Henry Ford, American industrialist and founder of Ford Motor Company, turned an expensive luxury into an everyday reality on our landscape – the car is now everywhere. This momentous achievement prompted me to think about Henry Ford's famous quote: ‘You can't build a reputation on what you are going to do' which resonated with me on many levels.

As districts become increasingly engaged in the devolution and combined authority debate and process, we need to keep a sense of reality about the number which currently exist. For many there will still be a rocky road to travel. Those who are currently close to a ‘deal' with the Government will undoubtedly have a sense of collaboration. District councils are also increasingly collaborating and combining – sharing expertise, delivering more for less, and building capacity and resilience. But for all involved in any sort of collaboration the crucial ingredient that is always required is the level of pace from each of the partners.