Megan Streb
@meganstreb.bsky.social
Head of Outreach at @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social Non-Exec Director at @theied.bsky.social Also, fan of good planning, transport, and local gov. American living in Southampton, UK with ADHD. she/her
Some delightful comparisons on London's size in the comments here. A great reminder of why we often need to answer "is this a big number?" in multiple ways!
Always fascinating watching people underestimate the size of London vs other UK ciries.
On an average weekday, more journeys are made on JUST the Elizabeth line than the ENTIRE population of Liverpool.
If the Tube was a city, its average daily passengers would make it the 2nd largest in the UK.
On an average weekday, more journeys are made on JUST the Elizabeth line than the ENTIRE population of Liverpool.
If the Tube was a city, its average daily passengers would make it the 2nd largest in the UK.
October 28, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Some delightful comparisons on London's size in the comments here. A great reminder of why we often need to answer "is this a big number?" in multiple ways!
Reposted by Megan Streb
Competition is an important driver of productivity as it can push businesses to become more efficient, innovative and productive.
But local government should think carefully about how to intervene.
Check out the latest blog👇
buff.ly/v2UFZ3N
But local government should think carefully about how to intervene.
Check out the latest blog👇
buff.ly/v2UFZ3N
Understanding the drivers of productivity: Enterprise and competition - What Works Growth
This blog focuses on enterprise and competition, and complements the blogs on GVA and productivity published in summer 2024.
buff.ly
October 15, 2025 at 11:50 AM
Competition is an important driver of productivity as it can push businesses to become more efficient, innovative and productive.
But local government should think carefully about how to intervene.
Check out the latest blog👇
buff.ly/v2UFZ3N
But local government should think carefully about how to intervene.
Check out the latest blog👇
buff.ly/v2UFZ3N
Reposted by Megan Streb
In September the government published the last of eight sector plans in the industrial strategy, covering defence.
Our new blog gives suggestions for how places can think through support to local businesses in responding to these plans👇
buff.ly/qR0b8yL
Our new blog gives suggestions for how places can think through support to local businesses in responding to these plans👇
buff.ly/qR0b8yL
Local opportunities in the Defence Industrial Strategy - What Works Growth
In September the government published the Defence Industrial Strategy 2025. This is the last of eight sector plans in the national Industrial Strategy, alongside Advanced Manufacturing, Clean Energy…
buff.ly
October 6, 2025 at 12:56 PM
In September the government published the last of eight sector plans in the industrial strategy, covering defence.
Our new blog gives suggestions for how places can think through support to local businesses in responding to these plans👇
buff.ly/qR0b8yL
Our new blog gives suggestions for how places can think through support to local businesses in responding to these plans👇
buff.ly/qR0b8yL
Second blog in our new series 'Understanding drivers of productivity' -- this time on understanding capital and investment - a huge factor in the UK productivity puzzle.
This is a useful addition to our 'Core Concepts' series aimed at #localgov economic development teams.
This is a useful addition to our 'Core Concepts' series aimed at #localgov economic development teams.
Capital is an important driver of productivity 📈
If businesses want to improve productivity, they might invest in new machinery to speed up production, or new software to tackle more complex and higher value tasks 💰
Read in full 👇
buff.ly/R7oZVrz
If businesses want to improve productivity, they might invest in new machinery to speed up production, or new software to tackle more complex and higher value tasks 💰
Read in full 👇
buff.ly/R7oZVrz
Understanding the drivers of productivity: Capital - What Works Growth
The drivers of productivity include skills, capital, innovation, enterprise and competition, and land. This blog focuses on capital.
buff.ly
September 16, 2025 at 1:27 PM
Second blog in our new series 'Understanding drivers of productivity' -- this time on understanding capital and investment - a huge factor in the UK productivity puzzle.
This is a useful addition to our 'Core Concepts' series aimed at #localgov economic development teams.
This is a useful addition to our 'Core Concepts' series aimed at #localgov economic development teams.
Reposted by Megan Streb
With more flights than ever taking off from the UK, airport expansion is a hot topic ✈️
But what might expansion mean for local growth in the areas around airports? Our new blog discusses some of the issues to consider👇
buff.ly/GSYeoO6
But what might expansion mean for local growth in the areas around airports? Our new blog discusses some of the issues to consider👇
buff.ly/GSYeoO6
Can expanding airports help local growth take off? - What Works Growth
August means airports, and now that air travel has rebounded from the lows during the Covid-19 pandemic to reach levels where globally there are more flights than ever, airports face bigger and…
buff.ly
August 28, 2025 at 1:47 PM
With more flights than ever taking off from the UK, airport expansion is a hot topic ✈️
But what might expansion mean for local growth in the areas around airports? Our new blog discusses some of the issues to consider👇
buff.ly/GSYeoO6
But what might expansion mean for local growth in the areas around airports? Our new blog discusses some of the issues to consider👇
buff.ly/GSYeoO6
Reposted by Megan Streb
Local Growth Plans are a key part of the government’s growth strategy.
