Our mission

The UK’s economy is driven by the success of its cities, which generate opportunities and prosperity for people in all parts of the country.

Our mission is to help UK cities realise their economic potential.

We produce rigorous, data-driven research and policy ideas to help cities and Government address the challenges and opportunities they face – from boosting productivity and wages to preparing for Brexit and the changing world of work.

We also work closely with urban leaders, Whitehall and business to ensure our work is relevant, accessible and of practical use to cities and policy makers.

In partnership with LSE and Arup, we run the What Works Centre for Local Economic Growth, which analyses which policies are most effective in supporting and increasing local economic growth.

The Centre was set up in 2005 by Lord Sainsbury of Turville as an independent, non-partisan research organisation. It is a registered charity (No 1119841) and a company limited by guarantee registered in England (No 6215397).