I co-founded UrbanEmerge back in 2017 with Andreas Beavor (Based in Cambridge), Jonathan Wilkes (Finance Director based in London) and Emeritus Professor Allen J. Scott (based in Los Angeles). My academic and consulting research is driven by a deep sense of passion and commitment to transforming our economies into just, ecological and circular regional economies. ​

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I am an Associate Professor in the Political Economy of Development and co-Director of the Masters in Urban Economic Development at UCL. I lead the practice module where we train our students to develop frameworks of analysis and engage in practical research in the UK and the Global South. My PhD and subsequent co-authored book, "The rise and fall or urban economies: Lessons from San Francisco and California" has brought my attention to the importance of 'perspectives' and 'world views' in urban and regional development. How we think and what worlds we bridge can have an impact on the trajectory of our societies and economies. 

 

Since 2013 I have conducted research projects for development agencies such as the World Bank, the FCDO, UK Aid and UNIDO, and private sector clients including the GSMA, CDC Group (UK government impact investors) and Digital Catapult. 

 

I am passionate about transforming our linear economic models based on unsustainable and degenerative extraction, consumption and waste/pollution, into ecological and circular models of regenerative and inclusive regional development.

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I am currently leading UrbanEmerge's first Social Enterprise spin-off, Circular Kitchens, in partnership with The Good Guys, an award-winning  design and marketing company. We are launching in Whitstable in July 2024. Our purpose is to help transition towards more inclusive, ecological and circular local and regional food systems and to make the UK hospitality sector the most sustainable in the world!

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I have been committed to plastic-free shopping since the start of 2021 (see photos on my Instagram) which I find incredibly rewarding and fun albeit hugely challenging in this toxic world we're in.

 

I am currently based in Whitstable by the seaside.  My hobbies include cycling on the beach, playing the guitar and amateur painting flowers and sail boats for my children.

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LinkedIn Profile

Academic profile at UCL

UrbanEmerge Instagram

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