10.30am – 12pm23 January 2025
Leeds and online
Shoosmiths, Platform, New Station St, Leeds LS1 4JB
Local Growth Plans are the engine room for delivering the aspirations of the Industrial Strategy across the UK.
In November 2024 the UK Government announced the Industrial Strategy. Underpinning this UK wide document are Local Growth Plans which highlight the priorities, clusters and growth sectors that devolved government will seek to grow, support and collaborate with. These Local Growth Plans are the engine room for delivering the aspirations of Industrial Strategy across the UK.
techUK is holding a series of briefings for our members and stakeholders to explore a selected group of different Local Growth Plans. At these events we will discuss how these will work in practice, the industries different areas are seeking to grow, the challenges they face, what this means for Investment Zones or AI growth zones, and how this fits into each Mayor's wider plans for their region.
Event one: West Yorkshire
Join us for this briefing with colleagues from the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and techUK’s members to discuss the next steps for the Local Growth Plan. This event will have a particular reference to the UK tech sector, digital economy and business engagement to help members understand how they can engage with the process and the agreed Local Growth Plan,
In December 2024 the Combined Authority, the West Yorkshire Mayor and political leaders agreed a ten-year local growth plan for West Yorkshire to transform the region, boost the economy and put more money in people’s pockets.
Local Growth Plans are a Government priority for Mayoral Combined Authority areas as set out in the recently published Devolution White Paper. In October, the Government launched a consultation on a Green Paper for a Modern Industrial Strategy. The Green Paper identified eight ‘growth-driving sectors’ that offer the most opportunities for business and the economy.
The five priorities of the West Yorkshire Local Growth Plan are:
Boosting the region’s fastest growing business sectors, including financial and professional services, advanced manufacturing and engineering, life sciences and health technologies, and the creative industries.
Supporting small and medium-sized businesses to grow and succeed, with greater access to finance, skills, workspace, innovation, markets, promotion, and a supportive eco-system of public-private partnerships.
Building a region of learning and creativity, where people of all ages and backgrounds can access the qualifications, skills and employment support they need to secure well-paid work and fulfil their potential.
Creating a better-connected and integrated transport network, with more reliable and frequent bus services under local control, greater rail capacity to reduce congestion and journey times, and a new tram system fully integrated with bus and rail to connect the entire region.
Developing thriving places, with warm and affordable homes for all, safer communities free from crime and antisocial behaviour, neighbourhoods resilient to flooding and the impacts of climate change, and greater access to culture, heritage and sport for everyone.
The identified sectors align well with existing strengths in West Yorkshire and the priorities set out in the Local Growth Plan. Further engagement with Government is taking place.
We invite all techUK members to join us at this event, whether you are based in West Yorkshire, expanding to West Yorkshire, or simply looking to understand how Local Growth Plans support the Industrial Strategy.
Nations and Regions Programme activities
techUK champions the tech sector throughout the UK. We work with local authorities, devolved government, and local and national policy makers to advocate for the tech sector in strengthening economic growth and resilience across the nations and regions. Visit the programme page here
techUK Devolved Government Manifesto for pursuing economic growth, a thriving tech sector and digital at the heart of public services
This manifesto sets out techUK’s priorities for devolved governments, focusing on driving economic growth, supporting a thriving tech sector and placing digital at the heart of public services. It outlines practical policy actions and opportunities for collaboration to help technology deliver better outcomes for people, places and the economy.
techUK is delighted to publish the 2025 edition of our Local Digital Index. This is the fifth edition of the Index and provides updated data, new insights and a more user-friendly set of maps to help all those using the tool to inform their work and support decision making.
Our members develop strong networks, build meaningful partnerships and grow their businesses as we all work together to create a thriving environment where industry, government and stakeholders come together to realise the positive outcomes tech can deliver.
Matt is leading techUK’s work with members and stakeholders across the UK to increase the Local Digital Capital across the UK’s nation and regions, build communities and to ensure that digital technology plays a key part the post-COVID-19 levelling-up recovery.
Prior to joining techUK, Matt worked for several national education charities and membership bodies to develop their regional partnerships with schools, academy trusts, local authorities, and other stakeholders. He’s also worked with local authority leaders and other stakeholders to engage communities, work with elected members and improve public services.
He holds a BA in Politics from the University of York and an MA in International Relations from the University of Leeds. Away from work he’s a keen football fan and golfer.
If you’d like to find out more about our work in the nations and regions please get in touch with Matt:
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie Barr
Programme Manager, SME Engagement and Nations & Regions, techUK
Stephanie is the Programme Manager for SME Engagement and Nations & Regions at techUK.
Working across the two programmes, Stephanie develops activities to support the growth and development of tech SMEs and engages with members and stakeholders more broadly to help strengthen regional tech economies.
Prior to joining techUK, Stephanie worked for a political events company and as a Senior Caseworker for an MP. She holds an MA (HONS) in Politics from the University of Glasgow.
Outside of work, Stephanie enjoys travelling, climbing and playing squash.
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke Newcombe
Programme Manager – Local Public Services and Nations and Regions, techUK
Luke joined techUK in September 2025 as a Programme Manager for Local Public Services and Nations and Regions.
Luke works closely with members and stakeholders across industry and government at local, regional and national levels to support collaboration, drive innovation and strengthen tech-enabled public services. His work supports the development of strong local and regional tech economies by helping organisations to engage with public sector challenges, explore emerging technologies and build impactful partnerships.
Prior to joining techUK, Luke worked at Enterprise Ireland, the Irish government’s export development agency. He began by advising SMEs on export strategy to the UK and later focused on connecting Irish businesses with multinational organisations to foster strategic partnerships, drive international growth and support economic development.
Luke holds an MSc in Political Economy from the University of Amsterdam and a BA in European Studies from Trinity College Dublin.
