Complex ownership structures place Premier League football clubs in jeopardy, new research finds

The soon to be created independent football regulator must embark on closer scrutiny of ownership structures if the long-term futures of many English Premier League (EPL) football clubs are not to be put at risk, two leading experts on football governance have warned.

In an article published by Policy@Manchester, Dr Peter Duncan and Professor Nicholas Lord reveal the findings of new research from The University of Manchester which suggest that current regulation is “insufficient to protect clubs from financial misuse.”

By combining data from a variety of open access sources, the academics  discovered a range of ownership structures in EPL clubs “from relatively simple and straightforward to seemingly unnecessarily complex and convoluted.”

Complex ownership structures are placing the future of many EPL clubs at risk – University of Manchester academics (Credit: NiseriN)

Amongst several standout findings focusing on EPL clubs from the 2023-2024 season, they learnt that numerous clubs are owned by large networks of holding companies; more than half of EPL clubs have at least one holding company incorporated offshore; seven clubs make use of multiple overseas jurisdictions in the ownership chain; and 12 of the 20 clubs had at least 10% of their holdings which – due to secrecy provisions – could not be formally traced back to their beneficial owners.

Duncan and Lord contend that “whilst there may be legitimate and commercially plausible justifications for organising club ownership in this way, these structures make many clubs ideal vehicles for motivated actors to obscure the source of funds (which could be from illicit activities), the nature of particular transactions (which could involve violations), and/or the identities of investors or owners of clubs.”

They add: “Our evidence indicates that regulations need to better protect clubs from this kind of misuse because the exposure of such illicit financial flows could seriously jeopardise the future of clubs.”

The authors note that the EPL’s current ‘Owners’ and Directors’ Test’ “intends to prevent EPL clubs from falling into the ‘wrong’ hands, but its success in achieving this goal has been repeatedly challenged” partly because “it is possible to own up to a quarter of an EPL club without needing to pass any checks on source of funds or other propriety.”

They continue: “Our research supports the suggestion (made in a Department for Culture, Media and Sport statement) that a revised Owners’ and Directors’ Test should require that individuals taking the test undergo detailed due diligence relating to identity and source of funds checks, including: ‘a fitness and propriety test (owners and directors), enhanced due diligence of source of wealth (owners), and a requirement for robust financial plans (owners)’. These additional layers of scrutiny should be embedded into legislation as they would likely help to prevent problematic club ownership.”

To improve matters further, Duncan and Lord urge football regulators to launch a thorough review of current and proposed ownership structures “including overall complexity, as well as use of secrecy jurisdictions” which permit the hiding of beneficial ownership. They write: “Regulators should seek detailed justification where complex structures are proposed. Working in partnership with HMRC to consider the tax implications of various structures would also be recommended.”

The University of Manchester academics conclude: “Finally, government should require the new regulator to uphold the requirement that clubs publish the identities of beneficial owners, and this should be supported with official and publicly verifiable information. Enhanced regulation and transparency embedded into legislation will ultimately protect the future of our national sport.”

‘Protecting Premier League football clubs through tighter regulation’ by Dr Peter Duncan and Professor Nicholas Lord is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Aspiring entrepreneurs invited to tell their stories at Leeds business workshop

Unity Enterprise (UE) will host the second in a series of business workshops next Tuesday (21 January) designed to boost entrepreneurial skills in its 25th anniversary year.    

Taking place from 10am-12pm at Leeds Media Centre in Chapeltown, renowned public speaking professional Pol Donald Nkana Nkana will lead a masterclass entitled ‘Storytelling for Business: What is Your Story?’ with participants learning how to harness storytelling to create narratives that connect with business audiences. 

He will arrive fresh from his appearance at the same venue earlier this month when fronting a workshop titled ‘A Cup of Confidence’ which sought to unlock the public speaking potential of a packed room of attendees – fuelled by Coffenah coffee, which will be formally launched on to the market in the coming weeks.

Founded in 2000, UE is the not-for-profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise which manages over 1,386 affordable properties for tenants in Leeds and Kirklees.

Pol Donald Nkana Nkana addressing his ‘A Cup of Confidence’ workshop at Leeds Media Centre

Adrian Green, UE Manager, said: “Pol demonstrated his expertise as an outstanding public speaker to an audience of aspiring entrepreneurs with his ‘A Cup Full of Confidence’ workshop.

“‘Storytelling for Business: What is Your Story?’ will be equally compelling and places are rapidly filling up.

“The two workshops have kicked off our 25th anniversary year in the perfect way, with many more exciting events to be announced.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Pol’s back story is particularly interesting, and it was a pleasure to hear him share this at the first workshop and use the lessons he has learnt to demonstrate the power of effective public speaking.

“We are looking forward to the second event where attendees will be invited to share their own business experiences.

“Unity is hosting these gatherings, both to support new entrepreneurs and help people in hard-to-reach communities to gain new skills and establish their own business.”

Further information about ‘Storytelling for Business: What is Your Story?’ is available from Richard Aitoro on Tel: 07383 83939393 or email: Richard.Aitoro@unityha.co.uk   

The workshop is free to attend but, with numbers limited, those wishing to come along are requested to secure their places on Eventbrite.   

Unity Enterprise to make key appointment in anniversary year

Unity Enterprise (UE) is recruiting an Assistant Manager to play a leading role in its continued growth as it celebrates 25 years in business.

Set up in 2000 as a not for profit subsidiary of Leeds-based BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, UE provides 142 affordable business units for over 80 diverse businesses.

Collectively, they deliver employment for more than 1200 people across UE’s three business centres in Chapeltown.   

The Assistant Manager will help to manage the centres including the newly opened podcast studio at Leeds Media Centre which recently completed a £1.8 million redevelopment in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund, creating 12 new business units and a bespoke enterprise hub.  

Leeds Media Centre where the new Unity Enterprise Assistant Manager will be based

Adrian Green, UE Manager, said: “The new position of Assistant Manager is a great opportunity to join a highly successfully and motivated team.

“The role requires a blend of business skills with some technical expertise in audio and video production. 

“The successful candidate will support me in the day to day running of our thriving business centres, engage with potential clients, organise events and contribute to the growth of our business initiatives.