Devolution will need to generate jobs, investment and economic activity more than the sum of their parts – multipliers can help assess these wider benefits.
Read how in our new blog👇
whatworksgrowth.org/insights/mul...
Devolution will need to generate jobs, investment and economic activity more than the sum of their parts – multipliers can help assess these wider benefits.
Read how in our new blog👇
whatworksgrowth.org/insights/mul...
Multiplying the benefits of Local Growth Plans - What Works Growth
Last month the government published new guidance for Mayoral Strategic Authorities on Local Growth Plans. These are a key foundation of the new Industrial Strategy and the government’s ambitions for d...
whatworksgrowth.org
July 14, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Local Growth Plans are a key part of the government’s growth strategy.
Devolution will need to generate jobs, investment and economic activity more than the sum of their parts – multipliers can help assess these wider benefits.
Read how in our new blog👇
whatworksgrowth.org/insights/mul...
Devolution will need to generate jobs, investment and economic activity more than the sum of their parts – multipliers can help assess these wider benefits.
Read how in our new blog👇
whatworksgrowth.org/insights/mul...
Reposted by Megan Streb
🆕 Rapid evidence review: Local multiplier effects of changes in public spending
We’ve published a new briefing on the local multiplier effects of changes in public spending.
Read in full 👇
whatworksgrowth.org/wp-content/u...
We’ve published a new briefing on the local multiplier effects of changes in public spending.
Read in full 👇
whatworksgrowth.org/wp-content/u...
July 7, 2025 at 8:01 AM
🆕 Rapid evidence review: Local multiplier effects of changes in public spending
We’ve published a new briefing on the local multiplier effects of changes in public spending.
Read in full 👇
whatworksgrowth.org/wp-content/u...
We’ve published a new briefing on the local multiplier effects of changes in public spending.
Read in full 👇
whatworksgrowth.org/wp-content/u...
Succinct podcast with the key takeaways on the impact of enterprise zones on the local economy. Great informative piece from our Deputy Director of Evidence, Victoria Sutherland, from @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social
PODCAST | Enterprise Zones 🎙️
@andrewcities.bsky.social is joined by Victoria Sutherland from @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social to discuss their recent rapid evidence review on Enterprise Zones.
Listen now 🎧👇
@andrewcities.bsky.social is joined by Victoria Sutherland from @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social to discuss their recent rapid evidence review on Enterprise Zones.
Listen now 🎧👇
July 2, 2025 at 10:13 AM
Succinct podcast with the key takeaways on the impact of enterprise zones on the local economy. Great informative piece from our Deputy Director of Evidence, Victoria Sutherland, from @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social
My newest blog for @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social -- there's going to be a lot of hype for the IS-8, but places need to be realistic -- creating an advanced manufacturing cluster out of thin air isn't going to happen in most places. Take a broader approach to tradeable sectors in local economic plans.
📍The IS-8 might not be right for your place
Local economies are not all the same, and economic strategy should never be a cookie cutter approach.
Read the blog 👇
Local economies are not all the same, and economic strategy should never be a cookie cutter approach.
Read the blog 👇
The IS-8 might not be right for your place - What Works Growth
Local economies are not all the same, and economic strategy should never be a cookie cutter approach.
buff.ly
June 27, 2025 at 1:31 PM
My newest blog for @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social -- there's going to be a lot of hype for the IS-8, but places need to be realistic -- creating an advanced manufacturing cluster out of thin air isn't going to happen in most places. Take a broader approach to tradeable sectors in local economic plans.
Great to have Jeff Matsu of CIPFA author a guest blog on "Linking Appraisal and Evaluation: Lessons for Smarter Public Spending" for @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social
A 6 minute read: whatworksgrowth.org/insights/lin...
A 6 minute read: whatworksgrowth.org/insights/lin...
Linking Appraisal and Evaluation: Lessons for Smarter Public Spending - What Works Growth
UK local and combined authorities are being asked not just to justify investments but to demonstrate their impact.
whatworksgrowth.org
June 17, 2025 at 9:57 AM
Great to have Jeff Matsu of CIPFA author a guest blog on "Linking Appraisal and Evaluation: Lessons for Smarter Public Spending" for @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social
A 6 minute read: whatworksgrowth.org/insights/lin...
