The North of England sits at the heart of many of the UK’s most important debates around economic growth, infrastructure, housing, energy and industrial development.

At the same time, the political environment is becoming increasingly complex. Metro mayors, combined authorities, local councils, community groups and campaign organisations are all playing a growing role in shaping investment and development decisions. Traditional political loyalties are shifting, Reform UK is reshaping local politics in some areas and local stakeholder environments are becoming increasingly fragmented.

For organisations seeking to invest, grow or deliver major projects, success increasingly depends on understanding how political, stakeholder and community dynamics differ from place to place across the region.