Mike Spicer
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mikespicer-pd.bsky.social
Mike Spicer
@mikespicer-pd.bsky.social
Managing Director of consultancy PolicyDepartment. We empower the civic-minded organisations that invest in enterprise programmes, industrial strategy, and local economic development.
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode looks at the 'ID 2.0' model of innovation districts (IDs) and how cities like Newcastle upon Tyne, Pittsburgh, Medellin, and Belfast are embedding inclusion as an operating principle into their IDs 👇

🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes/epi...
December 17, 2025 at 11:31 AM
David Marlow and I chat with Dr. Michael Glass of the University of Pittsburgh about 'ID 2.0', a model for embedding inclusion into the DNA of innovation districts. We explore case studies from across the world 👇

🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes/epi...
December 15, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode unpacks what Budget 2025 means for those working in local economic development and placemaking. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...
December 3, 2025 at 11:30 AM
Budget 2025: the dawn of fiscal devolution in England? I our latest LEDC podcast episode, David Marlow and I discuss the measures that could kickstart fiscal devolution in England.

👉 Listen now: open.spotify.com/episode/1t7x...

#FiscalDevolution #LocalGrowth #PlaceMaking #LEDC #Budget2025
December 1, 2025 at 1:40 PM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers recent developments in the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor story. Some teasers here and links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
November 25, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Can the Oxford-Cambridge Growth Corridor become Europe’s Silicon Valley? In our latest #LEDConfidential Espresso Shot episode, David Marlow and I explore the UK Government’s £500m investment package in the corridor.

🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
November 24, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode explores the role and potential of water utilities in local economic development with Scottish Water CEO Alex Plant. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
November 19, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Can water utilities be drivers of inclusive growth and climate resilience? David Marlow and I are joined on #LEDConfidential by Scottish Water CEO Alex Plant to discuss the transformative potential of the industry's £110bn of planned investment for the UK.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk
November 17, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers the Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and what it means for local economic development. Links to bonus materials 👇🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
November 14, 2025 at 11:31 AM
In our new #LEDConfidential episode, David Marlow and I unpack the UK Govt’s Post-16 Education and Skills White Paper and what it means for local economic development and Local Skills Improvement Plans. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes

#LSIPs #LocalEconomicDevelopment
November 13, 2025 at 11:31 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode covers the final report ot The New Towns Taskforce. Links to bonus materials 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
October 30, 2025 at 11:00 AM
In our new #LEDConfidential podcast episode David Marlow and I unpack the final report of The New Towns Taskforce. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#NewTowns #EconomicDevelopment #Placemaking #HousingPolicy #Infrastructure #LocalGov
October 28, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Our latest #LEDConfidential episode is on Local Government Reorganisation in England - some teasers here and signposting to bonus material 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
October 24, 2025 at 10:01 AM
17 unitary authority proposals from just four areas...In a new #LEDConfidential podcast episode, David Marlow and I take stock of LGR in England. 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
#LocalGov #Devolution #EconomicDevelopment
October 22, 2025 at 10:01 AM
In our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode David Marlow and I explore the UK Government's #PrideInPlace programme. Some teasers here with signposting to bonus briefings 👇 🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
October 17, 2025 at 10:01 AM
In our latest #LEDConfidential podcast episode published today, David Marlow and I explore the #PrideInPlace programme—its ambitions, its gaps, and its potential to reshape local economic development.
🎧 Listen now: www.ledconfidential.co.uk/episodes
October 15, 2025 at 10:01 AM