The Centre for Local Economic Strategies
CLES is the national organisation for local economies
Established in 1986, we are a Manchester-based charity working towards a future where local economies benefit people, place and the planet.
This will happen when wealth and power serve local people, rather than the other way around, enabling communities to flourish. We have an international reputation for our pioneering work on community wealth building and are recognised as the curators of the movement in the UK.
Our approach
We act as a critical friend to local economies, by working with the economic actors in places to bring them together, connect them to progressive agendas, devise solutions and deliver change.
This practice-based research also enables us to advocate for change to national debates. We do this by building progressive coalitions, amplifying innovative local economic approaches and stimulating governments of all scales to enable local economies to reach their full potential.
