Economic development professionals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and management in their role, and who motivate and inspire their team to achieve success through effective leadership.

Shortlist

Becky Davies, Economic Development Manager, Torbay Council

Becky’s desire and enthusiasm to empower people has been a key driver for her nomination.  Becky has inspired the team to achieve the successes they have over the last 12 months thanks to her excellence in management and impactful leadership.  Becky Is a true reflection of our company core values - adaptability, forward thinking, people orientated and integrity.

Bev Hurley CBE, CEO YTKO

Bev exemplifies transformative leadership in economic development, consistently demonstrating exceptional management and leadership throughout her distinguished career. As CEO of YTKO since 2000, Bev has driven the organisation’s mission to support SMEs, particularly in the non-profit sector, with a sharp focus on disadvantaged backgrounds. Her innovative approach has inspired her team and led to significant economic impacts.

Claire Pearce, Director of Planning and Economic Development, This is Gravity Ltd

Skilled in economic development, Claire has an exceptional track record. Transitioning from the public sector and leading HPC nuclear new build, to Gravity, providing transformational leadership to kick start and deliver long term economic restructuring on a stalled, 616 acre enterprise zone, securing Agratas in the UK ...“a powerhouse”
 
Team of the Year - Sponsored by Copper Consultancy
Exceptional economic development teams who have gone above and beyond in ensuring the smooth running and effective delivery of economic development functions in their organisations.

Shortlist

Economic Development Team, Basildon Council

Basildon Council’s Economic Development Team is a small multi-disciplinary team of six, covering business engagement, inward investment, skills, employability, and town centre management. Over the last year, the team has supported 3000+ businesses; delivered 300+ events; attracted 1000+ people to the first Creative Tech Festival & 1000 young people to the Basildon Skills Show, engaged 2500+ primary aged pupils; and supported 1500+ people with employability services.

Economic Growth & Housing Service, Sefton Council

Sefton Council’s work in supporting the growth of the Borough’s economy, has ensured that we have remained resilient, despite many economic challenges including impact from the recent horrific incident in Southport. This work is led by the Economic Growth & Housing team; a dynamic and diverse range of services.

Economy Team, Torbay Council

Torbay Council Economy Team have remained focused and diligent whilst delivering exceptional services during a challenging year that has seen significant organisational change.  They have been committed to service delivery and our core values during this time, consistently exceeding all our expectations. We strive to make a difference to our businesses, communities, people, and place. This application provides a glimpse into what the team has achieved over the last 12 months.

Rising Star of the Year - Sponsored by AtkinsRéalis
Younger economic development team members aged 30 or under (as of 1st June 2024) who have demonstrated excellence, commitment and gone above and beyond in their early career.

Shortlist

James Corden, Economic Development Planning Manager, National Highways

As economic development lead at National Highways James plays a pivotal role in developing and embedding the economic development agenda in a national transport body, culminating in the publication of the Economic Overview. James is a committed member of the IED Early Careers Network and graduate mentor.

Matt Budd, Associate Director, AMION Consulting

Matt, Associate Director at AMION Consulting, has excelled in economic development, leading analysis for £459 million in successful Levelling Up Fund bids and high-profile projects such as Eurovision 2023. He has developed an innovative placemaking model for residential schemes and delivered expert training, sharing his knowledge and advancing industry standards.

Connor Conneely, Senior Economic Development Officer, Torbay Council

Connor’s ability to build great relationships has been cornerstone in his success. He is highly regarded by colleagues/external partners for his professionalism, reliability, integrity and collaborative spirit. Connor is not only a great colleague but also a supportive mentor to new team members. His willingness to share knowledge and provide guidance has fostered a positive and productive work environment. Connor’s development journey has been exceptional and is a testament of his hard work and dedication.

Social Value Champion of the Year - Sponsored by Social Value Engine
Individuals who have championed and made a significant contribution to social value creation, developing best practice in their field and making positive impacts in their communities. 

Shortlist

Make Your Place, Southampton Business School and the Future Towns Innovation Hub, University of Southampton

Make your Place (MYP) is an inclusive enterprise challenge that encourages sustainable, place based, innovation in schools, colleges, and organisations across Hampshire. This collaboration between the University of Southampton, local government, and regional partners encourages young people to think creatively about how they can ‘make their place a better place’.

Charles Rapson, Strategic Lead for Social Economy Growth, West Midlands Combined Authority

Charles joined West Midlands Combined Authority in 2023, aiming to double the size of the social economy across the West Midlands in ten years. His innovative, enabling approach champions the role of community-led organisations in maximising social value and creates a sustainable, community-led approach that delivers opportunities for everyone.

