Mike Spicer
@mikespicer-pd.bsky.social
Managing Director of consultancy PolicyDepartment. We empower the civic-minded organisations that invest in enterprise programmes, industrial strategy, and local economic development.
🚨 New #LEDConfidential Blog: Autumn Budget 2025 – Pushing the Fiscal Frontiers 🚨
Check out David Marlow's analysis of the five big issues, delivery challenges, and opportunities ahead for local economic development in the UK following Budget 2025 👇
Check out David Marlow's analysis of the five big issues, delivery challenges, and opportunities ahead for local economic development in the UK following Budget 2025 👇
Autumn Budget 2025: pushing the fiscal frontiers and the delivery challenge of devolution's new divide?
Autumn Budget 2025 includes some important measures to kickstart fiscal devolution in England and cements Mayoral Strategic Authorities as the “gold standard” for devolution, creating new opportunities and risks for local economic development across the UK
www.ledconfidential.co.uk
December 5, 2025 at 11:31 AM
🚨 New #LEDConfidential Blog: Autumn Budget 2025 – Pushing the Fiscal Frontiers 🚨
Check out David Marlow's analysis of the five big issues, delivery challenges, and opportunities ahead for local economic development in the UK following Budget 2025 👇
Check out David Marlow's analysis of the five big issues, delivery challenges, and opportunities ahead for local economic development in the UK following Budget 2025 👇
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode unpacks what Budget 2025 means for those working in local economic development and placemaking. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...
December 3, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode unpacks what Budget 2025 means for those working in local economic development and placemaking. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...
Budget 2025: the dawn of fiscal devolution in England? I our latest LEDC podcast episode, David Marlow and I discuss the measures that could kickstart fiscal devolution in England.
👉 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...
#FiscalDevolution #LocalGrowth #PlaceMaking #LEDC #Budget2025
👉 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...
#FiscalDevolution #LocalGrowth #PlaceMaking #LEDC #Budget2025
December 1, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Budget 2025: the dawn of fiscal devolution in England? I our latest LEDC podcast episode, David Marlow and I discuss the measures that could kickstart fiscal devolution in England.
👉 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...
#FiscalDevolution #LocalGrowth #PlaceMaking #LEDC #Budget2025
👉 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...
#FiscalDevolution #LocalGrowth #PlaceMaking #LEDC #Budget2025
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers recent developments in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor story. Some teasers here and links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
November 25, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers recent developments in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor story. Some teasers here and links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
Can the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor become Europe’s Silicon Valley? In our latest #LEDConfidential Espresso Shot episode, David Marlow and I explore the UK Government’s £500m investment package in the corridor.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Can the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor become Europe’s Silicon Valley? In our latest #LEDConfidential Espresso Shot episode, David Marlow and I explore the UK Government’s £500m investment package in the corridor.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
Proud to join @city-redi.bsky.social as an associate. I’ve long admired their work to better understand local economies, but also to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas among those working in and on local economic development, something my connections will know I’m super passionate about!
Celebrating Our New City-REDI Associates
We are pleased to announce our new City-REDI Associates, who will join a vibrant community of researchers and policy experts working on some of the most pressing challenges facing cities and regions today.
Meet our new associates - https://ow.ly/a86l50XuzJa
We are pleased to announce our new City-REDI Associates, who will join a vibrant community of researchers and policy experts working on some of the most pressing challenges facing cities and regions today.
Meet our new associates - https://ow.ly/a86l50XuzJa
November 21, 2025 at 2:58 PM
Proud to join @city-redi.bsky.social as an associate. I’ve long admired their work to better understand local economies, but also to promote the exchange of knowledge and ideas among those working in and on local economic development, something my connections will know I’m super passionate about!
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode explores the role and potential of water utilities in local economic development with Scottish Water CEO Alex Plant. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
November 19, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode explores the role and potential of water utilities in local economic development with Scottish Water CEO Alex Plant. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
Can water utilities be drivers of inclusive growth and climate resilience? David Marlow and I are joined on #LEDConfidential by Scottish Water CEO Alex Plant to discuss the transformative potential of the industry's £110bn of planned investment for the UK.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Can water utilities be drivers of inclusive growth and climate resilience? David Marlow and I are joined on #LEDConfidential by Scottish Water CEO Alex Plant to discuss the transformative potential of the industry's £110bn of planned investment for the UK.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and what it means for local economic development. Links to bonus materials 👇🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
November 14, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and what it means for local economic development. Links to bonus materials 👇🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
In our new #LEDConfidential episode, David Marlow and I unpack the UK Govt’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and what it means for local economic development and Local Skills Improvement Plans. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LSIPs #LocalEconomicDevelopment
#LSIPs #LocalEconomicDevelopment
November 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
In our new #LEDConfidential episode, David Marlow and I unpack the UK Govt’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and what it means for local economic development and Local Skills Improvement Plans. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LSIPs #LocalEconomicDevelopment
#LSIPs #LocalEconomicDevelopment
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers the final report ot The New Towns Taskforce. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
October 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers the final report ot The New Towns Taskforce. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
In our new #LEDConfidential podcast episode David Marlow and I unpack the final report of The New Towns Taskforce. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#NewTowns #EconomicDevelopment #Placemaking #HousingPolicy #Infrastructure #LocalGov
#NewTowns #EconomicDevelopment #Placemaking #HousingPolicy #Infrastructure #LocalGov
October 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
In our new #LEDConfidential podcast episode David Marlow and I unpack the final report of The New Towns Taskforce. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#NewTowns #EconomicDevelopment #Placemaking #HousingPolicy #Infrastructure #LocalGov
#NewTowns #EconomicDevelopment #Placemaking #HousingPolicy #Infrastructure #LocalGov
Our latest #LEDConfidential episode is on Local Government Reorganisation in England - some teasers here and signposting to bonus material 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
October 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential episode is on Local Government Reorganisation in England - some teasers here and signposting to bonus material 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
17 unitary authority proposals from just four areas...In a new #LEDConfidential podcast episode, David Marlow and I take stock of LGR in England. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
October 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
17 unitary authority proposals from just four areas...In a new #LEDConfidential podcast episode, David Marlow and I take stock of LGR in England. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
In our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode David Marlow and I explore the UK Government's #PrideInPlace programme. Some teasers here with signposting to bonus briefings 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
October 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM
In our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode David Marlow and I explore the UK Government's #PrideInPlace programme. Some teasers here with signposting to bonus briefings 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
In our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode published today, David Marlow and I explore the #PrideInPlace programme—its ambitions, its gaps, and its potential to reshape local economic development.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
October 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM
In our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode published today, David Marlow and I explore the #PrideInPlace programme—its ambitions, its gaps, and its potential to reshape local economic development.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
If you haven't already, check out our latest #LEDConfidential episode with @paulswinney.bsky.social from @centreforcities.bsky.social on the UK's industrial strategy and what it means for local economic development in the country open.spotify.com/episode/0w9K...
