The Economic Growth and Investment Group aims to boost regional growth, entrepreneurship, and investment in areas of economic disadvantage outside of London and the south east.
Led by Rob Wilson, Deputy Chair of the Social Mobility Commission, the Group includes senior representatives from major businesses, universities, and public sector organisations.
The Group will draw up policy recommendations for the Government, with the aim of empowering communities to break down persistent barriers to growth. Their insights will also support the development of a wider strategic framework, which can be tailored to support place-based approaches.
Paul Modley, Chair of the Social Mobility Forum welcomed the launch of the Group
“The launch of the SMC’s Economic Growth and Investment Group is a pivotal step toward better supporting ‘left behind’ communities across the UK. To drive real change, we must do more to improve opportunities and long-term social mobility. With over 30 years of experience in talent acquisition, I see an exciting opportunity to bridge the gap between disadvantaged communities and employers struggling with an ageing workforce and critical skills shortages. By better connecting talent with opportunity, we can create lasting economic and social benefits for all.”
The Social Mobility Commission’s State of Nation 2024 report into social mobility, shows that many former mining, industrial and ship-building areas, as well as rural and coastal areas continue to have the lowest opportunities across the UK. The Commission believes that a place-based approach that promotes innovation, investment and entrepreneurship is essential to growing opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas.
Together with our partners in the Economic Growth and Investment Group the Commission will examine the economic challenges faced by disadvantaged areas to develop a practical strategic framework and policy recommendations for businesses and Government.
Economic Growth and Investment Group members:
AO.com – John Roberts, Chief Executive Officer
Business in the Community – Mary Macleod, Chief Executive
Competition and Markets Authority – Dr Mike Walker, Chief Economist
Dyson Institute of Engineering and Technology – Professor Beverley Gibbs, Director
Everton in the Community – Sue Gregory, Chief Executive Officer
Federation of Small Businesses – Craig Beaumont, Executive Director
High Value Manufacturing Catapult – Katherine Bennett CBE, Chief Executive Officer
HSBC
Kier Group plc – Simon Kesterton, Chief Financial Officer
Manchester City Council; Greater Manchester Combined Authority – Councillor Bev Craig, Leader of Manchester City Council; Economy, Business and Inclusive Growth Lead, Greater Manchester Combined Authority
Movement to Work – Louise Quinney, Chief Operating Officer
Pod point and Brill Power – Dr Andy Palmer, Executive Chairman, Former Chief Executive Officer of Aston Martin and Chief Operating Officer of Nissan
Siemens GB&I – James Murnieks, Chief Financial Officer
Unbiased – Karen Barrett, Founder and Chief Executive Officer
University College London – Professor Sir Richard Blundell, Professor of Political Economy
University of Manchester – Professor Richard Jones, Fellow of the Royal Society, Vice-President for Regional Innovation and Civic Engagement
University of Manchester – Aurore Hochard, Director, Masood Entrepreneurship Centre
UKIE – Nick Poole – Chief Executive Officer
Yorkshire AI Labs LLP – David Richards, Managing Partner