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive (left), and Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, at Leeds Media Centre

“It is a particularly special year for us as we celebrate our 25th anniversary in modernised surroundings.  There has never been a better time to come onboard.”      

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “UE’s mission is to find, encourage, support and develop local people with entrepreneurial talent and aspiration to improve life chances and boost prosperity. 

“Alongside their other responsibilities, the Assistant Manager will have a pivotal part to play in helping people to succeed as entrepreneurs, grow their businesses and create new employment opportunities.” 

Prospective candidates are invited to contact Adrian Green for an informal discussion on Tel: 0113 2425996.

Full details about the position are available on the Unity Homes and Enterprise website with applications closing on Sunday 26 January 2025. 

Early intervention is key to turning tide on school absence – leading academic

Persistent school absence is connected to significant issues of unfairness in the UK including regional disparities and poor external support for schools, a prominent educational psychologist has argued.     

Current approaches to tackling school absences are falling short (Credit: Fly View Productions)

In an article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, Professor Caroline Bond draws on findings from the latest Child of the North and Centre for Young Lives report – which she contributed to as an  executive editor – to advocate putting the interests and life chances of children at the heart of public policymaking.  

“Disadvantage is a significant factor in poorer educational and long-term life outcomes – and there are clear links between geographical inequalities and school absences,” she writes, backing this up with statistics which show that the persistent absence rate is highest in the South West (22.2%) and Yorkshire and the Humber (22.1%), whilst Inner London and Outer London recorded the lowest overall persistent absence rate of 18.9% and 18.7% respectively.

Professor Bond warns that children who are not school ready, those with special education needs, are looked after or from certain minority groups are also among those at greater risk of adverse school outcomes.

“These adverse outcomes include not attending school, experiencing mental health difficulties, being excluded or not achieving at the expected academic level for their age,” she explains.  “For instance, only 36% of children who were persistently absent in 2018-19 achieved expected grades in English and Maths compared to 78% of pupils who were rarely absent.”

And the University of Manchester academic highlights that school absence is also a safeguarding issue “with absent children at greater risk of criminal or sexual exploitation and/or serious violence.”

She writes: “Young people who were severely or persistently absent reported being 15% less confident at making friends compared to pupils with full attendance. Poverty and disadvantage leading to school absence is then compounded by disconnection from peers, adverse mental health outcomes and risks of harms, unemployment and negative outcomes.”

In her article, Professor Bond sets out a series of policy recommendations to assist decision makers in turning the tide on school absences - and identifies early intervention as “key” to success.

“Central and local government should support schools in both early identification and early intervention,” she argues.  “Early identification would focus on children from disadvantaged backgrounds, with special educational needs (SEND), and those living in high-deprivation areas. Preventative interventions should focus on ensuring children are school ready, experience a sense of belonging and safety in school and experience an engaging curriculum offer.”

She continues: “The Department for Education should support schools to establish early screening methods to identify at-risk pupils before attendance issues escalate. This will enable schools to address learning, social and emotional or mental health needs early and work with community organisations to provide wider support for families.”

In addition to stressing the “urgent need” for schools and colleges to develop “more inclusive pastoral and academic systems to engage diverse young people with education,” Professor Bond calls on national and local government to “encourage closer collaboration between education, healthcare, and social services to provide integrated support for children and families facing complex challenges.”

She adds: “Multi-agency partnerships between local authorities, community organisations, and healthcare services can help to identify the root causes of absenteeism and work collaboratively to provide targeted, individualised support.”

‘Attending to absence: how can we improve outcomes for disadvantaged children?’ by Professor Caroline Bond is available to read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website.

Unity Enterprise kicks off 25th anniversary year with inspiring business workshops

Unity Enterprise – the not for profit subsidiary of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise - will launch its 25th anniversary celebrations this month with the first two events in a series of workshops designed to boost entrepreneurial skills.   

On Tuesday 14 January from 9-10.30am at Leeds Media Centre, ‘A Cup of Confidence’ is set to be a morning filled with business inspiration and caffeine.

Pol Donald Nkana Nkana who will lead two Unity Enterprise business workshops at Leeds Media Centre this month

Delivered in partnership with Coffeenah, attendees will be invited to unlock their public speaking potential with expert guidance from distinguished public speaking professional Pol Donald Nkana Nkana – whilst enjoying a cup of the finest Arabica coffee.

Seven days later, on Tuesday 21 January from 10am-12pm at the same venue, Pol Donald Nkana Nkana will return to lead a masterclass entitled ‘Storytelling for Business: What is Your Story?’ with participants learning how to harness storytelling to create compelling narratives that resonate with business audiences.  

Both events are free of charge but, with numbers limited, those wishing to attend are asked to book their places on Eventbrite.    

Richard Aitoro, Unity Enterprise Business Adviser, said: “We are excited to begin our 25th year with a doubleheader of workshops to set the perfect tone for an inspiring year ahead.

“Pol Donald Nkana Nkana is a dynamic international speaker and entrepreneur with a deep commitment to personal development and effective communication. 

“’A Cup Full of Confidence’ will enable participants to benefit from bite-sized talks on essential public speaking topics, whilst networking with fellow business professionals over a cup of magnificent coffee – we are grateful to Coffeenah for their support.

“Following this, ‘Storytelling for Business: What is Your Story?’ will empower those present to develop their own stories using effective communication tools to make their business messages stand out.” 

Pol Donald Nkana Nkana said: “Inspiring people in diverse communities to embrace entrepreneurship and use their voices confidently, whether in boardrooms or on stages, is deeply important to me. 

“There is so much untapped business talent waiting to be discovered and nurtured.

Leeds Media Centre, one of three business locations operated by Unity Enterprise which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year

“Unity Enterprise serves as a vital bridge to those opportunities, and I am delighted to contribute by helping aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds embark on their journey through leadership and confidence building.”

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “We are thrilled that Pol will be facilitating our opening workshops of 2025.

“He has a well-earned reputation as a vibrant and engaging public speaker who knows what it takes to win in a competitive business world. 

“I have no doubt that his energy and charisma will rub off on attendees, who will also benefit greatly from the practical advice he is able to convey.”

Further information about both events is available from Richard Aitoro on Tel: 07383 83939393 or email: Richard.Aitoro@unityha.co.uk

2025 must herald new dawn for new homes - housing association CEO

The chief executive of Bradford-based Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has said 2025 must be the year for the government to “inject real momentum” into its housebuilding plans if Ministers are to meet their pledge to deliver 1.5 million new homes by the end of this Parliament.

