The view from here revisited: Eve Roodhouse
In this series we ask key figures in the region and from our core sectors to share their insights. But this time with a twist.
Five years on from our original interview we spoke to Eve Roodhouse, Director of Strategy & Reform at the Local Government Association about the collaboration and innovation happening in the region – what’s changed and where we’re headed.
What are your ambitions in your new role at the Local Government Association (LGA)?
I joined the Local Government Association in August as the interim director of Strategy and Reform. My role involves developing a new strategic framework and setting clear goals for the organisation as well as leading on important policy areas including devolution and public sector reform.
There is no end of challenge in local government but there is also no end of opportunity and that has never been truer than now. The LGA, as the main membership organisation for local government in England, is uniquely placed to help address the challenges and seize the opportunities and I am excited to support the organisation to develop new partnerships and approaches to innovation applying my knowledge and expertise developed throughout my career but particularly at Leeds City Council.
How important is community and collaboration in driving the region’s innovation agenda?
I’m a strong believer in what we started to call ‘radical collaboration’ in Leeds, a term introduced by Peter Slee, Vice Chancellor at Leeds Beckett University to describe the deep collaboration across organisational boundaries that has developed in Leeds over the last 5-10 years.
It’s striking how collaborative the ecosystem in Leeds has become, thanks to intentional efforts through initiatives like the Leeds Innovation Partnership, Leeds Digital Health, Leeds Digital Festival, and FinTech North.
There’s a noticeably vibrant, palpable energy at events in Leeds with a focus on making things happen, and the diversity of the people attending is brilliant. Similar events in other cities like London don’t quite capture the same spirit. Leeds has something special happening right now, and I hope we can nurture its deep collaborative spirit over the next five years to accelerate innovation and tackle major challenges. Leeds should lead the way.
Can you provide any examples of successful projects or initiatives from partnerships in the last five years?
A great example is the Legal Tech in Leeds network, which has emerged in the last five years. It started by identifying collaboration opportunities between the legal and digital sectors for innovative solutions, bringing together partners like Leeds Law Society, the University of Law, Leeds City Council, and Whitecap Consulting to map out the legal tech sector.
This initial effort was unique because it was funded through crowd-sourcing, meaning all parties had a stake in it. This led to the Legal Tech in Leeds conference and a vibrant network of regular meet-ups and interactions. Leeds City Council initially played a key role in setting it up but stepped back as leaders from across the sectors and members took over. Today, it’s a thriving network involving everyone from students to law firm partners.
What are the current challenges and opportunities for stimulating economic growth in Leeds and the wider West Yorkshire region?
Starting with the opportunities, we’ve built a strong foundation here in Leeds over the last five years. The innovation hub Nexus, based at the University of Leeds has significantly boosted confidence in delivering innovative programs, supporting enterprises, and partnering with the private sector. The experience and reputation Nexus has built over the last five years offer great opportunities for the University, city, and region.
Alongside the innovation ecosystem, we’ve seen major employers and institutions like the Bank of England, UK Infrastructure Bank, and FCA, offering significant opportunities, especially in green finance and tech. Also, the continuous strong partnerships around digital health and MedTech in Leeds present significant potential for driving further innovation.
The challenge is the financial climate; local authorities face huge demand pressures in adult and children’s social care which puts pressure on the budgets supporting services which deliver inclusive growth. Some regional universities face financial challenges from reduced funding and the need to restructure, impacting their support for innovation.
However, this challenge is not new to us; despite limited funds over the past few years, we’ve accomplished a lot. Making a case for how we can effectively align our resources for the next phase is crucial.
What new opportunities for domestic and international investment have emerged in the last few years, and how do you think Leeds is positioning itself to attract global investors?
We’ve seen improved access to risk capital in Leeds, but there’s still a long way to go compared to global cities like London. While more funds have been established in Leeds, we must remain focused on attracting people to invest in our companies.
A key goal is solidifying Leeds as an innovation brand to boost investor confidence. It’s crucial that when people hear Leeds, they associate it with great organisations. This will encourage investors to consider our businesses without second-guessing their choices. So even if they’re not located here, they want to invest their money here.
Channel 4’s arrival in 2019 significantly raised Leeds’ profile, while Microsoft’s new data centre shows the business demand for AI and data capabilities here, highlighting a strong economy and boosting the tech ecosystem.
Internationally, programs like Propel@YH have significantly raised Leeds’ profile and the profile of the wider region, bringing in international cohorts and establishing partnerships. Expanding these efforts beyond health to other innovation areas would help attract more global investment and partnerships over time.
What role has Nexus played in your journey over the last five years, and what would you like to see for the region in the next five years?
Nexus has been transformational for Leeds and the wider region and has played a significant role in aligning efforts to boost our innovation ecosystem. But Nexus couldn’t have done it without the city, and that’s the strength of partnership and a reflection of collaborative working.
It’s essential to have physical spaces where people know they’ll meet familiar faces and make new connections, and Nexus is one of the spaces in the city where that happens. In 2023, The Centre for Finance, Innovation and Technology (CFIT) chose to launch in Leeds. Sitting in the Nexus atrium and seeing all the key players from the finance sector, including the Bank of England as well as government ministers, made me realise how foundational Nexus has been. The intentional and accidental networking opportunities it facilitates are invaluable.
Looking forward, I’m excited to see how the Nexus network will grow and how its influence expands across the region over the next five years. Spaces like this are crucial for nurturing innovation, and I anticipate it will continue to play a vital role in the future of the region’s innovation ecosystem.
Keep your eyes peeled for more conversations as apart of The View from Here revisited.
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