PLMR has partnered with Downtown in Business to launch a new senior-level roundtable programme exploring the next phase of English devolution and what it means for businesses, civic leaders and organisations operating across the country.
Devolution 2.0: Power, Growth and the Business Agenda will bring together senior business leaders, policymakers and political stakeholders to examine how devolved powers can be used to support regional growth, unlock investment and ensure decision-making better reflects the needs of local economies.
English devolution is moving rapidly up the political agenda. With Andy Burnham’s Labour leadership bid placing the Manchester model, fiscal devolution and regional growth at the heart of the national debate, questions about where power sits – and how it is used – are becoming central to the future direction of government.
As political interest grows in the role of metro mayors, strategic authorities and locally-led economic policy, the implications for business are significant. From transport and infrastructure to skills, housing, planning and investment, the next wave of devolution could reshape how organisations engage with decision-makers and influence policy.
The new programme will seek to understand what needs to happen to make devolution work effectively for businesses and communities, and how local, regional and national government can work with the private and third sectors to deliver meaningful growth.
The roundtables will consider:
- What a more ambitious devolution agenda could mean for regional economies
- The growing role of metro mayors and strategic authorities in driving growth
- How fiscal devolution could change local investment and infrastructure decisions
- What businesses need from local and national government as power shifts out of Westminster
- How civic and business leaders can influence the next phase of English devolution
The first two discussions will take place in:
📍 Birmingham – Thursday 2 July 2026, 12:00pm – 2:30pm
📍 Liverpool – Wednesday 2 September 2026, 12:00pm – 2:30pm
Insights from the roundtables will help inform a subsequent PLMR Insights report on the future of devolution in England, setting out the opportunities, challenges and practical steps needed to make the next phase of devolution work for business and regional growth.
Places are limited. To express your interest in attending either roundtable, please contact downtowninbusiness@plmr.co.uk.
