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PODCASTS

Inside the Local Authority of the Year

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named 'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden.

Back in June, Knowsley Council was named  'Local Authority of the Year' award at The MJ Awards. In this episode of podcast Our World is Local hosts Nick Kilby and Heather James speak to Knowsley chief Mike Harden. 

Mike's career in local government spans almost 40 years - 28 of them at Knowsley. He talks about the culture and achievements that made the council award-winning. Mike will be retiring from his position at the end of 2024, and will be doing so on an incredibly high note!

Hosted by Cratus Group CEO Nick Kilby and the Editor of The MJ, Heather Jameson, the ‘Our World is Local' podcast is a space to learn about the key figures in local government, highlighting the tremendous work they do for the communities they serve. 

You can listen to the previous episodes ⁠⁠on Spotify  and wherever else you listen to your podcasts.

PODCASTS

Don't let lack of cash fail Total Place 2.0

By Heather Jameson | 04 December 2025

Reeves was never going to magic up a solution to public sector funding woes in the Budget, 'but there was barely a trick', says Heather Jameson.

PODCASTS

Pride in Place: learning from 150 Big Local neighbourhoods

By Dan Crowe | 04 December 2025

Dan Crowe looks at the potential offered by asset-based community development.

PODCASTS

Harnessing defence in Hunts

By Paul Marinko | 03 December 2025

As Huntingdonshire grapples with reorganisation, the district council is working hard to ensure unique defence opportunities to boost growth in the region co...

PODCASTS

Chancellor's continued focus on growth and visitor levies is welcome

By Cllr James Lewis | 02 December 2025

Cllr James Lewis hopes the success of visitor levies gives Treasury officials the confidence to look at other forms of fiscal devolution to place.