A key feature of industrial or commercial growth periods is the interconnectedness of business communities with civic infrastructure and planning powers, finance sources and the research, management knowledge and creative innovators.  

The Institutes of the industrial revolution were centres of learning where entrepreneurs met, civic leaders backed projects where industrial and business managers learned new techniques.

How can cities and regions of the UK emulate the clusters of the modern tech industries in California, or the creative industries around Milan, the Mittlestand in Germany or finance in the City in London? 

Important strands of work in government are converging with work by LEPS to make connections and strengthen local networks and raise standards of business management and connect business into national networks.

The Programme will include the first online presentations from leading figures as part of the All Party Parliamentary Group on Inclusive Growth.  The conference audience will be joined by members of the group, the media and a large online audience around the UK.