In 2012 Essex County Council's ‘Deal for Growth' served as striking contribution to the national debate on growth and an inspiration for many areas of the country.

Guided by their City Limits research the Deal articulated how much more the county economy could contribute to UK plc if the county gained greater economic autonomy.  Essex estimated that the alongside gains in economic growth, the Deal would yield an additional 60,000 new jobs and 25,500 new homes.