Centre for Local Economic Strategies

Who We Are

Founded in 1986, Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES) is the UK's leading independent think-and-do tank focused on progressive economics for people and place. Based in Manchester, we tackle local economic challenges by blending rigorous research with practical implementation. Our work is centered around creating communities where public services are effective and economic growth benefits all citizens.

We address critical issues from wealth distribution to local procurement, aiming to improve the quality of life for communities across the UK. What sets us apart is our practical approach—we don't just theorize about economic change, we work directly with local authorities, communities, and organizations to make it happen. Our projects span community wealth building, progressive procurement, local industrial strategy, and social value frameworks that put people and planet at the heart of economic decision-making.

Our Team

At CLES, our team of 23 dedicated professionals is committed to delivering impactful results that create real change in communities. Our staff come from diverse backgrounds in economics, policy, community engagement, and local government, bringing a wealth of experience and perspectives to our collaborative work environment.

We work together to advocate for reforms and develop innovative local solutions that challenge conventional economic thinking. With a reduced full-time schedule of 32 hours spread over a four-day week (Monday to Thursday), our team benefits from a balanced workload that sparks creativity and fosters clear communication. This work pattern allows our employees to dedicate time to both professional development and personal well-being, ensuring that each team member can contribute their best to our shared mission. The result is a more focused, energized, and productive team that delivers high-quality work without burnout.

Our Values and Mission

We are driven by a belief in fairness, transparency, and the power of local action to transform economies. Our core values include social justice, accountability, and a relentless focus on results that improve the lives of local residents. We believe that economic systems should work for everyone, not just the privileged few, and that local communities should have a meaningful say in shaping their economic futures.

By promoting progressive economic practices and engaging directly with community partners, we strive to create sustainable models of economic growth that are both inclusive and environmentally responsible. Our mission is to deliver actionable research, support policy advocacy, and guide community-led initiatives to build thriving local economies. Every project we undertake is rooted in the conviction that effective public services and collaborative governance can drive inclusive and sustainable growth.

We challenge the status quo, question established economic orthodoxies, and work to build an economy that truly serves the needs of all communities across the UK.

Employee Benefits

CLES is proud to offer a comprehensive range of employee benefits designed to support a healthy work-life balance and foster both professional growth and personal fulfillment. Our key benefits include:

• A permanent four-day workweek with reduced overall hours (32 hours instead of 40), allowing for genuine flexibility and improved personal time without compromising on pay
• Remote working options and flexible scheduling to support diverse lifestyles and personal commitments
• A collaborative work culture that limits unnecessary meetings and emphasizes efficiency and meaningful engagement
• Opportunities for professional development through in-house training, external workshops, and support for continued learning
• A supportive environment where innovative thinking is encouraged and every voice matters, regardless of seniority
• Work that makes a difference, contributing to meaningful social and economic change in communities across the UK

These benefits, combined with our commitment to progressive values, help create a workplace where employees thrive professionally while maintaining their well-being. We practice what we preach—building an organization that reflects the inclusive, balanced, and sustainable economic models we advocate for in our work.