The catalyst

Back in 2005, CLES was at the forefront of working and applying policy practice around regeneration, social and economic development. However, it had limits. Namely:

• Regeneration resources were used merely to plug gaps in an economy, wealth was not redistributed and did not trickle down
• Economic development policy was overly focused on inward investment and competition and failed to consider social outcomes
• Gaps between rich and poorer areas remained.

These limits ignited a desire to explore new policy and practice that could deliver wealth for all more effectively.