In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike explore how local leadership teams can build resilience into economic development and place-making strategies in an age of perma- crisis. Reflecting on recent power outages and cyber attacks, extreme weather and infrastructure shocks, they discuss how places can prepare for the unexpected. Drawing on lessons from recent crises and long-term planning approaches, they examine the trade-offs between efficiency and resilience—and what it means for the future of local growth.

David and Mike are joined by Emma Frost, Chair of the UK Innovation Districts Group, to explore how innovation districts can drive inclusive growth. They discuss the essential ingredients of successful districts, how to manage the risks of exclusion and gentrification, and why collaborative leadership and long-term thinking can unlock their full potential.

What can local leaders do when faced with the closure of a major employment site like British Steel in Scunthorpe that the UK government stepped in to save? When thousands of jobs are at stake is there a rulebook to follow or is politics all?

What does an aggressively protectionist US trade policy mean for local economies in the States and further afield? Can it re-industrialise Appalachia, or is it doomed to fail?

In this episode, David and Mike explore the transformative potential of Mayoral Combined Authorities in England for economic development and public services. They are joined by Henry Kippin, Chief Executive of the North East Combined Authority and one of the few professionals in the sector to have occupied senior positions in three MCAs . Through the lens of England's North East, they discuss the challenges and opportunities faced by MCAs, the importance of their leadership to places, and how the democratic mandate offers a chance to achieve the institutional longevity that has traditionally eluded regional-scale public bodies in the country.

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the implications of the recent NAO report on St Helena's Airport for local economic development and devolution in the UK. They explore the lessons that can be dawn from the airport's business case and its proposed contribution to the island's financial self-sufficiency. Join them as they ask: how should we define sustainable growth and financial independence for 'peripheral' places?

In this Espresso Shot episode, David and Mike unpack the UK Government's newly announced Plan for Neighbourhoods. They explore whether this initiative represents a genuine step change for local economic development or if it's merely a repackaging of the previous government's approach. They ask: how can we learn from past experience to maximise the impact of this programme? Join them as they dissect its components and discuss its implications for community involvement and local economic development.

David and Mike explore Cambridge's tech-led economic development, its role as a global tech hub, and the challenges and opportunities of being a focus of national growth plans. Joined by Dan Thorp, CEO of Cambridge Ahead, they discuss lessons for other city regions and how non-governmental place champions like CA can effectively promote their success.