In a New Year message, Lee Bloomfield reflected on the “incredible milestones” MHA had achieved over the previous 12 months which he described as “a testament to our commitment to serving our communities, enhancing our services and fostering a truly inclusive and supportive environment.”

Notable successes included being recognised as the first housing association worldwide to win the ISO 30415 accreditation for HR and diversity and inclusion, the launch of a greatly enhanced user-friendly website as part of its digital transformation agenda, and the upgrade of MHA properties with assistance from the Social Housing Decarbonisation Fund.  

2024 also saw the delivery of 20 new affordable homes at Odette’s Point in Keighley.

“Each home,” he said, “represents our dedication to providing high quality, affordable housing that meets the needs of our diverse community.”

However, Mr Bloomfield stressed that MHA – which manages more than 1,400 homes for over 6,000 residents in Keighley and Bradford – was keen to deliver many more.

Lee Bloomfield, Chief Executive, Manningham Housing Association

He said: “Last month, we were privileged to host strategy and policy staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government in Bradford and Keighley as part of the Social Housing Immersion Programme

“We made clear that MHA stands ready to help in any way we can to help the government deliver its promise of 1.5 million new homes within five years.

“Whilst Ministers have faced criticism for the direction taken in some areas of policy, I believe the tone and approach they have adopted in relation to housebuilding has been impressive. 

“But with the clock ticking, they must inject real momentum into the process by swiftly enacting the planning legislation they have talked up before getting actual shovels in the ground. 

“And signs of delivery must be visible this year, otherwise those who believe that the 1.5 million housing target is fanciful will have added reason to be sceptical.

“A new year brings new hope, new aspiration and new energy – nowhere more so than Bradford UK City of Culture 2025.

“The sincere wish of everyone in the housing sector must be that this new year will herald a new dawn in the delivery of new homes.”

Experts draw up action plan to halve violence against women and girls

How the Government plans to deliver on its commitment to halve violence against women and girls (VAWG) in a decade “remains unclear,” three prominent experts on the subject have warned.

However - in an article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - Professor David Gadd, Dr Caroline Miles and Professor Barry Godfrey argue that achieving this goal “is not the mission impossible it might appear.”

They point out that many new forms of gender-based violence (GBV) have emerged in recent years – some digital, like ‘revenge porn’ – some physical, like spiking – and many blending the virtual and the real – like stalking.

Further, according to Crime Survey for England and Wales figures from 2022/23, 27% of women said they had been victims of sexual assault – up sharply from 19.9% in 2013/14.  

“The standard solutions to tackle VAWG – more policing, bringing perpetrators to justice, imprisoning high risk high harm predators – are unlikely to dent these troubling statistics,” the academics write.  “Only 1 in 23 domestic abuse offences and less than 3 in 100 rapes recorded by the police result in a conviction. Moreover, the vast majority of GBV is never reported to the police.” 

The Government can meet its target to halve violence against women and girls, University of Manchester experts believe (Credit: SeventyFour)

Gadd, Miles and Godfrey believe that the way to “shift the dial” on this issue is to identify repeat offenders and understand what could be done at earlier stages in their lives to prevent them becoming so dangerous. 

“Research, along with the findings of domestic homicide reviews, routinely reveals histories of complex trauma in the lives of the most dangerous men, deriving often from experiences in childhood, institutional care and custody, and contained precariously by the consumption of alcohol, prescription drugs and illicit substances,” they explain.  “Many perpetrators have also experienced seeing their mothers physically and/or sexually abused by fathers and stepfathers whom they wish to be nothing like.”  

In a series of policy recommendations, the University of Manchester academics advocate “long-term investment in trauma-informed preventative work with boys and young men” as a means of enabling the Government to achieve its mission to halve VAWG. But they add: “This needs to be done in the context of wider public debate about men’s behaviour at home, in public spaces and in the workplace.”

Gadd, Miles and Godfrey also highlight emerging evidence which suggests that the attitudes of men and boys, and among subgroups likely to contain higher percentages of repeat perpetrators, can be improved “through well designed social media interventions.”

They write: “A core challenge is how to sustain those conversations long enough that resistance is worked through to the point that opposition on the grounds that ‘not all men’ rape, stalk, or coercively control is turned into a rallying cry to ensure even fewer men do.” 

The authors underline the importance of “political leadership to engender societal level change” if the Government target is to be met.  “Resourcing, upskilling and supporting the criminal justice, education, health and VCFSE sector will be important,” they argue. “But this will only work if we also have the difficult national conversation that is long overdue.”

They conclude: “We must recognise that telling men what they want to hear – that they are okay because they are nothing like the really bad guys – is not the same as exploring with them what they might need to ensure the women they work with, live with, and care about no longer have to endure the ‘national emergency’ that reflects current levels of violence against women and girls.”

‘How to halve violence against women and girls,’ by Professor David Gadd, Dr Caroline Miles and Professor Barry Godfrey is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

MHA’s Christmas MELA brings community spirit to life in Keighley

More than 200 local residents came together in Victoria Hall in Keighley to enjoy a celebration of culture, unity and festive joy at Christmas MELA 2024 hosted by Manningham Housing Association (MHA).

There was something for everyone including a visit from Santa Claus, a festive photo booth, DJ, henna art and facepainting, calligraphy, a charity clothes stall, bouncy castle, tombola, balloon modelling and a huge selection of food choices reflecting the region’s rich culinary diversity

Santa Claus joins MHA staff in sharing the joy at Christmas MELA 2024

Alongside MHA residents and staff, representatives of the association’s key partner organisations - including Bradford Council, West Yorkshire Police, Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture, Shipley College, Project 6 and Skills House - joined in the fun and ran pop-up stalls providing information on what they do.      

Feedback from attendees was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the inclusive environment, enjoyable entertainment and delicious food.

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “A big thank you to all the Keighley residents who joined us for Christmas MELA 2024.

“It was a vibrant celebration of unity, culture and community spirit for people of all ages.

“Our MELA Working Group is worthy of special praise for their hard work and dedication in organising the event, including a big shoutout to Sayful Alam for leading the team with such passion.

