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Few people grow up knowing they want a career in economic development. I certainly didn’t. Yet looking back, it’s difficult to imagine working in a field better aligned with what motivates me professionally: helping places thrive, creating opportunities for people, and turning ambitious ideas into meaningful change.
This is especially pertinent because the role feels that bit more rewarding as I’m helping to shape the future of the place I call home. Growing up in Barnsley means I have a personal connection to the communities, town centres and neighbourhoods at the heart of the work we do. It is particularly rewarding to see the impact of investment, regeneration and new opportunities in communities you’ve known for years.
As an Economic Policy Development Officer at Barnsley Council, I’ve had the opportunity to work across projects spanning inclusive growth, regeneration, digital innovation and economic strategy. What attracted me to economic policy was its unique position between ideas and action. It requires you to understand the bigger picture, from national policy and economic trends to local opportunities and challenges, whilst remaining focused on what those things mean for places and people.
Firstly, local economic policy acts as the bridge between vision and delivery. I have seen the power of that connection between strategy and implementation and have come to appreciate that successful delivery is ultimately built on relationships rather than plans and policies alone. Those relationships often prove more important than words on paper and are what enable projects and programmes to deliver meaningful impact.
Some of the most rewarding work I’ve been involved in, from supporting Barnsley’s journey as the UK’s First Tech Town to exploring innovative approaches to community engagement, has come through collaboration: developing a shared vision and turning it into reality. Bringing together partners, aligning priorities and finding common ground is often where meaningful change begins.
It stops being about programmes and projects and becomes about creating opportunities for current and future generations of residents. For me, that’s one of the most fulfilling aspects of working in economic development.
Secondly, a theme that has increasingly shaped my thinking is good growth and ensuring that economic success benefits as many people as possible. Through supporting the development and delivery of Barnsley’s Inclusive Economic Growth Strategy, I’ve had the opportunity to explore how places can pursue growth whilst remaining focused on fairness, opportunity and inclusion.
This was a unique opportunity to help shape Barnsley’s economic future by developing a vision for sustainable growth and identifying the jobs, skills, regeneration and investment needed to create a stronger local economy.
Recently, I was proud to contribute a Barnsley case study to the Institute of Economic Development’s Good Growth publication. It provided an opportunity to share our experience of delivering Good Growth here in Barnsley with a wider audience and contribute to an important conversation about how economic development can improve outcomes for people and places.
Thirdly, a way of formalising what I’m learning is through the Institute of Economic Development’s Early Career Network. It has provided a valuable opportunity to learn, share ideas and connect with others from across the profession who are equally passionate about shaping places and supporting communities.
One of the things I value most is the diversity of experiences represented within the network. There is no single route into economic development, and that’s one of the sector’s greatest strengths. Everyone brings different perspectives, skills and expertise, creating an environment where people can learn from one another openly and honestly.
Being shortlisted for the IED Rising Star Award in 2025 was one of the most rewarding moments of my career so far. Like many early-career professionals, I often focus on what I still have to learn rather than how far I’ve come. The experience gave me an opportunity to reflect on the projects I’ve supported, the impact they have delivered and the colleagues who have helped me develop along the way.
Whilst I didn’t ultimately win the award, being nominated by colleagues and recognised by the judging panel was incredibly humbling. Equally memorable was being part of Barnsley Council’s Economic Development Service when it was named the IED’s Economic Development Team of the Year. That achievement reflected the commitment, creativity and ambition of an exceptional team working together to make a positive difference for Barnsley.
Fourthly, for anyone considering a career in economic development, my advice would be simple: embrace opportunities, build relationships and stay open to new experiences. Some of the most valuable learning happens through conversations with colleagues, partners and peers, and you rarely know where those opportunities might lead.
Economic development sits at the intersection of so many disciplines, from business and investment to housing, skills, technology and sustainability. The challenges facing places continue to evolve, which means there is always something new to learn and explore. By staying open and curious, you will continue to develop your understanding of the sector and learn from the people and places around you.
Finally, for me, economic development has become much more than a job title. It is an opportunity to play a small part in improving a place that has shaped who I am, creating opportunities for residents and contributing to outcomes that can make a genuine difference to people’s lives. That sense of purpose is what continues to inspire me every day.
Dominic Jones is Economic Policy Development Officer at Barnsley Council and an iED member.
Would you like to write for the iED? As part of iED individual and organisation membership, ALL members have the opportunity to publish articles on our website. We are now seeking ideas for contributions from members, including those in our Early Career Network. These can be around any aspect of economic development, insights on work you are undertaking and project successes you would like to share, or any viewpoint you would like to express. If you have an article proposal please contact:Â Jac Jordan, Institute of Economic Development PR consultant, Tel: 01706 214 340/Â 07887 416 182, email: jac@vivapr.co.uk
