iED Conference 2026 – Confirmed speakers
We’re delighted to share details of the speakers confirmed so far for our 2026 Institute of Economic Development Conference. We’re looking forward to them joining us at BMA House, London, on Wednesday 18th November, for a full day of insight, discussion and networking.
Stephanie Flanders
Head of Economics and Government at Bloomberg, former BBC Economics Editor and iED Patron
– Host and compere
Stephanie’s career spans some of the most influential roles in economic journalism and policy – from Economics Editor at the BBC to Senior Advisor at the US Treasury, and now leading Bloomberg’s global economics and government journalism team. She chaired the RSA’s Inclusive Growth Commission and has been at the forefront of national conversations about how growth can genuinely work for people and places. With Stephanie at the helm, we are guaranteed a day of incisive discussion, expert challenge and real insight.
Stephanie said of the upcoming event: “I’m really looking forward to being part of the IED Conference again. At a time when the UK economy is facing so many international headwinds, the IED’s place-based and relentlessly practical approach to promoting Good Growth in towns and cities across the country feels especially important.”
Andrew Bailey
Governor of the Bank of England
- Speaker
As Governor of the Bank of England, Andrew Bailey sits at the heart of the UK’s monetary policy and economic decision-making. His presence at our conference – themed Delivering Good Growth – signals just how significant the work of economic development practitioners is to the national economic conversation. This is a landmark moment for the iED – and for the economic development profession. Don’t miss out on Andrew’s slot.
Ruth Curtice
Chief Executive of the Resolution Foundation
- Speaker
Ruth has led the Resolution Foundation – one of the UK’s most respected and influential economic think tanks – since January 2025. Dedicated to improving living standards for those on low to middle incomes, the Foundation’s rigorous research and policy work is central to the national debate about what growth should really deliver. Before joining the Foundation, Ruth spent over 15 years at HM Treasury, including as Director of fiscal policy, with a career spanning labour markets, tax, financial regulation and domestic economic policy. Her presence reinforces just how seriously the economic development profession is being taken in national conversations about growth, place and people.
Louise Kempton
CEO of the Centre for Urban & Regional Development Studies (CURDS) at Newcastle University
- Speaker
CURDS is one of the UK’s most respected think tanks in urban and regional development, and Louise brings a wealth of expertise in place-based policy, city region development and the real-world challenges facing economic development practitioners. This is exactly the calibre of thinking that makes the iED conference essential for anyone serious about the future of our places and economies.
Polly Mackenzie
CEO of Zinc Innovation Partners
- Speaker
Zinc is pioneering a new model for tackling the UK’s toughest social challenges through innovation, combining mission-driven impact with commercial rigour. As CEO, Polly leads an organisation that is fundamentally rethinking what good growth can deliver for people and places. Polly also brings deep experience in government and public policy, having served as Director of Policy in the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office. She is a bold, insightful voice in the national conversation about what economic development should really deliver.
Claire Pearce
CEO of Real Growth and Chair of the South West Business Council
Andrew Cockcroft
Head of Stakeholder Relations and Social Impact at EDF
- Joint speakers
Claire brings a powerful private sector perspective on what good growth looks like in practice, including how businesses, local leaders and communities can work together to deliver prosperity that is genuinely inclusive and sustainable. Andrew’s work sits at the heart of how a major organisation engages with communities and places, delivering social impact alongside one of the UK’s most significant contributions to the energy transition. Together they will bring a compelling conversation about the role of business in delivering growth that works for people and places – right at the heart of our Delivering Good Growth theme.
John Till
CEO of Thinking Place
Catherine Howe
CEO of Dorset Council
- Joint speakers
John is one of the country’s foremost thinkers on place identity and economic narrative, helping communities define their story and shape their future. Catherine is an inspiring civic leader whose work at Dorset Council puts community-centred, people-led public services at the forefront of how we think about place and growth. Together they will bring a rich dialogue about how leadership, identity and community come together to create genuine, lasting change in places.
Martin George
Editor, Local Government Chronicle
- Panel Leader
We’re delighted that the LGC are once again confirmed as our main media sponsor and for a second year, Martin will lead a panel of industry experts discussing a pertinent topic for the industry. We’ll share more details on the panel soon.
Have you bought your tickets? Don’t miss out!
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