“We are also indebted to our partner organisations who took the time to come along and do so much to support our activities throughout the year.

MHA Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield (third from left) joins staff in serving up the wide selection of food on offer at Christmas MELA 2024  

“The valuable feedback from attendees will play a vital role in shaping future MELA events, ensuring they continue to inspire togetherness and inclusivity across Bradford and Keighley.”

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “It was fantastic to see so many families come together to be part of the celebration.

“The event also served as a platform for raising awareness about community support services.  

“Through a dynamic blend of entertainment, creativity and cultural appreciation, Christmas MELA 2024 successfully fostered an inclusive space where people from all walks of life could share the festive joy.

“It was a proud and memorable day for everyone associated with Manningham Housing Association.”

NHS infrastructure crisis risks creating two-tier hospital system, academic warns

A combination of continued NHS underfunding, poorly maintained infrastructure and increasing numbers of patients risks creating a two-tier hospital system in England, a leading financial expert has warned.

In an article published by Policy@Manchester, Anne Stafford - Professor of Accounting and Finance at the Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester – examines the consequences of using privately financed but publicly funded schemes (known as the Private Finance Initiative, or PFI) for hospital buildings.     

“Governments in power from 1979 put little investment into hospital infrastructure,” she writes.  “From 1997 to 2010, the government addressed the problem by using PFI to deliver 109 hospital projects (around 20% of English NHS hospitals).”

This involves paying the private provider an annual rental charge to cover the cost of building the hospital, and a service charge which covers operating and maintenance costs.

“PFI hospitals are more expensive to operate than non-PFI hospitals, but as there is an enforceable contract in place, the private partners must ensure that PFI hospitals are properly maintained,” Professor Stafford explains.  “In contrast, austerity policies since 2010 mean backlog maintenance on non-PFI hospitals, which is not planned maintenance work, but rather the work which should have already taken place, has increased from £4bn in 2012 to £11.6bn in 2023, an increase of 290% and greater than the £8bn allocated by the government in 2022 for capital investment to 2030.”

Her own research at The University of Manchester involved analysing the financial position of NHS trusts with the five largest PFI schemes - all of which also contain non-PFI hospitals - and their related private partners over the period 2017-2022. 

“The five trusts show a continuing pattern of recorded deficits and/or rising backlog maintenance, whilst in contrast their PFI private partners were delivering good, low risk returns for their financiers,” she writes.  “Moreover, the outflow of high finance costs plus any profits means less money remains within the NHS for tackling healthcare problems.” 

“A two-tier hospital system may develop in England” (Photo credit: whitemay)

Professor Stafford describes the NHS as “in a crisis position, with continued underfunding and a growing pool of poorly maintained infrastructure, yet increasing numbers of patients.” 

Looking to the future, she continues: “One likely outcome is that a two-tier hospital system may develop in England, as patients who can, will choose to attend modern, well-maintained buildings for elective care, over older, more inefficient structures. Patient choice could ultimately lead to destabilisation and intra and inter-trust tension across the system, dependent on how combinations of PFI and non-PFI hospitals, bed numbers and PFI charges play out in a complex scenario.” 

In her article, which appears in the newly released Policy@Manchester publication On Infrastructure, Professor Stafford advances a series of policy recommendations “for a robust and reliable NHS infrastructure.”

These include advising the government to seek out examples of “best practice in hospital buildings construction and utilisation and share them centrally, so that new fit-for-purpose buildings can be delivered efficiently and at affordable cost.”

She calls for greater oversight of the interface between the NHS, the Department of Health and Social Care and the Treasury with the aim of delivering more joined-up provision of care. 

And The University of Manchester academic urges Ministers to “set out a policy commitment on a rolling programme of capital investment using public finance, prioritising the replacement of worn-out buildings and addressing the shortage of hospital beds in under-resourced trusts.” 

On Infrastructure is free to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

MHA welcomes Government representatives to Keighley and Bradford

Manningham Housing Association (MHA) has hosted senior strategy and policy staff from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) on a two day factfinding trip.

The visit was part of MHCLG’s Social Housing Immersion Programme which provides a bridge for policy and strategy staff to engage with housing associations and tenants across the English regions. 

Following a welcome to MHA’s Bradford head office from Chief Executive Lee Bloomfield, the guests attended a meeting of the association’s Customer Panel.

After lunch, they joined staff from MHA and partner agencies, including West Yorkshire Police and Bradford Council, to visit MHA residents in Bradford where they dealt with repairs, discussed income and welfare, and had the chance to raise other concerns.

Day one finished with a roundtable discussion led by MHA Head of Neighbourhoods, Nadim Khaliq and Neighbourhoods Team Leader, Harry Manford, on the association’s approach to allocations and lettings, followed by a showcase of its choice-based lettings system.

Day two began with the MHCLG representatives joining residents of MHA’s Anchor Court housing scheme in Bradford for a Christmas party including a memorable performance from the Manningham Primary School choir.

After a lunch meeting with Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chair Rupert Pometsey and BME National Executive Lead for Ageing Well Abdul Ravat, they travelled to Keighley to visit MHA’s recently opened Odette’s Point development of 20 three and four-bedroom family properties, where they met a resident who told them how her new home had transformed her family’s life. 

The trip ended with their attendance at a celebratory Christmas-themed event in the town which brought together MHA residents and staff. 

Ed Lowe (right), MHCLG Policy Lead, and Rob Steggles, MHCLG Policy Adviser, during their visit to Bradford and Keighley as guests of Manningham Housing Association 

Lee Bloomfield said: “It was a privilege to host Ed and Rob and provide them with a proper insight into what we do and how we do it.

“As a BME housing association with its roots firmly in the North, we have often felt quite distant from the key decision-makers in Whitehall.

“The MHCLG deserves credit for reaching out to the regions through this initiative.  I hope the first-hand experience gained will feed directly into the Government’s decision-making process as it seeks to meet its target of building 1.5 million new homes in this Parliament.

“MHA stands ready to assist in any way we can.”   

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “We had a meaningful exchange, which I hope will be the first of many direct engagements with the Government in its efforts to tackle the national housing crisis. 

“The two day visit allowed us to demonstrate our commitment to fostering strong communities and delivering exceptional services to our residents.”

