“The coronavirus pandemic has had an unprecedented impact on our communities. It has created new challenges and laid bare existing problems, such as the impact of digital exclusion. But I also believe it has given rise to new opportunities to reimagine and reshape a society that works for everyone.

This report brings together insights from over 250 leaders from across our regions and nations on the actions we need to take to respond to these challenges, and level up the whole of the UK so that we can all contribute to a better future.

Now is the time for business, civil society and government to forge new partnerships, to accelerate impact and to help build a more equal, sustainable and inclusive economy.”

Baroness Barran MBE, Minister for Civil Society

The National Conversation was convened as a series of nine regional, digital roundtables to listen to the unique experiences and challenges being faced by local communities across the UK. Click on the regions below to see what our participants shared. 

The IEP has proven that a partnership model can effectively catalyse action and create a more inclusive economy. Based on the insights from our regional roundtables and interviews with leaders from both business and civil society on the following pages, we have identified six key areas of opportunity where this model of cross-sectoral partnerships can play a critical role. We have also outlined the actions the IEP will take over the coming year to address these key opportunities.