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Anchor institutions and economic resilience in the city of Leeds

Photograph of Leeds City Centre

Sherif Youssef, LSSI Partnerships and Engagement Officer, Professor Louise Waite, Director of LSSI and Professor of Human Geography and Professor Andy Brown, Professor of Economics and Political Economy, have been awarded Research England funding for the project Anchor institutions and economic resilience in the city of Leeds.  This funding is part of the Research England Policy Support Fund, and runs from October 2024 to July 2025.

I think the time has come for a fundamental review of our understanding of local procurement driven by key institutions and the role it plays in creating local economic resilience within the city of Leeds.  This project will further cement our ongoing collaboration with Leeds City Council.

Sherif Youssef

Abstract: In recent years, the UK has faced significant challenges, including the pandemic, cost of living crisis, high inflation, and stagnant economic growth. These issues have exacerbated income inequality and regional disparities.

Anchor institutions like local governments, hospitals, universities, housing associations and large private sector organisations play a critical role in creating new job opportunities and investing in vital projects and services that impact the lives of local citizens.  This project will work with anchor institutions in Leeds to explore how they can utilise their supply chains to enhance economic resilience, support communities and pave the way for a more robust and thriving city.

We are looking forward to working with colleagues from Leeds City Council and the University of Leeds, and will provide updates here throughout the project.