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IED Annual Awards 2024 winners are revealed
The winners of the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2024 have been announced.
At an Awards Dinner held in the Great Hall at BMA House in London last night, following on from the sold-out IED Annual Conference ‘Economic Transition – How do we deliver long-lasting change in our towns, cities and regions?’ earlier in the day, over 100 delegates gathered to celebrate the successes of individuals, teams and organisations representing the full breadth and contribution of economic development.
In another highly competitive awards round this year, nominations were first assessed by an expert judging panel in September, and difficult decisions made on shortlisted entries.
At the IED Awards Dinner, compered once again by IED Director and past Chair Bev Hurley CBE, the winners and Highly Commended entries where appropriate were announced recognising achievers in the public and private sector.
For the evening’s final presentation, Outstanding Contribution to Economic Development, this prestigious accolade was awarded to Bev herself by IED Chair Tom Stannard in recognition of a career spanning 25 years as Chief Executive (and from September 2024, in her new role as Executive Chair) of YTKO Group, and an incredible 13-year relationship with the IED.
Bev’s sustained service to the IED included two years as Vice Chair from 2014-2016, and six years as Chair from November 2016 to December 2022.
IED Awards Winners 2024
Leader of the Year
Sponsored by WECD
- Claire Pearce, former Director of Planning and Economic Development, This is Gravity Ltd.
Team of the Year
Sponsored by Copper Consultancy
- Basildon Council, Economic Development Team.
Rising Star of the Year
Sponsored by AtkinsRéalis
- James Corden, Economic Development Planning Manager, National Highways.
Highly Commended
- Connor Conneely, Senior Economic Development Officer, Torbay Council.
- Matt Budd, Associate Director, AMION Consulting.
Equality, Diversity and Inclusion Champion of the Year
- Sophie Hewitson, Employment and Skills Manager, Leeds City Council.
Social Value Champion of the Year
Sponsored by Social Value Engine
- The Sunspot, Jaywick Workspace, Tendring District Council.
Most Innovative Project of the Year
Sponsored by Growth Maturity Index
- Business Tapas, Cheshire West and Chester Council.
Collaborative Initiative of the Year
- Cradle to Career, Liverpool City Region Combined Authority and Right to Succeed Charity.
Outstanding Impact
Sponsored by Key Cities
- Salford Central Masterplan, English Cities Fund in partnership with Salford City Council.
IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock said: “Congratulations to all our winners, those who our judging panel determined should be Highly Commended for their nomination, and indeed everyone who was shortlisted and took the time and opportunity to enter the awards this year. We had another fabulous awards evening, it was an inspirational, uplifting and joyous occasion, and we look forward to profiling the individual winners further in the coming weeks. Thanks also to all our award sponsors for their support.”