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DEVO EAST NETWORK LAUNCH - 5TH FEBRUARY

Why get involved with Devo East?

Devo East is a unique forum for political and business leaders and

professionals in the East of England to come together to share knowledge,

expertise, creative opportunities, network and be part of the debate on

devolution and what it can deliver. The Devo East Network provides for valuable exchange but is also a

place to have fun, network and learn.

We combine national expertise with a deep understanding of the East — from

market towns and rural economies to major growth corridors like Cambridge-

Norwich and the Thames Gateway. Our team works alongside local leaders to

move from strategy to action - building coalitions, shaping investment

propositions, and delivering tangible change for people and places.

What is Devo East?

Devo East is a new network dedicated to securing better outcomes for

people, places, and businesses across Eastern England. We believe the

East has been underpowered and underrepresented for too long — and

we’re here to change that.

With a major new devolution deal on the horizon - including the a

directly elected strategic mayor for Norfolk and Suffolk - the region

stands on the brink of real change. But change won’t happen by default.

Devo East is here to ensure the East makes the most of this moment:

with greater powers, investment, and a stronger, unified voice.

Gallery and Past Events.

Devo East Network Launch

On Thursday 5th February we hosted our Devo East Network Launch in Stowmarket.

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.

Read Paul Beckford’s event summary here: