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 research with practical implementation. Our work is centered around creating communities where public services are effective and economic growth benefits all citizens. We address issues from wealth distribution to local procurement, aiming to improve the quality of life for communities across the UK.

Our team

At CLES, our team of 23 professionals is committed to delivering impactful results. Our staff come from diverse backgrounds in economics, policy, and community engagement, and work collaboratively to advocate for reforms and develop innovative local solutions. 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.

Our values and mission

We are driven by a belief in fairness, transparency, and the power of local action. Our core values include social justice, accountability, and a relentless focus on results that improve the lives of local residents. By promoting progressive economic practices and engaging directly with community partners, we strive to create sustainable models of economic growth. 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.

Employee benefits

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

• A permanent four day workweek with reduced overall hours, allowing for flexibility and improved personal time.
• Remote working options and flexible scheduling to support diverse lifestyles.
• A collaborative work culture that limits unnecessary meetings and emphasizes efficiency.
• Opportunities for professional development through in-house training and external workshops.
• A supportive environment where innovative thinking is encouraged and every voice matters. These benefits, combined with our commitment to progressive values, help create a workplace where employees thrive and contribute to meaningful change in local economic strategies.