Big Local and Community Economic Development

Residents of many Big Local communities have been seeking to influence and improve their local economies. Community Economic Development (CED) is the process of economic development within a specific geographic area to benefit the community. At its core, it is about local collective action to resolve economic and social challenges identified by those living, working and doing business in a community.

Research by the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (2020) reveals that more than half of areas are adopting CED approaches to improve the economic and social prospects of residents, build community assets and grow locally generative forms of business.

We have collated this collection of case studies from across Big Locals to provide a picture of the breadth and depth of work delivered by residents to build the skills, assets and opportunities necessary to turn things around in their neighbourhood.


You can find more reports written or commissioned by Local Trust here.