How to build an anchor network

Anchor institution networks are an idea whose time has come. As the challenges facing the UK deepen and multiply, the institutions in our towns, cities and regions are increasingly motivated to work collectively to influence the creation of better lives for people in the places they serve.

This guide uses the West Midlands as a case study to bring together some of their “lessons learned” to act as inspiration and guide to those who would like to build their own network. From starting up a network to maximising its impact, from big city to satellite town, local authority-led networks to those that have engaged the private sector, we provide an overview of the different types of networks and the advantages (and disadvantages) associated with them, and how best to exercise your collective power once it is harnessed.

This guide was produced by CLES as part of the Reclaiming Our Regional Economies (RORE) programme, which is a five-year programme developed by CLES, the New Economics Foundation (NEF), Co-operatives UK and the Centre for Thriving Places (CTP). The programme brings communities together with political and institutional leaders to test ideas that help to re-wire and reform their regional economies, so that they deliver good lives now and for generations to come. RORE is funded by National Lottery Community Fund, Power to Change, Friends Provident Foundation and Barrow Cadbury Trust.