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Sir Howard Bernstein, Chief Executive of Manchester City Council from 1998-2017, has been granted a posthumous award for Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development at the Institute of Economic Development (iED) Annual Awards.
This special award, chosen by the iED, was presented to Sir Howard’s son, Jonathan, and daughter, Natalie, at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 25th November following the iED Annual Conference, Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities. The award recognises an individual who has made a sustained and outstanding contribution to the field of economic development.
Tom Stannard, Chair of the iED and current Chief Executive of Manchester City Council, paid tribute to the “extraordinary legacy” of Sir Howard, who passed away in June 2024: “We honour a leader whose example continues to guide us all”.
“Sir Howard was, quite simply, a remarkable leader in economic development and regeneration,” Tom reflected. “As Chief Executive of Manchester City Council he was instrumental in changing the fortunes of the City and leading the regeneration which has underpinned its growth. Sir Howard alongside many brilliant leaders, past and present in Greater Manchester, became the leadership team that transformed the City and dealt with those challenges. He laid the foundations for the creation of the Manchester City Region and everything that has been achieved since through the leading devolution deals that the City has achieved with Government.
“After his retirement, Sir Howard became Patron of the iED from 2017-20. We knew that Sir Howard was hugely respected for his achievements in local government – and amongst our membership – and his strategic input to the iED’s development would be invaluable. We felt, at that time, extremely fortunate to have such a prestigious and knowledgeable successor to help us thrive in the years that followed. In this role, we were privileged to enjoy a number of years with Sir Howard as our Patron and he will be widely remembered amongst our membership as one of the best in our profession. Sir Howard provided frequent insights to members and spoke at our Annual Conferences. He was an important contributor to economic development professionals, both as Patron of the iED, and in his work generally.
“Sir Howard’s leadership and insights demonstrated that regeneration needs more than a vision and a plan; it needs a high-performing team and influence to continue to deal with the barriers and challenges that regeneration schemes face. His passing last year brought an immense sense of loss within all aspects of the economic development and regeneration communities of the City Region. He was a shrewd and visionary leader and undertook all of his work with an understanding of the need of the communities he served.”
-ENDS-
Contact: Phil Smith, Institute of Economic Development PR consultant, on 01778 218180 / 07866 436159 / phil@philsmithcommunications.co.uk.
NOTES TO EDITORS
The Institute of Economic Development (iED) is the UK’s leading independent professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners. Established over 40 years ago, the iED’s key objective is to represent the interests of economic development practitioners and ensure their views are widely expressed and noted. 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.
