iED Good Growth Focus Group – Skills & Employment

The iED Good Growth Focus Group – Skills & Employment is an upcoming professional networking event organised by the Institute of Economic Development (iED). Designed for professionals involved in economic development, business support, public policy, regeneration, education, and workforce planning, the event provides an opportunity to discuss some of the most pressing issues affecting skills development and employment across the United Kingdom. Hosted by one of the country's leading professional bodies for economic development practitioners, this focus group encourages meaningful conversations that help shape stronger local economies and create sustainable employment opportunities.

As industries continue to evolve through digital transformation, automation, environmental sustainability, and changing workforce expectations, organisations are increasingly required to adapt their workforce strategies. Employers are searching for skilled talent, while policymakers and educational institutions work to ensure that training programmes meet the needs of modern businesses. The Good Growth Focus Group provides a collaborative environment where these important topics can be explored through professional discussion, knowledge sharing, and practical examples.

Unlike traditional conferences where delegates simply listen to presentations, this focus group is designed to encourage participation. Attendees are invited to contribute their experiences, exchange ideas, and discuss successful projects that have delivered positive outcomes within their own regions. This collaborative format allows professionals from different sectors to learn from one another while building valuable relationships that extend beyond the event itself.

The Institute of Economic Development has built a strong reputation for supporting professionals through research, training, networking events, and continuing professional development opportunities. The Good Growth programme reflects the institute's commitment to promoting sustainable economic growth that benefits businesses, communities, and individuals alike. By focusing on skills and employment, the event addresses one of the most significant foundations of long-term economic prosperity.

Participants attending this event can expect informative discussions, practical insights, and opportunities to engage with experienced practitioners who are actively involved in shaping local and regional economic strategies. Whether working within local authorities, combined authorities, universities, enterprise agencies, private consultancies, or community organisations, delegates will gain valuable perspectives that can be applied within their own professional environments.

Understanding the Good Growth Initiative

Good Growth has become an increasingly important concept in economic development because it focuses on creating prosperity that is inclusive, sustainable, and resilient. Rather than measuring success solely through economic output or investment figures, Good Growth considers how economic policies improve the quality of life for communities, support businesses, create employment opportunities, and reduce regional inequalities.

The Institute of Economic Development has embraced this approach by encouraging professionals to consider wider social and economic outcomes when developing local strategies. Skills development and employment remain central components of Good Growth because a highly skilled workforce attracts investment, supports business expansion, and improves productivity across every sector of the economy.

During this focus group, participants will examine how workforce planning, education, training, and employer engagement contribute to stronger local economies. Discussions will also explore practical methods for addressing skills shortages, supporting career progression, improving access to employment, and ensuring that economic growth benefits people from all backgrounds.

The Good Growth initiative encourages collaboration between government organisations, educational providers, employers, community groups, and economic development professionals. By bringing together representatives from these different sectors, the event creates opportunities for innovative thinking and shared problem-solving.

Why Skills and Employment Matter More Than Ever

The modern labour market continues to experience rapid transformation. Technological innovation, artificial intelligence, digitalisation, environmental targets, and evolving business models have significantly changed the skills employers require. Organisations across both the public and private sectors now face increasing pressure to recruit qualified employees while also investing in workforce development.

Many industries continue to experience shortages of skilled professionals, particularly in digital technologies, engineering, construction, healthcare, advanced manufacturing, and green industries. At the same time, many workers require opportunities to retrain, upskill, or develop new competencies that allow them to remain competitive within changing labour markets.

The Good Growth Focus Group recognises these challenges and provides a platform for professionals to discuss practical solutions. Delegates will examine how partnerships between employers, educational institutions, training providers, and policymakers can strengthen local labour markets while improving employment opportunities for individuals.

Employment is about far more than simply filling vacancies. High-quality employment contributes to healthier communities, stronger local economies, increased productivity, greater business confidence, and improved social mobility. By investing in workforce skills, organisations create long-term economic resilience while supporting innovation and competitiveness.

Attendees will explore examples of successful employment initiatives, workforce development programmes, apprenticeship schemes, and employer partnerships that have delivered measurable economic benefits across different regions.

Key Themes Expected During the Focus Group

One of the strengths of this event is its emphasis on current issues affecting economic development professionals throughout the United Kingdom. Rather than focusing on theoretical concepts, discussions are expected to address practical challenges that organisations face every day.

A major topic will be workforce skills development and how employers can work more effectively with colleges, universities, and training providers to prepare future employees. Delegates may discuss methods for improving access to vocational education, encouraging lifelong learning, and supporting professional development throughout employees' careers.

Another important theme is inclusive employment. Economic growth is strongest when opportunities are available to everyone regardless of background, age, or location. Participants will examine strategies that reduce barriers to employment while promoting diversity, equality, and inclusion across workplaces.

Digital transformation will also feature prominently within discussions. Businesses increasingly require employees with digital capabilities, while technological innovation continues to reshape job roles across multiple industries. Delegates will consider how organisations can prepare their workforce for emerging technologies without leaving communities behind.

Regional collaboration represents another important topic. Economic challenges often cross local authority boundaries, making partnership working essential. The focus group encourages professionals from different regions to exchange successful approaches and identify opportunities for future collaboration.

Environmental sustainability and the transition towards a greener economy may also form part of discussions. As organisations adopt net-zero strategies and sustainable business practices, new employment opportunities continue to emerge across renewable energy, green construction, environmental consultancy, and sustainable infrastructure.

Benefits of Attending the Event

Attending the iED Good Growth Focus Group offers numerous professional benefits that extend well beyond the event itself. Delegates will have opportunities to expand their professional knowledge, strengthen industry relationships, and gain valuable insights from experienced practitioners working across multiple sectors.

The interactive format encourages meaningful conversations rather than passive learning. Participants are able to ask questions, contribute ideas, share practical experiences, and discuss challenges directly with peers who understand the complexities of economic development.

Networking remains one of the event's greatest advantages. Economic development relies heavily on collaboration between organisations, and events like this help professionals establish valuable contacts that may lead to future partnerships, joint projects, funding opportunities, or knowledge-sharing initiatives.

The focus group also contributes towards Continuing Professional Development (CPD), helping delegates maintain professional standards while expanding their expertise. Exposure to current policy discussions, emerging trends, and innovative practices supports both personal career development and organisational improvement.

Professionals attending the event will leave with a broader understanding of current employment challenges, practical ideas for workforce development, and greater confidence in implementing Good Growth principles within their own organisations. The knowledge gained can support future policy development, strategic planning, employer engagement, and community investment initiatives.

For both experienced practitioners and individuals newer to economic development, the event provides a welcoming environment where ideas can be exchanged openly and constructive dialogue encourages continuous improvement across the profession.