Summer is always a time of reflection for me. The day job quietens down enough for some of the learning and experience over the past year to sink in and gives me time to put it into perspective.
I’m looking forward to deploying my skills, experience and networks – and learning and developing new ones – in the new policy era which began after the General Election on 04 July. Retirement’s a long way off!
This year I’ve reached 30 years working in local, city and regional economic development, In this short article I’ll reflect on what I’ve achieved, and more importantly what I’ve learnt.
What at career journey its been! – my career in numbers:
- 6 Senior Executive positions: Centre for Cities, London Development Agency, East of England Development Agency, GCGPLEP, Cambridge Econometrics and Mylocaleconomy
- 14 years in public and non-profit sectors, 12 years in consultancy, 4 years in postgraduate study (with Scottish Enterprise)
- Managed budgets of up to £25 million
- 9 business / operational plans for an economic organisation or directorate since 1998
- Lined managed 30 staff since 2006
- 25 local / regional economic strategies since 1998
- Over 3000 stakeholders around the UK consulted, over 100 workshops and focus groups since 1998
- Over 100 presentations and speeches
- 42 local/ regional economic studies and reports since 1998
- 46 sector, innovation or industry studies since 1998
- 18 funding bids supported, helped to win £323m since 1998
- 25 project evaluations since 1998
- 7 major re-engineering / improvement reviews since 1998
- 6 international studies since 1998
What have I learnt over these 30 years? Here’s 10 lessons that stand out.
10 lessons from my 30-year career so far
1. Lifelong Learning is Essential
The world is constantly changing. From growing up as a child and witnessing regional deindustrialisation and mass unemployment, to recovery, growth, and crisis again, and now the rise of AI, staying curious is paramount. Economies are dynamic, policies and delivery solutions change over time. I’ve seen 5 recessions and five major funding and policy overhauls in the UK alone!
Stay curious and embrace lifelong learning to stay ahead.
2. Politics Matters
Economic development is inherently political. It’s about who benefits from growth. Politicians with agendas and fixed ideas about solutions are often more open to better approaches and solutions than you’d initially think. What they want is to see something happen, and for it to be effective.
Develop your “political radar” and craft solutions that resonate with politicians, that better meet their needs than their own ideas for delivery.
3. Collaboration is Key
Economic development thrives on teamwork. Multiple skills and expertise are needed – from economists to project managers. Hierarchical structures stifle innovation and will guarantee the exit of your most talented staff.
Build agile, curious teams that leverage diverse perspectives.
4. Core Skills for Success
Economic developers need a strong foundation. This includes economic and business literacy, project management, stakeholder engagement, communication, and financial skills.
But don’t forget the “soft skills” – curiosity, openness, a drive for excellence, and prioritisation. For leaders, add political awareness and stakeholder management to the mix.
5. Clear objectives with decent resources
Economic development is about results. Do you want 100 mediocre projects or a few that truly excel? Prioritise ruthlessly. Resources are finite. Remember, Germany’s reunification success wasn’t achieved on a shoestring budget – they spend £30 billion per year.
Have clear goals, get on and deliver what you can now. Be honest about other challenges where you don’t have the solutions or resources yet. Review things annually and be agile – sometimes resources and opportunities can come along and help you address these gaps.
6. Measure, evaluate and improve
Monitoring and evaluation are crucial. They allow you to refine delivery, demonstrate value, and justify continued funding.
Never renew a project without a performance report and improvement plan.
7. Learn from the past
The UK has a wealth of knowledge on economic development policy, strategies and delivery. Yet, we often reinvent the wheel.
Learn from past successes and failures. For every new plan, ask “what can we learn from past experiences?”
8. Due diligence matters
Public money demands scrutiny. Refine processes without compromising informed decision-making.
9. Business is a vital partner, but so are communities and government
Businesses are vital to economic development, but not a silver bullet. Success requires understanding public policy, working with diverse stakeholders, and recognising that economic development and public policy isn’t the same as running a business.
10. Invest in people
Billions have been poured into land and property development, while education and training budgets have dwindled. However, adaptable people are the backbone of a thriving economy.
Prioritise human capital investment. Public money in infrastructure should enhance labour mobility and skills progression, not create empty shopping malls.
Let’s be good mentors, teachers and role models
How can we contribute to a better economy that benefits everyone? One thing I have also benefitted from are some fantastic role models and mentors over the years. Let’s be good mentors, teachers and role models to the people working in our profession, in particular the new intake that will enter this profession over the next few years.
These are the lessons that have shaped my career. I’m eager to leverage them in the new policy era and continue making a positive impact on economic development. I’ll say curious and driven by results.
Want to read, hear, or watch more?
Some key highlights for you here:
What does the King’s speech mean for local, regional and city economies in the UK? – summary of what the new Labour government’s legislative agenda might mean for UK economies
10 realistic policy options and mechanisms for a short-term boost to local economic growth
New UK government – actions you can take now for local growth
Lessons from history – the last Labour government (1997-2010) and their policies for local and regional economies.
What does evidence tell us about the UK regional economic problem?
Need help? get in touch
I help build great economic development organisations
Glenn Athey is a leading economic development and regeneration professional and senior executive with a 30-year track record of successful leadership, delivery, networks, and practical knowledge acquired working in senior roles in government agencies, partnership organisations and UK think tanks.
Glenn helps local leaders translate their economic ambitions into winning advocacy and solutions that get funded.
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