LED Confidential

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.

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.

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.

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.

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the UKGovernment’s £500m investment in the Oxford-Cambridge corridor. With ambitions to create “Europe’s Silicon Valley,” the episode explores whether this mix of public and private investment, statutory development corporations, and transport infrastructure is a one-off or a replicable model for other UK growth corridors. They also reflect on the political complexities, the role of local governance, and the importance of inclusive innovation. Is this a generational mission—or just another commuter belt upgrade?