
Regional mayors from across England have announced launch of an innovation exchange scheme to foster collaboration and share best practices between local authorities.
Launched at an event hosted by Sheffield Hallam University and PwC in South Yorkshire, South Yorkshire Mayor Oliver Coppard welcomed mayors from the rest of the country, including Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham, to discuss issues including harnessing data to tackle common health challenges, procuring environmentally sustainable public transport fleets, and aligning local skills systems to support the delivery of critical infrastructure such as new housing.
The launch of the Mayoral Innovation Exchange was the first meeting of English regional mayors since the publication of the government’s Devolution White Paper in December 2024, which sought to move towards making Mayoral Combined Authorities the default option for devolving greater powers to local government in England.
Specialists from PwC, who work across the public sector in health, Higher Education and transport, facilitated sessions to share best practice, including international examples, and stimulate discussions and ideas.
Mayors and representatives from each of the combined authorities also learned more about projects being pioneered by Sheffield Hallam University’s Advanced Wellbeing Research Centre and its partners, which focus on innovative new ways to increase people’s physical activity, improve health outcomes and drive economic growth.
Findings from the inaugural innovation exchange will influence the work of combined authorities across priorities such as health, skills and transport, whilst also shaping how Mayors collectively influence the Government around the devolution agenda.
South Yorkshire’s Mayor, Oliver Coppard, said:
“As Mayors we are already tackling some of the biggest issues that face our communities – whether that’s improving public transport, boosting skills and training locally or growing our economies. Mayors are making a difference and are here to stay.
“Now, as the number of Mayors and Combined Authorities across the country grows, we have the chance to tackle national challenges and help the whole country to thrive. The Mayoral Innovation Exchange gives us the opportunity to share the brilliant work we’re all doing in our regions – and also plan how we work together nationally, with Government, to renew our country.”
Katie Johnston, local and devolved government leader at PwC, said:
“Less than a month since the Government published its English Devolution White Paper, it’s an important step forward bringing the Mayors together and collaborating to solve the biggest challenges facing cities and regions. Bringing PwC’s sector knowledge and expertise from across the UK, and facilitating the convening of ideas, we hope to help solve some of society’s most important problems and explore the art of the possible with leaders from the combined authorities.”
The next Mayoral Innovation Exchange will be hosted by the North East Mayoral Combined Authority.