Cath Bacon, an MHA tenant and Customer Panel Chair, said: "I appreciated the MHCLG representatives taking the time to attend our Customer Panel meeting, which I hope they found to be a useful exercise.  

“I am encouraged that the Government is listening to those directly affected by its social housing strategy, and hopeful that the forthcoming allocation policy reflects the needs of veterans and care leavers as well as the general population.”

Unity prepares to celebrate 25 years of enterprise with launch of anniversary logo

Unity Enterprise (UE) has unveiled a specially commissioned logo which will be a familiar sight in 2025 when it celebrates a quarter of century of delivering affordable workspace, professional advice and an abundance of other business support services to aspiring entrepreneurs in Leeds.

Established in 2000 as a not-for-profit subsidiary company of BME housing association Unity Homes and Enterprise, UE provides 142 affordable business units for over 80 diverse businesses in three centres in Chapeltown.  

Collectively, they employ more than 1200 people.   

The number of business units increased from 130 in 2023 following the completion of a £1.8 million Leeds Media Centre redevelopment scheme - in partnership with Leeds City Council and the European Regional Development Fund - which created 12 new units and a bespoke business hub.  

Beginning in January, UE will host a series of enterprise themed events to mark its 25th anniversary including business breakfasts, VIP visits, seminars and social gatherings with the emphasis on networking. 

Earlier this year, Unity’s Employment Services and Enterprise team triumphed over eight other shortlisted finalists from across the north of England to be named Team of the Year at the Northern Housing Awards 2024. 

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive (left), and Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, with the 25th anniversary logo now on display at Leeds Media Centre

Adrian Green, Unity Enterprise Manager, said: “We are grateful Craig Hymes at Inchpunch Design who kindly created the eye-catching logo which will be on display in our three business centres and prominent at all of our anniversary activities. 

“More details of these will be unveiled at our launch event in January, where UE tenants past and present will showcase their business achievements down the years.

“It promises to be a landmark 12 months for Unity Enterprise and a springboard for delivering the next 25 years of local entrepreneurial success.”    

Cedric Boston, Unity Homes and Enterprise Chief Executive, said: “Unity has always been so much more than a housing association.

“With our roots firmly embedded in the local community, we are committed to giving people of all ages the opportunity to fulfil their potential and improve their life chances by starting their own business, finding employment or enrolling in training and education. 

“Working with partners across the city of Leeds and beyond, Unity Enterprise has delivered startling results over a 25-year period with many business tenants going on to achieve remarkable results including the creation of many new jobs.

“That is a cause of major celebration.” 

Sharon Jandu OBE, Unity Enterprise Chair, said: “I am constantly inspired by what I see at our three business centres where entrepreneurialism is vibrant. 

“We are also particularly proud of the diversity amongst our tenants as we strive to achieve a positive economic and social impact for local BME people, businesses and communities.

“Looking ahead to 2025, I would encourage prospective partners from the private sector to step forward and support the magnificent work the small but incredibly dedicated UE team is doing to promote enterprise and change lives.”    

Belting up to deliver housing targets – are grey belts the answer?

The government’s target to build 1.5 million homes over the next five years by freeing up grey belt land “may prove problematic,” according to a leading green infrastructure expert.

Leading academic questions grey belt impact on government housing target (Credit: Colin Read)

In a new article published by Policy@Manchester, Ian Mell - Professor of Environmental and Landscape Planning at The University of Manchester - warns that pre-existing green belt designations could lead to conflict, delayed planning applications and an upsurge in appeals.

And whilst advocating the launch of a publicly funded social housing development programme on grey belt land, he fears that Ministers may still struggle to meet their manifesto pledge.  

When launching its housebuilding plans in Opposition earlier this year, Labour categorised the grey belt as “poor quality” and “ugly” green belt land. 

But drawing on his own work on urban and green infrastructure, Professor Mell makes clear that “for some, all green belt designations are of high quality and require protection” whilst “other stakeholders view them as a bureaucratic constraint on development.”

He argues that delivering more new homes will require more than the creation of grey belt zones.

“Unless grey belts are legislated to overrule green belt policy it is unclear how they will circumvent local planning policy objectives,” Professor Mell writes. “However, if such a change was proposed it would almost inevitably be challenged by campaigning organisations who view the protection of green belt as being of paramount importance.”

The University of Manchester academic questions whether the government’s approach would unlock sufficient land to meet its 1.5 million housebuilding target.  “If grey belt were added to brownfield designations, would that be adequate in terms of space to deliver 1.5 million?” he asks.  “It also fails to account for existing problems of land banking (where developers buy a plot of land to develop or sell in the future) and failure to deliver on existing permissions to build homes from the development sector.”

Professor Ian Mell, The University of Manchester

And he cautions Ministers that, alongside the legislative changes and additional resources required by local planning authorities to proceed with the designation of grey belt areas, specific consideration will also be needed on how these would be integrated into local plans and policies, including the necessary expansion of local infrastructure such as rural transport, schools and hospitals. 

Concluding his piece, Professor Mell recommends that the government “moves away from a homogenous interpretation of green belt and commissions a wholesale evaluation of the socio-cultural, economic and ecological benefits of green belt in the UK to understand what functions they deliver.”

He continues: “If grey belt policy is brought forward, then it should focus on development that is publicly funded by UK government and be used solely as council/social housing or sold as affordable housing.”

He adds: “If government is proposing to develop and fund a new programme of social housing development on grey belt, then there is scope to deliver meaningful development.”

‘Belting up to deliver housing targets – are grey belts the answer?’ by Professor Ian Mell is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

New Director of Operations appointed at Manningham Housing Association

Saqib Saleem is joining Manningham Housing Association (MHA) as Director of Operations.

Amongst a broad range of responsibilities, he will lead on the delivery of customer facing services and drive MHA’s asset management strategy, including overseeing its property portfolio. 

Saqib Saleem who has been appointed Director of Operations at Manningham Housing Association

Mr Saleem is currently Director of Strategy and Regulation at Altair where he leads a team that advises organisations on housing regulation, risk management, supporting for-profit providers and helping organisations become Registered Providers with the Regulator of Social Housing.

He arrives at MHA with more than two decades of combined experience in the public and private sectors, including previous roles at Homes England, KPMG and The Guinness Partnership.  

