We are the UK’s leading independent professional body

Representing economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities.

Apply for iED Membership

Membership of the Institute is available to individuals and organisations working within Economic Development in its widest sense.

Latest News

Read all news

Policy without the pretence

10 Jul 2025 |

News

In 2023, North Yorkshire Council was formed, taking the ancient county from a two-tier loc...

Creative Growth: how economic development teams can support their local creative industries

27 Jun 2025 |

News

The Economic Development profession has been paying ever increasing attention to the Creat...

Big ideas wanted! How one local authority is nurturing the next generation of entrepreneurial business leaders

23 Jun 2025 |

News

At a time when small businesses face mounting challenges and economic uncertainty, the rol...

Industrial Strategy – statement from the iED

23 Jun 2025 |

News

Our Executive Director Nigel Wilcock gives the Institute of Economic Development's initial...

“Joyz-n-the-Hood”

19 Jun 2025 |

News

In its report The Anatomy of Mission Critical Neighbourhoods (May 2025), the Independent C...

All to play for – but the Green Book still serves from Treasury

16 Jun 2025 |

News

Us economists live sheltered lives, with an abacus in one hand and a well-worn copy of the...

Spending Review: The Implications for Economic Development, and Economic Growth

12 Jun 2025 |

News

Upon being announced as the Labour Chancellor, Rachel Reeves set out a mantra that economi...

Strategic Defence Review and Economic Development: A new opportunity for local economies

10 Jun 2025 |

News

Introduction There is little to celebrate in returning to a UK economy that is required to...

The problems with infrastructure

09 Jun 2025 |

News

It’s surely stating the obvious to say that investment in infrastructure is good for the e...

Contingent valuation and historic shopfronts: Putting a ‘price’ on priceless architecture

05 Jun 2025 |

News

Let’s be honest, if you clicked on this article expecting a nail-biting read about conting...

Upcoming iED Events

See all events

15 Sep 2025

iED CPD Online: Clean Growth

16 Sep 2025

iED CPD Online: Funding and policy landscape

07 Oct 2025

iED CPD Online: ‘Left-behind’ places and solutions for economic growth

20 Oct 2025

iED CPD Online: Stakeholder Consultation

10 Nov 2025

iED CPD Online: Bid appraisal and post funding evaluations

17 Nov 2025

iED CPD Online: Finance and funding in economic development

25 Nov 2025

iED Annual Conference and Awards Dinner 2025

03 Dec 2025

iED CPD Online: R&D led growth

About the iED

The IED is committed to demonstrating the value of economic development work for local and regional communities; the pursuit of best practice in economic development and the attainment of the highest standards of professional conduct and competence.

Our Vision

To support, develop and connect our members, represent and champion the profession, and influence and inform policy.

Our Mission

To continue to be the leading professional body for economic development professionals, supporting them to create stronger communities and sustainable economies.

What Members Say

“Practically, being able to use the iED membership logo provides a kitemark of professional knowledge and expertise.”

Lucie Bailey, Economics Director, Lichfields

“I am relatively new to iED membership, but it’s helping a lot with my own career development.”

Darren Crossley, Director of Place, Sustainable Growth and Transport, Cumberland Council

“Membership of the iED keeps us fully up-to-date with everything economic development.”

Richard Cook, Senior Director Economics, Pegasus Group

“I’ve been an active member, attending various events, webinars and training courses, which are fantastic for CPD and developing your knowledge and experience .”

Angela Presdee, Principal Economic Officer - Economy and Strategic Planning Team, Gloucestershire County Council

“It is really important to be an iED member, and put the voice of the university sector forward.”

Sarah Clark, Director, Aura Innovation Centre, University of Hull