Community wealth building 2026: Building an economy for local people
Following the 2026 local elections, this updated guide for new councillors provides a roadmap for newly elected representatives looking to…
Community Wealth Building
Over the past 10 years, CLES has amassed a body of work around Community Wealth Building and Anchor Organisations in Greater Manchester, Preston, Birmingham and 11 cities across Europe. This pioneering work is focused on building an economy where wealth – including the spend of local anchor organisations – is recirculated locally for the benefit of local communities.
In this short video, Matthew Jackson (Deputy Chief Executive), who has led CLES’ work in this area, explains Community Wealth Building and it’s history in a conversation with Neil McInroy (Chief Executive).
Read more about this work.
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Our work combines strategy, research, advocacy and convening — giving places the tools and insights to build stronger local economies.
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Explore the latest ideas, insights and actions from CLES - sharing what we’re learning, questioning and creating with our partners.
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Putting economies in its place.
We work collaboratively to develop solutions that ensure economies are rooted in the places people call home.
About us
We work collaboratively to develop solutions that ensure economies are rooted in the places people call home.