Consideration of growth, regimes and inclusive local development post-Brexit

This paper examines the evolving landscape of economic growth in post-Brexit Britain, focussing on key policy initiatives such as Growth Deals, the Levelling Up agenda and Building Sustainable Prosperity. It critically analyses the effectiveness of these policies in addressing regional disparities and promoting inclusive growth. The study looks at growth coalitions and regime theory to explore the alliances between business leaders, politicians and other stakeholders that drive local development. The paper also critiques the neoliberal emphasis on market-driven development, highlighting its role in exacerbating social and economic inequalities. In contrast, the paper explores alternative frameworks like community wealth building, social democracy and cooperative models, drawing on successful examples from Spain’s Basque Country and the Mondragón Corporation. These models emphasise social equity, local empowerment and sustainable practices, offering a more inclusive approach to economic development. The study further contextualises these issues within the global experiences of Northern Ireland, Great Britain and Spain, identifying the need for context-specific strategies that prioritise long-term sustainability, community participation and social well-being. In post-Brexit Britain, these challenges have been intensified by the disruption of long-standing governance arrangements and funding architectures previously underpinned by EU Structural Funds. Ultimately, the paper argues for a rethinking of traditional growth paradigms in the post-Brexit context, advocating for models that ensure balanced and equitable growth across all regions.