A 6 minute read: whatworksgrowth.org/insights/lin...
Enterprise zones and investment zones have been a hot topic for the last few years. But how effective are they? Our latest blog sets out what we've learned from our most recent study, and why more targeted evaluations would be useful.
📌Are we too harsh on enterprise zones?
"We’ve been sceptical about the value of these programmes but if central government chooses to use these approaches, it makes sense for local areas to bid."
Read our latest blog for more👇
buff.ly/i8rcOYd
"We’ve been sceptical about the value of these programmes but if central government chooses to use these approaches, it makes sense for local areas to bid."
Read our latest blog for more👇
buff.ly/i8rcOYd
May 28, 2025 at 12:37 PM
Enterprise zones and investment zones have been a hot topic for the last few years. But how effective are they? Our latest blog sets out what we've learned from our most recent study, and why more targeted evaluations would be useful.
Reposted by Megan Streb
In the 2010s, the UK government announced 48 Enterprise Zones (EZs) offering five-year rebates on business rates, simplified planning regulations, access to superfast broadband, and (in some cases) tax relief on plant and machinery investments.
buff.ly/XChupdH
buff.ly/XChupdH
Evidence topic: Area based initiatives - What Works Growth
Original evidence reviews published in January 2016. Updated evidence review on enterprise zones published May 2025. Area based initiatives can have positive impacts on local growth outcomes, but…
buff.ly
May 8, 2025 at 10:35 AM
In the 2010s, the UK government announced 48 Enterprise Zones (EZs) offering five-year rebates on business rates, simplified planning regulations, access to superfast broadband, and (in some cases) tax relief on plant and machinery investments.
buff.ly/XChupdH
buff.ly/XChupdH
ICYMI: The UK Government launched an evaluation registry-- it includes evaluation plans and completed evaluations from across Departments and agencies. My latest blog highlights a few ways it can support local growth policymakers, as well as helping evaluation leads at MCAs to review methodologies.
✍️Learning from what works: using the Government’s new evaluation registry
Recently, the Evaluation Task Force within the Cabinet Office launched the evaluation registry with info on over 1400 evaluations conducted across UK government.
Find out more👇
buff.ly/YtyBd29
Recently, the Evaluation Task Force within the Cabinet Office launched the evaluation registry with info on over 1400 evaluations conducted across UK government.
Find out more👇
buff.ly/YtyBd29
April 23, 2025 at 1:13 PM
ICYMI: The UK Government launched an evaluation registry-- it includes evaluation plans and completed evaluations from across Departments and agencies. My latest blog highlights a few ways it can support local growth policymakers, as well as helping evaluation leads at MCAs to review methodologies.
@yadigomezh.bsky.social, research economist for @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social, offers recommendations for other evaluators in her newest blog.
BLOG | Recommendations for the evaluation of local growth policies ✍️
6️⃣ common lessons from our evaluations that we hope can make the process easier for others👇
6️⃣ common lessons from our evaluations that we hope can make the process easier for others👇
Recommendations for the evaluation of local growth policies - What Works Growth
We outline lessons and recommendations for the evaluation of local growth policies drawing on a number of evaluations over the years.
buff.ly
April 9, 2025 at 12:58 PM
@yadigomezh.bsky.social, research economist for @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social, offers recommendations for other evaluators in her newest blog.
Reposted by Megan Streb
Rigorous evaluation plays a key role in understanding the effectiveness of local growth policies.
We aim to make impact evaluation easier for policymakers by providing advice and support.
Our new briefing outlines lessons and recommendations from our evaluations 👇
1/6
We aim to make impact evaluation easier for policymakers by providing advice and support.
Our new briefing outlines lessons and recommendations from our evaluations 👇
1/6
March 25, 2025 at 10:06 AM
Rigorous evaluation plays a key role in understanding the effectiveness of local growth policies.
We aim to make impact evaluation easier for policymakers by providing advice and support.
Our new briefing outlines lessons and recommendations from our evaluations 👇
1/6
We aim to make impact evaluation easier for policymakers by providing advice and support.
Our new briefing outlines lessons and recommendations from our evaluations 👇
1/6
Reposted by Megan Streb
📌BLOG | We don’t have enough impact evaluations around local growth policies, but that can change.
Our Head of Outreach, @meganstreb.bsky.social, uses our newest publication to remind us that robust evaluation can be done in the UK.
See the blog👇
buff.ly/hqNpMha
Our Head of Outreach, @meganstreb.bsky.social, uses our newest publication to remind us that robust evaluation can be done in the UK.
