In this session we will explore what the economy means for people and place. In recent years, there have been big shifts in how our economy works with more people becoming self-employed, big-name brands disappearing from our high street and the rise of online commerce and big tech. At the same time, whilst cities like Belfast have changed dramatically in recent years in how they look and feel, we’ve seen a demise in traditional industry and many challenges of poor health and poverty remain. How do we make sense of these changes – what does economy even mean anymore and what do alternative approaches to economic change look like?

After showing a short introductory video, attendees will hear from several speakers with keen interest in promoting and developing local community wealth building opportunities – after which attendees will have the opportunity to work in groups to explore what should be our next steps. Refreshments will be provided.

Event summary:

Lunch: 1.30pm start for a light sandwich lunch

Workshop: 2 – 3.30pm

Facilitator: Sarah Longlands, Chief Executive of Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES)