At the recent Conservative Party conference, prime minister Theresa May committed to a new industrial strategy for the UK. It was a call that many welcomed. Indeed, it was a call that just a few days earlier had resonated with delegates at the Labour Party. So, if there is a cross-party political consensus on growing our economy with a new industrial strategy, what might it look like?

At the Association for Public Service Excellence (APSE) and New Local Government Network (NLGN), we believe it should develop around local skills and employment. Attracting and developing new industries needs a skilled workforce, one which has been nurtured by investment and matches the needs of local employers and local economies.