The need to protect and grow British trade has been high on the political agenda in recent months following the triggering of Article 50 and the publication of the industrial strategy green paper. The latter emphasised the need for a sector-based approach to boosting trade and business across the country.

However, new research by Centre for Cities shows that in order to realise these aims, the focus of the strategy should be less on particular sectors and more on the diverse roles which different places across the country – and cities in particular – can play in boosting trade and generating growth.