Place before sectors? Rethinking UK industrial strategy with Paul Swinney
LED Confidential · Episode
open.spotify.com
July 30, 2025 at 2:40 PM
If you haven't already, check out our latest #LEDConfidential episode with @paulswinney.bsky.social from @centreforcities.bsky.social on the UK's industrial strategy and what it means for local economic development in the country open.spotify.com/episode/0w9K...
New LED Confidential episode just dropped! David Marlow and I chat to North East Combined Authority CEO Henry Kippin about the transformative potential of Mayoral Combined Authorities in England for economic development and public services.
open.spotify.com/episode/6801...
open.spotify.com/episode/6801...
Transforming place-based growth with Mayoral Combined Authorities: insights from NECA CEO Henry Kippin
LED Confidential · Episode
open.spotify.com
April 25, 2025 at 5:46 AM
New LED Confidential episode just dropped! David Marlow and I chat to North East Combined Authority CEO Henry Kippin about the transformative potential of Mayoral Combined Authorities in England for economic development and public services.
open.spotify.com/episode/6801...
open.spotify.com/episode/6801...
For the local economic development wonks out there, check out our latest #LEDConfidential episode with @jacktshaw.bsky.social. We dive into the financial crisis engulfing England's councils, talk fiscal devo and what's needed to escape the current bind 👇 open.spotify.com/episode/6NL4...
Facing the storm: Jack Shaw on England's Local Authority financial crisis
LED Confidential · Episode
open.spotify.com
November 29, 2024 at 10:28 AM
For the local economic development wonks out there, check out our latest #LEDConfidential episode with @jacktshaw.bsky.social. We dive into the financial crisis engulfing England's councils, talk fiscal devo and what's needed to escape the current bind 👇 open.spotify.com/episode/6NL4...
Reposted by Mike Spicer
After some lunch time listening? I'm on the latest episode of LED confidential talking about economics 101, radical incrementalism and local economic development www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes @cep-lse.bsky.social @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social
LEDC | Episodes
www.ledconfidential.co.uk
October 28, 2024 at 12:08 PM
After some lunch time listening? I'm on the latest episode of LED confidential talking about economics 101, radical incrementalism and local economic development www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes @cep-lse.bsky.social @whatworksgrowth.bsky.social
Interested in local economy issues? In our latest LED Confidential episode David Marlow and I are joined by @catrionariddell.bsky.social to discuss spatial strategic planning and its imminent return to the centre stage of local economic development in England.
open.spotify.com/episode/40xG...
open.spotify.com/episode/40xG...
The return of spatial strategic planning to England
Episode · LED Confidential · David and Mike discuss spatial strategic planning and its imminent return to the centre stage of local economic development in England. They are joined by Catriona Riddell...
open.spotify.com
September 20, 2024 at 8:11 AM
Interested in local economy issues? In our latest LED Confidential episode David Marlow and I are joined by @catrionariddell.bsky.social to discuss spatial strategic planning and its imminent return to the centre stage of local economic development in England.
open.spotify.com/episode/40xG...
open.spotify.com/episode/40xG...
Calling all local economic development people! In our latest episode of LED Confidential David Marlow and I talk Local Growth Plans, and how Combined Authorities and Devo Deal areas should use them to shape the UK's forthcoming industrial strategy
open.spotify.com/episode/1f0y...
open.spotify.com/episode/1f0y...
What you need to know about Local Growth Plans
Episode · LED Confidential · In this Espresso Shot episode David and Mike talk Local Growth Plans and the new requirement on Combined Authorities and devolution deal areas in England to produce them....
open.spotify.com
August 30, 2024 at 6:23 AM
Calling all local economic development people! In our latest episode of LED Confidential David Marlow and I talk Local Growth Plans, and how Combined Authorities and Devo Deal areas should use them to shape the UK's forthcoming industrial strategy
open.spotify.com/episode/1f0y...
open.spotify.com/episode/1f0y...