Towns and cities are the driving force of economic development and social progress.

We are founded on devolution and it is core to our business. We believe that Britain is far too centralised and that devolution to our nations, regions, and localities across the UK is fundamental to enabling our towns and cities to achieve their economic potential, unlocking more inclusive and sustainable growth for everyone. We have been on the devolution journey since the very beginning, both as senior advisers and as a business, working on devolution and regional policy in the early 2000s, helping to shape Devo Met through the City Growth Commission, and then supporting the development of Mayoral Combined Authorities and City Regions throughout the UK.​

We believe that places – towns and cities – are and will increasingly be the driving force of the economic development and social progress in the UK. They will be the places where solutions to climate change and a growing global population are developed and made real. They should also be places where people have access to more opportunities and better, fairer and more inclusive living. ​​

As new Combined Authorities have been established and grown over recent years, we have provided strategic capacity, analysis and ideas for places. We work with places to:​

  • Help determine the prize for economic collaboration 

  • Support Leaders and Chief Executives to agree the principles for devolution in their places

  • Support negotiations for new or extended devolution arrangements

  • Develop strategy for inclusive economic growth, skills and employment, and infrastructure investment ​

  • Create compelling project, funding and business case development to leverage resources for change​

  • Advise on governance and collaboration approaches among elected members and officers​

  • Successfully navigate local and national political landscapes to build consensus

Selected case studies: