Levelling Up in Greater Manchester
Author WIG Date 15 Sep 2021
A cross-sector perspective
As the UK starts to tackle the economic fallout of the COVID-19 pandemic, it is clear that now, more than ever, the government needs to deliver on its ‘levelling up ambition’. The government has committed to spread opportunity equally across the country by focusing on improving living standards, investing in our essential public services and increasing access to opportunities so people can thrive no matter where they live.
The Whitehall & Industry Group and EY are pleased to invite you to hear from a panel made up of industry experts and local government, who will share insights into what the levelling up agenda means in practice for businesses and communities in the Greater Manchester region.
Speakers at the event
Andrew was appointed as Deputy Chief Executive, Greater Manchester Combined Authority in September 2016 to provide strategic leadership of the Greater Manchester Public Service Reform (PSR) agenda and the sub-region’s devolution aspirations. In November 2014 the groundbreaking Devo:Manc deal with Government was signed off. In February 2015 the £6bn deal with Government to devolve health and social care budgets to the sub-region was agreed.
Andrew is responsible for driving integration of public services and working across partner organisations at a local and national level, to ensure that the Combined Authority delivers against the Public Service Reform strategic priorities, as set out in the Greater Manchester Strategy and Devolution Agreements. Andrew was previously Deputy Chief Executive at Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council responsible for regeneration; environment, housing & neighbourhoods; and, Culture, Leisure, Sport & Young People.
Prior to this he was Executive Director for Resources. Prior to joining Blackburn with Darwen Andrew worked for KPMG in public sector consultancy.
After twenty years in the UK Civil Service, Paul joined the Co-op, the world’s oldest co-operative business, in 2016. As Campaigns and Public Affairs Director, he led their multi-award winning campaigns on modern slavery and loneliness and is leading their current campaigns on community wellbeing which are focussing mental health and wellbeing, reversing the loss of community spaces and on tackling the causes of violence in communities.
Paul also leads the Co-op’s engagement on a broad range of public policy issues. Paul is a Fellow of IEMA, the global body of sustainability professionals.