With expertise in audit, assurance, governance and risk within the housing sector, Mr Saleem is a qualified Internal Auditor, Agile Project Management Practitioner and holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Audit Management and Consultancy.

He said: “I am excited to join MHA as Director of Operations.

“Social housing has an important part to play in people’s lives and can be a stepping stone to a prosperous future for families and individuals. 

“I understand the difficulties faced by many BME communities and deeply admire the work that Manningham Housing Association does for such communities in Bradford and Keighley. 

“It is an immense task to not only maintain but raise the high standards MHA has set for itself over many years, including numerous award wins, but I am up for the challenge.” 

Lee Bloomfield, MHA Chief Executive, said: “The role of Director of Operations is hugely pivotal to MHA’s continued success as one of the country’s leading BME housing associations, and we set the bar particularly high when launching the recruitment process.  

“We were seeking a candidate with a sharp focus on customer experience and satisfaction, and a passion for delivering services to BME communities. Saqib vividly demonstrated these qualities.  

“We look forward to him becoming a key member of the Senior Management Team.”

Rupert Pometsey, MHA Chair, said: “This is an ideal time to be joining the association as we seek to inject added momentum into our ambitious growth plans on behalf of the local communities in Bradford and Keighley, whose needs we are proud to serve. 

“The Board was impressed by Saqib’s energy and drive, alongside his extensive experience of the sector.

“He is extremely welcome as the newest member of the MHA family.”      

Mr Saleem will take up post on 6 January 2025.

Rattling the supply chains: creating a more sustainable way to do business

Sustainable supply chain management is a “strategic imperative” with “far-reaching implications for economic, environmental and social wellbeing,” a University of Manchester academic has warned.    

Sustainable supply chain management is a “strategic imperative” (Credit: whitemay)

Writing in On Infrastructure, a new publication from Policy@Manchester, Dr Arijit De – who has been cited in numerous international journals - highlights the startling statistic that global supply chains now account for approximately 80% of global greenhouse gas emissions.

And he cautions that ever-increasing interdependencies among and between organisations have made these networks susceptible to both human-made and natural disruptions.

“Global disruption events such as the Japanese tsunami in 2011, Typhoon Haiyan in the Philippines in 2013 and earthquakes in Chile in 2015 have significantly compromised the performance of goods supply chains in recent decades,” he writes. “On the national scale, disruptive events can also impact supply chains and businesses – such as KFC’s logistics blunder and road accidents at the vicinity of a distribution depot in 2018, leading to two-thirds of their outlets in the UK having to close due to a chicken shortage.”

But he adds: “By integrating sustainability metrics into decision-making processes, organisations can meet the dual challenges of mitigating fuel costs and reducing carbon emissions while enhancing operational resilience during disruptions.” 

In his piece, Dr Arijit De - Associate Professor in Management Science at the Alliance Manchester Business School, The University of Manchester – explains that models developed using AI can be deployed to make better decision regarding resource allocation and supply chain resilience.

“For example, grocery and general merchandise retailers in the UK have used AI-driven algorithms to optimise supply chains by dynamically adjusting delivery routes based on real-time data, predicting the best transportation methods, and accurately forecasting demand to manage inventory,” he writes. “This approach enhances efficiency, reduces costs and mitigates risks, ensuring faster delivery times and a stronger, more flexible supply chain. It is important that the Department for Business and Trade incorporates these models and approaches into UK supply chain strategy.”

Dr Arijit De, The University of Manchester

Dr De unveils University of Manchester research findings which demonstrate the importance of allocating resources and capital to strengthen and protect the supply chain infrastructure, known as “fortification investment.”   He adds: “This helps in making the supply-chain facilities more resilient to disruptions, optimising product flow from distribution centres and enhancing better connectivity during disruptive scenarios by adopting goods sharing strategies between facilities.”

He also outlines a series policy recommendations emanating from this research which, Dr De argues, are “imperative for advancing sustainability in supply chains.”

These include a call for policymakers and national governments to “prioritise the integration of sustainability criteria into procurement practices and supply chain regulations” by “incentivising sustainable behaviours among stakeholders and fostering collaboration across industry sectors” such as freight, food and manufacturing.  This could be done in a range of ways, he explains, including the offer of tax credits, subsidies for green technologies, and grants and low-interest loans for sustainability projects.

The University of Manchester researchers also advocate investment in technology and infrastructure as an “essential” means of enabling the transition towards sustainable supply chains. “Embracing digitalisation, automation, artificial intelligence and renewable energy sources, such as employing electric vehicles, can facilitate resource optimisation and emissions reductions,” Dr De writes. “A step forward for infrastructure investment would be for government to invest in and expand electric vehicle infrastructure/charging points.”

And he recommends that regulatory frameworks such as the UK’s Climate Change Act should adopt “a comprehensive approach that addresses not only environmental concerns, but also the social and economic dimensions of sustainability.” He adds. “This necessitates the alignment of policies with international sustainability goals such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.”

On Infrastructure is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Atherton nursery scoops national award for best indoor learning environment

Partou Storytimes in Atherton, Greater Manchester has triumphed over nine other finalists from around the country to win the prestigious National NMT Nursery Award for Nursery Indoor Learning Environment of the Year.

The judging panel decreed that the setting, on Leigh Road, best fulfilled the criteria for the award which included creating an environment “that most inspires and excites children” and “actively involves children in their learning, as well as celebrating their achievements.”

Laura Farnworth, (Partou Storytimes Nursery Manager) third from left, receiving the National NMT Nursery Award alongside Partou colleagues Kim Thorpe (Deputy Nursery Manager), Laura Clay (Regional Business Manager), Hannah Mooney (Area Manager) and Alan Campbell (Head of Operations)

The trophy was presented to Laura Farnworth, Partou Storytimes Nursery Manager, at a special evening ceremony at ExCeL London.

Laura said: “On behalf of every one of the hardworking team members and the families who make the nursery what it is, it feels fantastic to receive this esteemed award.     

“Our indoor environment has been carefully designed to empower children to drive their own learning by promoting independence and curiosity.

“Each age group from 0-5 has their own dedicated space.

“In the baby room, we have created an enabling environment where the youngest children feel at ease and at home.

“As children transition to older rooms, the environment evolves to maintain their interest and imagination.  Enchanted play spaces with magical themed backdrops, twinkly lights and natural elements encourage a sense of security and excitement.   

