Network Launch

On Thursday 5th February, we we hosted our Devo East Network Launch at the John Peel Centre for creative arts in Stowmarket, Suffolk.

We were joined by an expert panel of speakers including:

  • Jack Abbott MP, Ipswich

  • Simon Kaye, Director of Policy and Research, Re:State

  • Dotty McLeod, BBC Radio Cambridgeshire, Journalist and Presenter

  • Adam Fox, Prospective Mayoral Candidate, Greater Essex

  • Carli Harper, Prospective Mayoral Candidate, Norfolk and Suffolk

  • Gill Morris, Devo Agency, Executive Chair & Co-Founder

The consensus around the room was clear: the East is ready for greater devolution and place-based power - despite delays to the process.

We discussed everything from infrastructure challenges, the huge opportunities presented by our clean energy potential, and why its important that communities feel that they benefit from clean energy.

Devo Agency co-founder Gill Morris importantly highlighted that when devolution works, it brings pace. It lets people’s voices be heard and gives government a clearer line of sight into what works on the ground. Accountability loops get shorter. Investment starts to match local priorities. But none of this will happen without collaboration and partnership - which the Devo East Network aims to foster.