Evidence Matters…

…But evidence only drives change when it’s visible and used.  

This was a core theme that ran through two events we delivered last week as part of the Festival of Economics, in partnership with The Brunel Centre. 

Our first event focused on productivity, while our second, with the Rt Hon Darren Jones MP, explored the role the West of England plays in the success of the UK economy.  

There is a clear and growing appetite for stronger, more accessible data about our region to shape smarter policy and investment decisions.  

Westminster doesn’t always have the insight people assume, and that creates a real opportunity for the West to step forward with rigorous, trusted evidence.  

The Rt Hon Darren Jones welcomed The Brunel Centre and Futures West as being mechanisms to produce high-quality data insights and ensure they reach the people making decisions that matter. 

During the two sessions, it was encouraging to hear so much alignment across academia, business and government on what our region needs next and how better evidence can help us get there. 

We’re already heading in the right direction, with speakers at both events acknowledging that this September was the first time the West of England had held a reception at a Labour Party Conference and created a sense of ‘Team West of England’. 

Closing the productivity gap 

Led by Dr Damien Whittard, this session homed in on the results of the Brunel Centre’s inaugural Policy Insight: Closing the productivity gap. The report revealed how investment in the West of England could unlock the region’s latent productivity and energise UK efforts to grow the economy. 

Productivity is not just the output of goods and services; it is fundamentally about how effectively we use skills, capital and ideas to raise living standards.  

The session recognised that productivity alone cannot capture the full picture of regional wellbeing, especially in the West of England, where high-performing areas can mask deprivation in places such as Hartcliffe.  

This is why The Brunel Centre’s approach is so important: it provides granular, comparable insights across the region and with other UK core cities, enabling a deeper understanding of disparities, skills gaps and long-term economic performance. 

Lucy Martin, Director of The Brunel Centre, emphasised how data and consensus itself is an asset, but it must be turned into consistent, amplified advocacy. Working together, The Brunel Centre and Futures West aim to achieve this.   

Ed Rowberry, CEO of BBRC and President of the Bristol Chamber and Initiative, spoke about the political landscape, referencing the recent industrial and regional growth strategies, as well as the new Office for the Impact Economy. Delivering on these requires a blend of long-term strategy but also – crucially  – practical tactical action.  

Cllr Andrew Brown and others stressed that the goal is not productivity for its own sake but better outcomes: good jobs, fair wages, and inclusive growth. This requires investment, not just in buildings and infrastructure, but in people, reskilling and opportunity. 

The National Economy & the West of England

It was very apt that our second event took place at Hargreaves Lansdown, a local, and national, success story. It was founded in Bristol in 1981, is now the UK’s number one investment platform for private investors and employs 2,500 people. 

The Rt Hon Darren Jones MP discussed his role as Chief Secretary to the Prime Minister and how he is focused on fixing problems and improving delivery. He spoke candidly and encouraged the audience to ask questions.  

He said that when you compare the UK to Europe, our second cities don’t perform as well as our capitals, and how that is a problem that needs to be solved.  

Darren Jones praised the West of England Combined Authority’s new mayor, but explained how the region needs to catch up. We are still not getting the same amount of access or funding as Greater Manchester.  

He said Futures West and The Brunel Centre could make a difference, believing “there’s untapped potential with capital.” 

He explained how those based in London look at Bristol and see private capital investment, and think, “oh well, maybe they are ok”, before the “eye of Westminster” goes elsewhere. 

We need to provide evidence, and make a case for, ways that we can unlock capital. This will really make a difference.  

When it comes to defining the West of England region, Darren Jones’ counsel was we should: “Stop worrying about the geographical definition of the West of England and just get out there!” 

The audience raised business confidence and culture as major concerns. On confidence, many businesses want to invest, but need clarity and stability. Darren Jones referenced trade deals and international delegations as steps toward making the UK more attractive for investment. 

On culture, one audience member warned that the cultural sector is “on its knees,” despite its economic value, and called for urgent recognition and support.  

The conversation also touched on skills and productivity, with questions about redefining productivity and ensuring inclusive growth. 

There was consensus on the need for clear, unified messaging to government, better data for decision-making, and leveraging devolved powers to deliver tangible outcomes. 

Summary

In summary, the West of England is increasingly presenting a united front, and there’s growing consensus on key areas. We have the building blocks in place to really sell the West of England.  

In spring next year, The Brunel Centre will publish its economic audit, providing national government with the data it is calling for.  

Futures West will also be running the Festival of Flourishing Regions again, where we will be publicising this research, ensuring that it reaches both public and private sector decision makers.  

Meanwhile, we will continue to drive conversation and debate with our events.