See the blog👇
buff.ly/hqNpMha
What works for what works evaluations: Lessons and recommendations - What Works Growth
Our new publication, Lessons and recommendations from What Works Growth’s evaluations of local growth policies, draws on a number of evaluations that What Works Growth has carried out over the years.
buff.ly
March 31, 2025 at 12:02 PM
📌BLOG | We don’t have enough impact evaluations around local growth policies, but that can change.
Our Head of Outreach, @meganstreb.bsky.social, uses our newest publication to remind us that robust evaluation can be done in the UK.
See the blog👇
buff.ly/hqNpMha
Our Head of Outreach, @meganstreb.bsky.social, uses our newest publication to remind us that robust evaluation can be done in the UK.
See the blog👇
buff.ly/hqNpMha
Reposted by Megan Streb
📌 Why Industrial Strategy shouldn’t be aiming to make everywhere equally successful
In this blog, @paulswinney.bsky.social, sets out why the Industrial Strategy should be focused on the productivity of our biggest cities.
Read now 👇
loom.ly/o-GBm_s
In this blog, @paulswinney.bsky.social, sets out why the Industrial Strategy should be focused on the productivity of our biggest cities.
Read now 👇
loom.ly/o-GBm_s
Why Industrial Strategy shouldn’t be aiming to make everywhere equally successful - What Works Growth
In this guest blog, Paul Swinney sets out why the Industrial Strategy should be focused on the productivity of our biggest cities.
loom.ly
March 13, 2025 at 10:38 AM
📌 Why Industrial Strategy shouldn’t be aiming to make everywhere equally successful
In this blog, @paulswinney.bsky.social, sets out why the Industrial Strategy should be focused on the productivity of our biggest cities.
Read now 👇
loom.ly/o-GBm_s
In this blog, @paulswinney.bsky.social, sets out why the Industrial Strategy should be focused on the productivity of our biggest cities.
Read now 👇
loom.ly/o-GBm_s
Reposted by Megan Streb
How can #councils and planners create healthier places?
This practical new guild from @qualityoflifeuk.bsky.social shows how #DesignCodes can provide a framework for healthy place-making.
it's free - do take a look!
This practical new guild from @qualityoflifeuk.bsky.social shows how #DesignCodes can provide a framework for healthy place-making.
it's free - do take a look!
The #NPPF urges councils to create places that enable healthier lives. Our new guidance shows how #DesignCodes can be a powerful tool to do just that
📖 Download: www.qolf.org/what-we-do/d...
📅 Webinar: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/webinar-de...
Published w/ @tibbalds.bsky.social, @thetcpa.bsky.social
📖 Download: www.qolf.org/what-we-do/d...
📅 Webinar: www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/webinar-de...
Published w/ @tibbalds.bsky.social, @thetcpa.bsky.social
Design codes for health and wellbeing - QOLF
Design Codes for Health and Wellbeing provides practical advice for embedding health and wellbeing into the design coding process
www.qolf.org
March 11, 2025 at 11:47 AM
How can #councils and planners create healthier places?
This practical new guild from @qualityoflifeuk.bsky.social shows how #DesignCodes can provide a framework for healthy place-making.
it's free - do take a look!
This practical new guild from @qualityoflifeuk.bsky.social shows how #DesignCodes can provide a framework for healthy place-making.
it's free - do take a look!
Ahhhhh..... the beauty of nature in London's Green Belt. (this is a bonkers story that is well worth a read) www.theguardian.com/environment/...
The Rainham volcano: a waste dump is constantly on fire in east London. Why will no one stop it?
Under Arnolds Field, tonnes of illegally dumped waste have been burning for years, spewing pollution over the area. Locals fear for their health – and despair that no one seems willing to help
www.theguardian.com
March 4, 2025 at 2:41 PM
Ahhhhh..... the beauty of nature in London's Green Belt. (this is a bonkers story that is well worth a read) www.theguardian.com/environment/...
This is a fantastic thread, and some of the years will likely have you reeling.
I've decided to spend this year's LGBT+ history month by only being a historic gay
February 28, 2025 at 3:46 PM
This is a fantastic thread, and some of the years will likely have you reeling.
I volunteer at a school street in Southampton. Monday and Friday mornings I see the vast majority of kids walking, scooting or cycling. But cars are so freaking big (particularly compared to kids!) that a small number can cause chaos. It's a weekly reminder of inequity.
We can do better.
We can do better.
Today sees the release of the Children’s Walking and Cycling Index report - the first of it’s kind - sponsored by Halfords
Children are often overlooked by decision-makers and officers in transport, or if they are considered, it's on the school journey.
Children are often overlooked by decision-makers and officers in transport, or if they are considered, it's on the school journey.
February 27, 2025 at 4:50 PM
I volunteer at a school street in Southampton. Monday and Friday mornings I see the vast majority of kids walking, scooting or cycling. But cars are so freaking big (particularly compared to kids!) that a small number can cause chaos. It's a weekly reminder of inequity.
We can do better.
We can do better.
Great piece from @maxnathan.bsky.social et al originally in @econ-observatory.bsky.social on BBC relocation + multipliers.
Can't get enough of multiplier effects? Watch the recording of our recent @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social webinar -- link in the blog intro.
Can't get enough of multiplier effects? Watch the recording of our recent @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social webinar -- link in the blog intro.
BLOG | Do cities and regions gain from public sector relocation?
In this guest blog, @maxnathan.bsky.social, @henryoverman.bsky.social, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area.
Read more👇
loom.ly/hbBF_Xk
In this guest blog, @maxnathan.bsky.social, @henryoverman.bsky.social, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area.
Read more👇
loom.ly/hbBF_Xk
Do cities and regions gain from public sector relocation? - What Works Growth
In this guest blog, Dr. Max Nathan, Henry Overman, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC (partial) relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area. This bl...
loom.ly
February 27, 2025 at 4:26 PM
Great piece from @maxnathan.bsky.social et al originally in @econ-observatory.bsky.social on BBC relocation + multipliers.
Can't get enough of multiplier effects? Watch the recording of our recent @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social webinar -- link in the blog intro.
Can't get enough of multiplier effects? Watch the recording of our recent @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social webinar -- link in the blog intro.
Reposted by Megan Streb
BLOG | Do cities and regions gain from public sector relocation?
In this guest blog, @maxnathan.bsky.social, @henryoverman.bsky.social, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area.
Read more👇
loom.ly/hbBF_Xk
In this guest blog, @maxnathan.bsky.social, @henryoverman.bsky.social, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area.
Read more👇
loom.ly/hbBF_Xk
Do cities and regions gain from public sector relocation? - What Works Growth
In this guest blog, Dr. Max Nathan, Henry Overman, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC (partial) relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area. This bl...
loom.ly
February 27, 2025 at 1:01 PM
BLOG | Do cities and regions gain from public sector relocation?
In this guest blog, @maxnathan.bsky.social, @henryoverman.bsky.social, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area.
Read more👇
loom.ly/hbBF_Xk
In this guest blog, @maxnathan.bsky.social, @henryoverman.bsky.social, Capucine Riom, and Maria Sanchez-Vidal set out evidence on the impact of BBC relocation to Salford on wider employment in the area.
Read more👇
loom.ly/hbBF_Xk
Public procurement as a policy lever is being pushed to #localgov in the UK. We need to be careful that we don't look at it as a magic fix for local economic issues. Our evidence briefing is worth a read.
Our evidence briefing on local procurement assesses the evidence on using procurement to drive wider local economic benefits, and includes guidance on how to think about this👇
loom.ly/nxny0uc
loom.ly/nxny0uc
Evidence briefing: Assessing the local economic impacts of local procurement - What Works Growth
Public sector organisations, including local and combined authorities, use public procurement to award contracts for the purchase of goods and services. As public procurement reflects policy goals, th...
loom.ly
February 25, 2025 at 9:41 AM
Public procurement as a policy lever is being pushed to #localgov in the UK. We need to be careful that we don't look at it as a magic fix for local economic issues. Our evidence briefing is worth a read.
We take evidence on local growth and put it into bite-sized chunks. We cover multipliers as a 4 minute read in our latest blog, a 45 minute watch on YouTube (less if you prefer 1.5x or 2x speed!), and a longer evidence toolkit. Lots of options for busy #localgov #econdev policymakers.
✍🏼Thinking through multipliers: small numbers, big value
💻Our latest breakfast briefing webinar looked at the importance of multipliers for understanding the local economy.
Read our blog for a link to the recording of this event, and a summary of why multipliers matter 👇
loom.ly/P59BNPM
💻Our latest breakfast briefing webinar looked at the importance of multipliers for understanding the local economy.
Read our blog for a link to the recording of this event, and a summary of why multipliers matter 👇
loom.ly/P59BNPM
Thinking through multipliers: small numbers, big value - What Works Growth
Last week we held the second in our current series of breakfast briefing webinars – Thinking through multipliers: Learning from BBC relocation. The event focused on what multipliers are and why local ...
loom.ly
February 20, 2025 at 2:53 PM