LED Confidential

LED Confidential
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Podcast about local economic development and placemaking. Co-hosted by Mike Spicer of PolicyDepartment and David Marlow of Third Life Economics. Mike, David and guests address the divisive, often unspoken issues facing economic development professionals in 2020s Britain. Website: www.ledconfidential.co.uk

  1. The Hallett COVID‑19 Inquiry and local economic resilience

    1D AGO

    The Hallett COVID‑19 Inquiry and local economic resilience

    Six years after the pandemic declaration, the Hallett COVID‑19 Inquiry is uncovering lessons with major implications for local economic development. David and Mike discuss enduring economic scarring, deepened health inequalities, the overlooked importance of social infrastructure, and why future LED strategies must embrace resilience, slack and the agency of hyper‑local communities. A sharp 10‑minute dive into what the Inquiry means for placemaking in 2026.

    11 min
  2. How England’s new Visitor Levy could reshape local growth, tourism and government finance

    FEB 5

    How England’s new Visitor Levy could reshape local growth, tourism and government finance

    What should England’s new Visitor Levy really be used for — growing the visitor economy, boosting wellbeing, or redistributing tourism across Combined Authority areas? David and Mike unpack the Government’s 72‑page consultation, explore why England’s opt‑in model is unusual when compared to those operating in elsewhere in Europe, and discuss how varying charge levels, lobbying pressures and sub‑regional governance could shape local economic development.

    13 min
  3. Greenland, geopolitics and local economic development - when global tensions reach local economies

    JAN 29

    Greenland, geopolitics and local economic development - when global tensions reach local economies

    As US–Europe tensions over Greenland flare and then cool (for now), David and Mike ask what this kind of geopolitical dispute really means for local economic development. They unpack how tariff threats, critical minerals, energy security and defence policy filter down into business confidence, inward investment, and local growth plans – and why LED professionals need to move from static strategies to live scenario planning that reflects an increasingly uncertain trading environment.

    12 min
  4. Inclusive growth meets global trade: inside Scotland's Green Freeport model

    JAN 16

    Inclusive growth meets global trade: inside Scotland's Green Freeport model

    What does it take to turn a 50km stretch of Scotland’s Firth of Forth into a hub for sustainable growth? CEO Sarah Murray gives LEDC the inside track on the Forth Green Freeport. From unlocking £8 billion in investment and creating 34,000 jobs to embedding fair work and Net Zero principles, the Scottish Green Freeport model promises economic, social, and environmental transformation on a grand scale. But how do you balance global capital with local benefit? How do you curate investment, manage complex partnerships, and ensure communities are at the heart of change? Join LEDC as David, Mike, and Sarah unpack the lessons for economic developers everywhere.

    41 min
  5. Crystal ball for 2026: place, pride, and big bets on infrastructure

    JAN 2

    Crystal ball for 2026: place, pride, and big bets on infrastructure

    2026 could be a year of big moves—or big misses for economic development. In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike share their predictions on placemaking, local growth, and the infrastructure bets that could make or break business confidence.

    12 min
  6. 2025 in review: devolution, the Reform Party, and the future of local government

    12/22/2025

    2025 in review: devolution, the Reform Party, and the future of local government

    2025 was a year of contrasts for local economic development in the UK: progress on devolution, persistent financial fragility, and political shake-ups. In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike look back at the stories that mattered—and what they mean for the sector in the year ahead.

    14 min
  7. Innovation Districts 2.0: making growth inclusive

    12/15/2025

    Innovation Districts 2.0: making growth inclusive

    Innovation districts have become a cornerstone of urban economic development—but are they truly inclusive? In this episode, David and Mike talk to Dr. Michael Glass of theUniversity of Pittsburgh about the next generation of innovation districts: ID 2.0. Drawing on international comparative research across four cities—Pittsburgh, Medellín,Newcastle, and Belfast—Michael explains how leadership, community engagement, and governance can ensure these don't become inward-looking enclaves but instead are catalysts for regional equity and opportunity. If you care about inclusive growth, urban redevelopment, and the future of innovation policy, this is an essential listen.

    44 min
  8. UK Budget 2025: is fiscal devolution finally here?

    12/01/2025

    UK Budget 2025: is fiscal devolution finally here?

    The UK Government’s Autumn 2025 Budget promises big changes for local economic development—but will they deliver? In this episode, David and Mike dive into the details behind the expansion of Integrated Settlements, new overnight visitor levies, Business Rate Retention Zones and more. What of the growing gap between the powers and funding available to Mayoral Strategic Authorities and non non-mayoral areas in England? Tune in for a sharp analysis of what Budget 2025 means for place-making and the future of local growth.

    27 min
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About

Podcast about local economic development and placemaking. Co-hosted by Mike Spicer of PolicyDepartment and David Marlow of Third Life Economics. Mike, David and guests address the divisive, often unspoken issues facing economic development professionals in 2020s Britain. Website: www.ledconfidential.co.uk

Information

  • Creator
    LED Confidential
  • Years Active
    2022 - 2026
  • Episodes
    112
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © LED Confidential
  • Show Website
    LED Confidential