IPM Conference 2023

IPM Conference | 19-20 April 2023

Good Growth: Tackling big issues using place-based policy, theory and practice

The UK is battling for a return to economic growth. And not just the abstract glow of climbing GDP figures but a real change that is recognised and felt by people in the communities where they live and work.

Good growth is a familiar narrative of post-war politics, but place leaders are now facing new and acute resource challenges (yes, we have no tomatoes, never mind affordable housing), and stark choices about where and how to invest in our towns and cities.

A period of change has started, witnessed in the devolution happening across England. New partnerships and ideas offer a platform for strong local voices alongside those from administrations and quangos, and where there is opportunity, there is imperative too. At the heart of how 'liveable' cities must be realised is the need for sustainable solutions to prevent an irreversable warming of the climate.

An urgent question needs to be asked:
What does place-based policy mean and how can it create 'good growth'?

Join the IPM Annual Conference and help us answer this question through focused perspectives on leadership, net zero, place policy and practice.

Book tickets for the IPM Annual Conference, incorporating The BID Summit, via Eventbrite.

April 19th (Day 1):
The BID Summit - presented by The BID Foundation

BID Foundation Members: Free

Non-Members: £300 + VAT

Book now

April 20th (Day 2):
IPM Annual Conference

IPM Members (inc. BID Foundation): Free

Non-Members: £425 + VAT

Book now

Day 1: The BID Foundation Summit (April 19)

The BID Summit - 19th April

The second BID Summit, presented by The BID Foundation, will take place in Manchester on 19th April with BID Foundation members also invited to stay on for day 2, delivered by the Institute of Place Management.

In addition to taking on the theme of 'Good Growth': Tackling big issues using place-based policy, theory and practice, the BID Summit will convene BID leaders from across the UK to:

Understand the impacts of property revaluation on BID levy - and learn what your BID can do to react.
Define the new BID leadership model - as BIDs expand and lobby for a 'seat at the table' in place governance
Hear best practice from BIDs across the UK on:
- Place-based strategy
- Net Zero and environmental sustainability
- Tackling inequality
- Effective partnership working
Visit the National Trust's Castlefield Viaduct - Manchester's 'high line' being transformed into a park in the sky, as part of a pilot project.
Join colleagues for an evening meal and drinks in Manchester

*Full agenda available shortly

Day 2: IPM Annual Conference (April 20)

'Good Growth' - Tackling big issues using place-based policy, practice and theory - 20th April

Day 2 of the conference will host place leaders, policy makers, practitioners, and researchers, at the Manchester Metropolitan University Business School.

We will unpack the complex issues of Good Growth through a series of keynotes and discussions:

10.00: Arrival and refreshments

10:30 Conference opens

Becca Heron – Strategic Director of Growth, Manchester City Council: "Manchester and good growth"

Prof Cathy Parker FIPM – Chair, Institute of Place Management: "Equity within and between places"

Steve Scott FIPM – Future Economies Lead, GHD: "How do places serve their communities - the data challenge"

-- Refreshment break and networking --

Jan Kattein FIPM – Jan Kattein Architects: "Designing places: the challenge of reflective practice"

Claire Nangle – Head of Capital Programmes, Westminster City Council: "Delivering on Net Zero"

-- Lunch and networking --

Leigh Sparks – Chair, Scotlands Town Partnerships: "Retail, resilience and place governance"

Kate Wright - Executive Director, Climate Mayors: "US Cities and the climate imperative"

-- Refreshments and networking --

Showcase of place-based research and practice at Manchester Metropolitan University, feat:

David Cooper, – Co-Director, Centre for Place Writing: Place writing practice

Paul Bason – Reader in Digital and Creative Industries: Cultural regeneration of Stockport

David Rudlin / Lucy Montague – School of Architecture: Tales from the High Street

Jenny Kanellopolou – School Law

More University contributors to be confirmed

-- Closing address --

-- Drinks at Hatch, Oxford Road --

Place tour and dinner (BID Summit - April 19)

On April 19 at The BID Summit, an afternoon place study tour is offered to close the programme:

Place study tour:
National Trust - Castlefield Viaduct

The Grade II-listed Castlefield Viaduct is in the heart of the oldest part of Manchester, built by the engineers who worked on Blackpool Tower.
As part of a pilot, the Viaduct has been transformed into a new sky park trees, plants and flowers on a 330 metre section. Open for 12 months, visitors can find out more about the viaduct’s heritage, the city’s long relationship with plants and trees and learn urban gardening tips.
Similar to the highline project and other BID projects to bring alive forgotten spaces, the place study tour will look at practical ways to achieve this.

Hosted at Manchester Metropolitan University Business School

The IPM Conference has been generously sponsored by Manchester Metropolitan University, enabling the Institute to make the event free of charge this year for Members.

Manchester Metropolitan University Business School
All Saints Building
Oxford Road M15 6BH

Find visitor information at mmu.ac.uk

For any enquiries about the Conference, or to apply for membership, contact:

IPM@mmu.ac.uk