27/11/2025
Cornwall has been recognised as a national leader in economic development after the Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme scooped a prestigious national award for its innovative approach to local growth.
Cornwall Council’s £186m Good Growth Programme was named Most Innovative Project of the Year at the Institute of Economic Development (iED) Awards this week for its approach to shaping a fairer and greener economy.
(L-R: iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, Cornwall Council Good Growth Audit & Compliance Officer Dawn Robinson, Cornwall Council Good Growth Fund Manager Jordan Whaley, Cornwall Council Good Growth Fund Officer Emma Miller, iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock)
The Good Growth Programme is aimed at driving local economic growth, creating jobs and strengthening communities across Cornwall and Scilly. It is managed by Cornwall Council and funded by the government’s UK Shared Prosperity Fund.
But unlike traditional economic growth activity, projects funded through the Good Growth Programme are assessed not just on economic impact but on their contribution to a set of principles, which embed values of fair pay, inclusion, and environmental sustainability.
Embracing these Good Growth Principles has transformed how projects are designed, delivered, and evaluated. Funding recipients are expected to consider the broader societal and environmental impacts of their projects, from paying the Real Living Wage to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.
Cllr Leigh Frost, Leader of Cornwall Council, said: “This is fantastic recognition for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly on the national stage and I am delighted that the Good Growth Programme has been acknowledged in this way.
“By making sure our principles of fairness, sustainability, and inclusion are at the heart of every funded project, Cornwall Council is redefining what economic development looks like. This innovative approach is delivering real benefits for local people, businesses, and the environment, and is positioning Cornwall as a real leader in progressive economic policy.
“The fact this year’s whole iED conference has been on the subject of Good Growth is a real testament to the sustainable, inclusive approach to economic growth that we have been pioneering here in Cornwall.”
iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards honouring achievements across the public and private sectors, said: “This submission demonstrates an outstanding and forward-thinking approach to public funding. Our judges were particularly impressed by the council’s innovative decision to embed social, environmental, and inclusive principles directly into funding agreements – an approach that not only exceeds UKSPF requirements but sets a new benchmark for local economic development. Cornwall Council’s Good Growth Principles provide a systematic and transformative model, showing how fairness, sustainability, and inclusion can be meaningfully integrated into every project.
“By devising a bespoke framework that challenges the norms of centrally devolved funding, the programme delivers significant added value far beyond central government expectations, especially in its environmental and social value outcomes. This is a really standout example of policy innovation in practice, with clear evidence of intentional additionality and a coherent commitment to delivering ‘Good Growth’ throughout.”
iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock commented: “When we first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, our ambition was clear: to recognise excellence – individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in economic development across the UK. Every year since, the quality, innovation and commitment displayed has been extraordinary, and this year is no exception.
“Shortlisting the finalists was no easy task for our judges. My congratulations go to all those who were shortlisted, to each of our winners, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. Their work showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of economic development in action – precisely what these awards exist to celebrate. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, along with new colleagues, to share in this special evening.”
The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Good Growth Programme was launched in April 2022 and runs until the end of March next year. It is funding a range of projects, from grassroots community groups to global mining companies, all of which have committed to actions beyond government-mandated funding outputs, contributing to clean and inclusive growth to strengthen the local economy.
Good Growth Programme Case Studies
Through their Good Growth action plan, they have committed to sustainable mining techniques, paying the Real Living Wage, and investment in local skills. Notably, they are championing gender inclusion by funding a female employee’s degree at Camborne School of Mines in partnership with Women in Mining UK.
These actions go beyond compliance, embedding inclusive and environmentally conscious practices into their core operations.
Emily Widdecombe, Sustainability Manager at Cornwall Resources, said: “Growing local, sustainable and inclusive businesses cultivates resilient and prosperous communities. CRL’s project delivers economic productivity and social and environmental sustainability, attracting private investment into Cornwall whilst keeping jobs, skills and value chains local.”
2. Real Living Wage Policy
The Good Growth policy requires all employers in receipt of Good Growth investment to pay the Real Living Wage by the end of their project. In a region with high housing costs and low average wages, this policy has driven fair pay for workers and their families. As a result, 169 employers now pay the Real Living Wage, creating a legacy of economic fairness and resilience. This work has also been recognised nationally, with the Good Growth Programme picking up the ‘Local Champions’ award at the 2025 Living Wage Foundation Champion Awards for its commitment to tackle low pay and insecure work in Cornwall.
Kate Kennally, Chief Executive of Cornwall Council, said: “Our Good Growth Programme has put inclusive, fair and sustainable economic development at the heart of how we invest public money, raising pay for hundreds of workers and setting a new standard for local growth funding.”
For more information about the Good Growth Programme visit https://ciosgoodgrowth.com/