The Sunspot, Jaywick Workspace, Tendring District Council

The Sunspot is a new landmark building on the seafront at Jaywick Sands, Essex creating economic opportunities, generating jobs, providing local services, transforming and regenerating the area and providing a place the community can be proud in the heart of a town labelled the most deprived neighbourhood in county. 

Most Innovative Project of the Year  - Sponsored by Growth Maturity Index
Innovative economic development projects which have pushed the boundaries beyond traditional approaches and delivered additional beneficial outcomes as a result of the innovation.

Shortlist

Business Tapas, Cheshire West and Chester Council

Business Tapas is an innovative digital knowledge hub, designed to accelerate business growth and empower local economies. Providing tailored resources that allow for autonomous learning, content is delivered in ‘bitesize’ portions, supporting companies of all sizes and stages - from large enterprises to start-ups and not-for-profits.

Enterprise Facilitation Project, Blaenau Gwent Country Borough Council

Blaenau Gwent Council’s Enterprise Facilitation Programme is the first of its kind in Wales. The programme provides free confidential business coaching to capture the passion of local people in the community and give them the support they need to help them on their entrepreneurial journey. 

Greater Manchester Foundational Economy Innovation Fund (FEIF), delivered by Greater Manchester Combined Authority Economy Team

The “foundational economy” – the parts of the economy we depend on for our daily needs – is crucial but sometimes overlooked. By providing grants and support, and testing approaches to improving productivity, GMCA is helping a more a diverse range of businesses to innovate and grow. 

Collaborative Initiative of the Year
Outstanding cross-sector economic development collaboration between two or more partners drawn from local authorities, private sector, third sector, business and academia.

Shortlist

STEP Fusion Programme, West Lindsey District Council, Bassetlaw District Council, Nottinghamshire County Council, Lincolnshire County Council, UK Atomic Energy Authroity and UK Industrial Fusion Solutions.

The formation of a cross sector, multi-disciplinary consortium to bid for and win the right to locate and co-develop the internationally important STEP fusion energy programme at the former West Burton Power-Station site. A collaboration without borders, working to realise sustainable long-term economic benefit for the region.

Cradle to Career, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Right to Succeed Charity.

Cradle to Career (C2C) brings together partners across Liverpool City Region (LCR), working together collectively to improve the lives of children and young people. It is an innovative place-based change programme that builds cross-sector networks to develop new and existing assets within communities to implement sustainable change both economically and socially.

Place-based Impact Investing (PBII) initiative, The Good Economy

The Good Economy's Place-based Impact Investing (PBII) initiative aims to increase institutional investment in socially beneficial projects in disadvantaged areas. The initiative includes the PBII Network for collaborative problem-solving, a PBII Reporting Framework for transparent impact reporting, and strategic advice. The PBII model is shaping national and regional economic policies

Outstanding Impact - Sponsored by Key Cities
For projects delivered and concluded in the last five years, which demonstrate benchmarked evidence against other similar initiatives. Impacts could include environmental, social, business support (from start-up to growth and scale), rural development and regeneration.

Shortlist

From trains to cranes – HS2 and the West Midlands’ development boom, HS2 Limited and Arcadis Consulting (UK) Ltd

For too long the debate on the wider economic benefits of high-speed rail in the UK has relied on anecdotal evidence. This research gives definitive proof that investor appetite, regeneration activity and investment close to HS2’s regional assets has surged since HS2 from London to the West Midlands gained Royal Assent in 2017.

Salford Central masterplan delivered by English Cities Fund in partnership with Salford City Council.  

Salford continues to experience high market confidence, sustained GVA, productivity and innovation; the hallmarks of a high-value, mature and diverse economy that continues to perform well. Pinnacle to this growth has been delivery against Salford Central masterplan delivered by English Cities Fund in partnership with Salford City Council.  

The Business and Tourism Programme: Boosting the economic legacy of the Birmingham 2022 Commonwealth Games, West Midlands Growth Company

The West Midlands Growth Company (WMGC) is the investment promotion and destination management agency for the West Midlands region. Backed by the West Midlands Combined Authority, its seven metropolitan councils and five of the region’s universities, WMGC works to attract investment, businesses and visitors to the West Midlands to grow the economy, create jobs and deliver a better quality of life for those who live and work here.

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year

Individuals who have strived to actively promote, celebrate and raise awareness of EDI, improving under-represented involvement in economic development in their organisation or externally.

 
Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development
Individuals who have made a sustained outstanding contribution to any field of economic development over a minimum of 20 years.