By Bindu Pokkyarath

Following the recent attendance of the Pegasus Group Economics team at the annual Institute of Economic development (iED) conference, Bindu Pokkyarath has summarised the conferences key insights that will inform exploring investment priorities, growth strategies, or place-based economic development aspirations that our clients may have.  

The session “From Stranded to Opportunity: Strategic Urban Reconnection” focused on a critical question: how can underutilised economic assets be revitalised and reactivated through innovative funding models and strategic partnerships? 

Why This Matters Now 

With devolution, local government reforms, pension reforms, and the introduction of new Local Growth Plans, England faces a unique opportunity to reshape its economic landscape. By bringing together the public sector, Local Government Pension Schemes (LGPS), and institutional investors, we can fund local priorities and deliver long-term regeneration. 

Insights from the Panel 

The session explored successful examples where blended funding approaches delivered catalytic benefits for local and regional economies. Our expert panel shared invaluable perspectives: 

  • Kate Ingram, Director of Economy and Development at Burnley Borough Council, highlighted how strong leadership and vision fostered local partnerships. Public sector funding played a vital role in early phases that enabled private sector investment to drive long-term regeneration. 
  • Andy Day, Senior Director at Bankfoot APAM, shared the regeneration journey of Soapworks in Salford – a £250 million scheme demonstrating how pension funds can deliver sustained economic and social value.
  • Sam Monger, Head of Place-Based Impact Investing at The Good Economy, emphasised the importance of strategic regional partnerships to create investment pools that enable transformative regeneration. 

The Investment Opportunity 

The market value of LGPS in England and Wales was estimated at £400 billion (March 2024) and is projected to grow significantly over the coming decades. Yet less than 15% is currently invested in place-based projects in the UK. Meanwhile, the IPPR 2024 report revealed that the UK has had the lowest level of investment-public and private-in the G7 for 24 of the last 30 years. 

This is a call to action. Devolution and Local Growth Plans present an unprecedented opportunity to prioritise local development, form strategic partnerships, and create place-based investment pools. Reliance on public sector funding alone will not deliver the long-term vision. Unlocking institutional capital and combining funding resources efficiently will be critical for success. 

Pegasus Group: Driving Economic and Social Value 

At Pegasus Group, our Economics Team has a proven track record of helping public and private sector clients unlock economic and social value in development projects. We understand the complexity of funding models, long term planning and the importance of strategic partnerships in delivering sustainable growth. 

If you’re exploring investment priorities, growth strategies, or place-based economic development aspirations, we’d love to help shape your vision. Get in touch with Bindu Pokkyarath  (Bindu.Pokkyarath@pegasusgroup.co.uk) to start the conversation. 

Image by Phillip Riley