Organisation Membership: AECOM

AECOM is the global infrastructure leader and trusted supplier of professional services to the public and private sectors across the UK, shifting the dial on what infrastructure can achieve – whether it is creating vibrant communities, improving transport connections, accelerating the energy transition, or enhancing national security.

As one of the world’s leading infrastructure consulting firms, AECOM works across a wide range of sectors, helping clients tackle complex economic, social and environmental challenges. Organisation Membership of the Institute of Economic Development (iED) provides opportunities for professional development, networking and raising the company’s profile within the economic development profession.

“The iED is the leading network and professional body for economic development practitioners,” commented Dave Widger, UK&I Senior Director and Head of Economic Development at AECOM. “Quite simply, having the opportunity to connect with colleagues across the profession can only be beneficial.”

AECOM joined the iED in 2019, building on the involvement of colleagues who were already individual members. For Dave, one of the biggest benefits has been access to a professional community focused on economic development.

“Part of the value comes from understanding economic development issues through speakers and discussions, but also from gaining greater awareness of economic development activity across the UK and within different localities,” he said. “On top of that, there are the additional benefits such as CPD opportunities, conferences and other events, all of which contribute to professional development and learning.”

Today, around 20 AECOM colleagues are registered under the organisation’s membership, primarily within the economics team. “I think staff value the membership – and they like being able to include it on their CVs and LinkedIn profiles,” Dave added. “However, another factor is raising AECOM’s profile as an economic development organisation. Many iED members are from the public sector. Some are organisations we’ve worked with before, while others could become future clients. From a business perspective, the iED provides opportunities to showcase what we do, discuss our work, and strengthen our professional network.”

This combination of professional engagement and business visibility is what makes iED membership particularly valuable, Dave explained:

“The iED is unique in what it offers and membership has certainly delivered benefits across two aspects. First, the professional development side: learning, awareness and the ability to engage with people who understand the field. Second, the business side: promoting our services and potentially generating future work.”

Reflecting on the overall membership experience, Dave sees strong value in the iED’s role as a professional community and believes there is scope for organisations to make even greater use of the opportunities available. “I have been approached a number of times to contribute to blogs and content, which is valuable because it helps to raise AECOM’s profile,” he said. “We’ve also entered the iED Annual Awards, including winning the Greatest Economic Impact award for our work to assess the potential economic development impacts of Crossrail 2 in 2018, as well as sponsoring the Annual Conference. More recently, I’ve encouraged colleagues to get involved with the Early Career Network.”

For AECOM, Organisation Membership continues to provide a valuable platform for learning, networking, raising profile and contributing to the future of economic development practice across the UK. Dave has also served voluntarily as an iED Board Member since 2022.

Case study developed: June 2026