UK productivity has stagnated and nowhere is this more evident than in the sectors that keep our towns and cities running – retail, social care, hospitality and transport. These industries employ millions locally, yet often remain an afterthought in economic strategy.

With Labour's industrial strategy coming to light in June (see Invest 2035), there is an opportunity to maximise the potential of these sectors. But once again, national policy focuses on high-tech industries, while the everyday economy is sidelined.