winners on the night are listed below, with a link to more details about their winning entry. Congratulations all!

• Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development - Bev Hurley
• Leader of the Year (sponsored by WECD) - Claire Pearce, former Director of Planning and Economic Development, This is Gravity Ltd.
• Team of the Year (Sponsored by Copper Consultancy) - Basildon Council, Economic Development Team.
• Rising Star of the Year (Sponsored by AtkinsRéalis) - James Corden, Economic Development Planning Manager, National Highways. Also Highly Commended were Connor Conneely, Senior Economic Development Officer, Torbay Council and Matt Budd, Associate Director, AMION Consulting.
• Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year - Sophie Hewitson, Employment and Skills Manager, Leeds City Council.
• Social Value Champion of the Year (Sponsored by Social Value Engine) - The Sunspot, Jaywick Workspace, Tendring District Council.
• Most Innovative Project of the Year (Sponsored by Growth Maturity Index) - Business Tapas, Cheshire West and Chester Council.
• Collaborative Initiative of the Year - Cradle to Career, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Right to Succeed Charity.
• Outstanding Impact (Sponsored by Key Cities) - Salford Central Masterplan, English Cities Fund in partnership with Salford City Council.

Invest 2035: response from the iED

To inform our response to Invest 2035: the UK's modern industrial strategy the IED held an online consultation event on 11^th November and invited members to email their input. In the latest blog on our website, our Executive Director Nigel Wilcock sets out the key themes from our response.

Recent blogs on our website

Here is a round up on other iED blogs/articles you may have missed recently!

• Creating successful community-led change, Richard Cook, Senior Director – Economics at Pegasus Group
• Getting money to the right places, Tom Stannard, iED Chair
• The Growth Maturity Index: a game changer for effective business support, Liz Ratcliffe, Marketing Director at YTKO
• Why our cities are key to long-term national prosperity, Cllr John Merry, Chair of Key Cities
• How to create a successful industrial cluster, Ronan Cloud, Director of Economic Development at Copper Consultancy.

iED in the News

Do take a look at our iED in the news section of our website, where we are appearing in national and regional press. 

iED Jobs Board

Don't forget to take a look at the iED Job Board. 

Join us next week to hear from Homes England 

For iED Members only - if you haven't already, please do check your emails from iED and follow the link to register for our online AGM next week on 4th December (1-2pm). Whilst there is a short bit of AGM business to take care of, the main part of the session will be hearing from our Chair, Tom Stannard, and we are also delighted to be joined by Mike Palin, Executive Director of Markets, Partners and Places (MPP) at Homes England who will be giving a short presentation with follow up Q&A session. 

2025 iED Certificate and Advanced Certificate - sign up now

We are currently finalising the schedules for the running of the 2025 modules for both the Certificate and Advanced Certificates of Economic Development. Thank you to those of you who have expressed your interest so far, you will be receiving an email next week with details on dates and payment processes. For anyone else interested in taking part, please do email us at admin@ied.co.uk and we will add your name to the email to go out next week.

iED to launch new website and membership management system

the iED has been working with its supplier on a new website and upgraded membership management system. This is due to go live in early January 2025. Do please check your details are up to date in the membership area, including any Consultants Directory entries, which will help us transfer across the most accurate information we have for you.

Early Careers Network Launches Mentorship Programme

We are excited to announce the launch of the Early Careers Network Mentorship Programme, a new initiative designed to connect aspiring professionals with experienced mentors in the field of economic development. This program offers a unique opportunity for both mentors and mentees to foster valuable relationships, exchange knowledge, and accelerate career growth. 

Why Get Involved? 

• For Mentees: Gain invaluable insights from seasoned professionals, receive guidance on navigating your career path, and expand your professional network. 
• For Mentors: Share your expertise, support the next generation of economic development professionals, and refine your leadership and coaching skills. 

Whether you're just starting out or are a professional looking to give back, this program offers a platform for meaningful connections that can shape your career. 

Please find the link to the Expression of Interest forms below, which only take a few minutes to complete and don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting initiative! 

Mentor Application form: https://forms.office.com/r/RvUNi7dU25  

Mentee Application form:  https://forms.office.com/r/gLLfyQKHwR 

For more information contact admin@ied.co.uk, stay tuned to our newsletters and LinkedIn group (https://www.linkedin.com/groups/9581970/).