“This dynamic environment not only excites children, but also motivates the team to continuously develop it.

“Importantly, we also have quiet spaces and sensory rooms which are particularly beneficial for children with SEND.

“The National NMT Nursery Award is wonderful recognition of the work we put in and the professional pride we have in what we do.” 

Samantha Rhodes, Partou Managing Director, said: “Being shortlisted for a National NMT Nursery Award is a tremendous achievement in itself - winning it is simply outstanding.

“Partou Storytimes is well resourced and, under Laura’s leadership, activities are thoughtfully organised to support daily routines and behaviours.

“As the award demonstrates, the children clearly thrive in an environment that celebrates their individuality and promotes autonomous learning.

“Huge congratulations to Laura and her team on their thoroughly deserved success.”

Driverless cars will run out of road in UK if Stateside lessons are ignored, expert warns

The Labour government must learn lessons from the United States on the rollout of autonomous vehicles – also known as driverless cars or ‘robotaxis’ – if they are to have any chance of success in this country, a leading expert in the field has insisted.

Lessons must be learnt if autonomous vehicles are to have mileage in the UK, an academic has argued (Credit: anyaberkut/iStock)

In a new article published by The University of Manchester’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester, Dr Sam Hind recalls that one of the final bills passed by the outgoing Conservative government was the Automated Vehicles Act 2024, designed to make provisions for the possible introduction of autonomous vehicles in the UK.

But he warns that their deployment in America has been “on a rocky path” since initial public tests in 2020.

Dr Hind reveals that, in October 2023, the California Department of Motor Vehicles – the body responsible for regulating vehicle licenses in the state – suspended the operations of a robotaxi firm, Cruise, which had been running an autonomous service in San Francisco for two and a half months. “Cruise’s suspension was understood to be the result of its failure to cooperate with an investigation into a road traffic incident one of their vehicles was involved in,” he writes. “According to reports, a pedestrian who had been hit by an ordinary vehicle (driven by a human) had subsequently ended up underneath a Cruise robotaxi (being driven ‘autonomously’).”

The University of Manchester academic explains that similar stories have also made the headlines, most notably the death of Elaine Herzberg, killed by an autonomous Uber vehicle being tested in Tempe, Arizona.  

Based on his own research findings, he suggests that the UK should learn from the “bumpy rollout” of robotaxis in the US – with a specific focus on developments in  California where Cruise and Google/Alphabet’s autonomous vehicle division, Waymo, sought to expand their operations.

“Key Californian public transportation authorities, responsible for millions of transportation users across the state, banded together to propose a more responsible approach to the deployment of robotaxis,” he writes.  

Dr Sam Hind, Lecturer in Digital Media and Culture, The University of Manchester

“They called this the principle of ‘incrementalism.’ In short, that any prospective robotaxi operator seeking to gain permission for running services in San Francisco or anywhere else across California should need to pass specific, standardised performance milestones before further approval or expansion might be granted. Though this may appear an obvious suggestion to outsiders, this was not the permission process undertaken by these companies, who had refused to hand over certain kinds of operational data of their robotaxi vehicles, claiming commercial confidentiality rules.”

In his piece, Dr Hind argues that any regulatory environment for the development and deployment of autonomous vehicles in the UK should require firms to submit “relevant operational data such as the frequency of unplanned stops and so-called ‘vehicle retrieval events’ – key indicators of the performance and reliability of underlying autonomous vehicle, AI, and machine vision systems.”

Amongst a series of further recommendations to UK policymakers, he also calls for the regulation of autonomous vehicles to be the responsibility of a single body such as “the recently-announced Regulatory Innovation Office, tasked with speeding up public access to new technologies.”  He adds: “A close partnership with the Department of Transport on such matters would be wise.”

‘A future for autonomous vehicles in the UK? Lessons from the US,’ by Dr Sam Hind is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Experts challenge UK policymakers over serious hydrogen challenges

A new publication which provides expert analysis, evidence and policy recommendations from The University of Manchester to tackle the UK’s key hydrogen policy challenges has just been released.

On Hydrogen - from the University’s policy engagement unit, Policy@Manchester - features seven articles from academics including research-led advice on areas such as the production of hydrogen, storage of hydrogen, decarbonisation of industry and transport, and the future role of hydrogen interconnectors. 

The 21-page document begins with an authoritative foreword from Baroness Brown of Cambridge, Chair of the House of Lords Science and Technology Select Committee, who warns that “the hydrogen bubble has burst.”    

She writes: “In the last 10 years, hydrogen has been hyped as the silver bullet that can decarbonise almost everything: heating, cars, trains, buses, planes, shipping, industry, electricity generation: all transformed by use of the magic molecule. The trouble with bubbles is that once they have burst, it takes time for industry, governments and investors to regain confidence and take the subjects seriously again.”

On Hydrogen from Policy@Manchester

Despite this, she warns that hydrogen must be taken seriously with a series of pressing industry tasks – such as the decarbonisation of steel making and the production of sustainable synthetic fuels – dependent on the use of green hydrogen.

Baroness Brown acknowledges that numerous challenges lie ahead in developing a low carbon hydrogen industry.  But she adds: “Until both potential users and potential producers are convinced that there will be a market for hydrogen at an affordable price, everyone is waiting for someone else to take the first step.”

In her piece, the crossbench peer - who also serves as Chair of the Carbon Trust, and the Adaptation Committee of the Climate Change Committee – argues that “low carbon hydrogen, especially green hydrogen, can be a green growth opportunity for the UK.”

She writes: “We have many of the ingredients to make it work – ambitious net zero commitments and policies; an excellent wind resource and a fast-growing renewables industry, especially for offshore wind; geology such as salt caverns, suitable for storing hydrogen; expertise in electrochemistry in our universities; some serious oil industry players who need an alternative to fossil fuels; innovative fuel cell and electrolyser companies.”

She continues: “The UK Government can take some bold steps to ensure we grow this industry in the UK – it could start by committing to a no regrets investment in a strategic reserve of hydrogen to support our electricity system.”

Praising the quality of academic thought laid out in On Hydrogen, Baroness Brown adds: “This report provides a range of valuable insights into some of the challenges and opportunities to be gained from a future in which we take low carbon hydrogen seriously.”

