James Thompson

Consultant

James is committed to supporting local places and sector organisations to utilise evidence-based insights to create practical interventions for positive change.

At Metro Dynamics, James conducts detailed research into policy environments and economic sectors, analyses data to inform place and sectoral narratives, and engages with stakeholders to devise pragmatic action plans. James also has experience as a project officer, creating project plans and ensuring resources and tasks align with key milestones, delivering quality project outputs. In recent work, James has supported the West Midlands Combined Authority to develop and designate the regional Investment Zone focused on the Advanced Manufacturing sector, conducted research on behalf of Midlands Innovation to identify investible propositions in the Creative & Digital Industries, and worked with South Tyneside Council to strengthen the strategic narrative for their place. James also now sits on the Metro Dynamics Employee-Owned Trust Board. 

Before joining Metro Dynamics, James graduated with a Master's in Political Economy and a Bachelor's in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from the University of Manchester. Alongside his studies, James was the Strategist for The Peterloo Institute, Manchester’s first student Think Tank, which publishes research papers and blogs on topics of Regional Inequality. 

Contact James via Email or LinkedIn

Recent publications:

Universities, Creative Industries & Inward Investment – who drives what? 
The 2024 Budget and Places: Three Takeaways