Economic development
CLES is the UK’s leading organisation for inclusive local economic development. We focus on making sure wealth and power benefit people, places and the planet.
We challenge traditional, growth‑at‑all‑costs approaches that rely on speculative investment and allow wealth to be extracted from communities. Instead, we show how economic strategies can actively promote fairness, inclusion, better health and environmental sustainability.
As pioneers of community wealth building, we help places grow locally rooted, socially minded businesses, strengthen the everyday sectors people rely on, and use the influence of major local institutions to create good jobs, keep wealth circulating locally and support the transition to net zero. Through research, policy work and hands‑on support, we help councils and strategic authorities put practical, place‑based ideas into action—offering a genuine “light in the dark”. Our work shows how local economies can tackle poverty, inequality and the climate crisis while building resilience and shared prosperity.
What we're all about
What we offer
Our work combines strategy, research, advocacy and convening — giving places the tools and insights to build stronger local economies.
Learn more
Our thinking
Explore the latest ideas, insights and actions from CLES - sharing what we’re learning, questioning and creating with our partners.
Learn more