One of the contributors is Professor Maria Sharmina, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester, who has co-authored a piece with Dr Vincenzo Spallina which addresses the question, “Can hydrogen help decarbonise small industrial emitters?”

Professor Maria Sharmina, Academic Co-Director of Policy@Manchester

Commenting on the release of the publication, Professor Sharmina said: “The UK currently relies heavily on fossil fuels for transport, industry and power production. This must change if the new Government’s net zero ambitions are to be realised.

“On Hydrogen is a collection of evidence-based recommendations and ideas from academics and researchers at The University of Manchester which can advance the future of hydrogen in the UK energy sector.

“I encourage hydrogen policymakers to read the document and engage with us to chart a course that meets their objectives and would benefit the UK in the long-term”

On Hydrogen is now available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

Digital platforms and public transport must be integrated for passengers to get around

Passenger transport authorities in metropolitan areas in England should strengthen their strategic control over city-regional public transport systems - including the integration of digital mobility platforms such as Uber - if they are to deliver better services, a group of University of Manchester experts has argued.

Writing in On Infrastructure - a newly released collection of articles from Policy@Manchester - Professor Michael Hodson, Professor Andrew McMeekin and Dr Andrew Lockhart describe how, over the last 15 years, digital mobility platforms for ride hailing like Uber, bike sharing like Beryl, e-scooter rental like Lime and journey planning apps like Citymapper have become common in urban societies.

“They are often seen as ‘disrupting’ the organisation of existing public transport systems and creating competition,” the authors explain. “Yet these platforms can be strategically incorporated into existing systems by public authorities aiming to address public policy priorities and improve systems. They also address sustainability challenges, especially in accelerating the shift away from personal car use.”

Transport authorities must have control of local systems if services are to improve, researchers warn (Credit: iStock/Bob Douglas)

Hodson, McMeekin and Lockhart acknowledge that digital systems and existing transport systems can be organised in different ways, but add, “policymakers and public bodies must navigate the tension between contributing to public policy goals and creating new markets and commercial opportunities for private platform providers.”  They continue: “Given this dilemma, there is a need for bodies such as the UK Department for Transport (DfT) to develop a clear position in response.”

The University of Manchester academics contend that establishing who controls platforms, “has profound implications at city-regional scale, where transport authorities must consider how the public good is best served by the opportunities they provide.”  

They write: “Strategy at this scale needs to decide how platforms and the existing transport system should be organised and which transport services, infrastructures and sources of data should be under public control. This clearly requires a framework to support challenging and ongoing conversations on this issue within combined authorities and transport authorities, and with national government.”

Drawing on their own research and expertise, Hodson, McMeekin and Lockhart reveal that they have developed a framework, known as the  Urban Digital Stack, to assist policymakers in considering how multiple platforms should be organised in relation to existing urban public transport systems.

“Looking at how multiple platforms can be shaped and organised by existing urban decision makers and public transport systems, we focus on how platforms can add to the existing landscape of urban public transport systems,” they explain. “The tool explores what social and political challenges this raises for the control of existing and digital forms of infrastructure, and implications for the organisation and ownership of data.”

They add: “The Stack does not provide simple prescriptions. Its purpose is to help urban policymakers and decision makers to think about and to debate key challenges and questions with colleagues and other stakeholders and to support them in developing strategies and plans for responding to the challenge of digital mobility platforms.”

On Infrastructure is available to read on the Policy@Manchester website.

New research exposes UK’s digital infrastructure divide

A spatial divide in broadband coverage, accessibility and speed across the UK and between rural and urban areas has been uncovered by University of Manchester researchers.

University of Manchester researchers have uncovered the scale of the national digital divide (Credit: iStock/phaustov)

In an article in the newly released Policy@Manchester publication, On Infrastructure, Professor Cecilia Wong and Dr Helen Zheng note that, according to the Ofcom’s 2023 Connected Nations report, 97% of all residential premises in the UK have access to superfast broadband of at least 30 Mbit/s.

But a closer look at the numbers reveals that “England, Scotland and Wales (55% or less) are lagging behind Northern Ireland (90% and over) in a major way in terms of gaining access to full fibre broadband, and the spatial divide is also witnessed in gigabit capable broadband.”

They add: “Our data also highlights major urban/rural differentials in England, Scotland and Wales: while 82% of residential premises in Northern Ireland’s rural areas have access to full fibre/gigabit capable provision, the comparable figures for England, Wales and Scotland are at least halved.”

The authors highlight the reliance on government-funded schemes to boost broadband coverage in hard-to-reach areas, with Northern Ireland doing especially well as a consequence of the confidence and supply agreement between the Democratic Unionist Party and the Conservatives after the 2017 general election.

Whilst acknowledging that the delivery of broadband infrastructure projects often involves local authorities and the devolved administrations, Wong and Zheng underline that the UK government has primary responsibility for broadband policy and coverage targets.

They continue: “When examining the funding distribution of Building Digital UK (a UK government executive agency, responsible for bringing fast and reliable broadband and mobile coverage to hard-to-reach places across the UK) for superfast broadband development in 2020, it is clear that has been a strong spatial bias of government spending as 73% was for England but less than 10% for Wales.”

Wong and Zheng remind readers of the previous Conservative government’s policy commitment “to improve broadband connections to the very hard- to-reach premises in rural and coastal areas.” 

They write: “The target was seen as overambitious due to the lack of commitment of sufficient funding.  With a new government, a placed-based approach could award more powers to combined authority mayors, such as North Yorkshire and East Midlands, to make long-term strategies and prioritise investment. Empowering local planners, working in tandem with communities to remove red tape and designate where improved broadband infrastructure projects are prioritised, may be a key to unlocking crucial access for some rural and coastal areas.”

The authors warn that a lack of clarity on “how and where taxpayers’ money will be spent” has provided less impetus for investors in the industry. But they argue: “A place-based approach, which tangibly shows the outcomes of investment in communities, could address this gap and encourage more local investment.”

Wong and Zheng conclude: “The dramatic turnaround of broadband provisions across urban and rural areas in Northern Ireland, however, serves as an exemplar (which government, civil service working with industry and Ofcom could use as a blueprint), demonstrating that things can be done if there is a political will and the backing of funding resources.”

On Infrastructure is available to read free of charge on the Policy@Manchester website.