The Regional Growth Network
Driving Sustainable Growth Across the UK
The Regional Growth Network is an economic development and strategic communications consultancy that provides high quality advice on government affairs, public relations and stakeholder engagement. We believe the most effective route to sustainable growth is by spreading wealth to every corner of the UK, so our network covers the country from the South West to the North East of Scotland.
It was founded by Alex Bigham, Ian Moss and Gill Morris. It includes strategic consultants in every region of the UK, that cover a wide range of specialisms from infrastructure to defence, from regulation to planning. It uses the latest technological developments to advise clients on political and media changes, seeking always to be ahead of time.
It is part of The Story Network...
National Strength, Local Specialty
We bridge the gap between national strategy and regional application. Our network provides ahead-of-time insight, ensuring inclusive growth through a unique combination of wide-reaching influence and specialised local knowledge.
Our Core Services
Deep regional insight combined with national reach to drive sustained, inclusive growth.
Government Affairs
Navigating the complexities of local and national policy to position your business for success.
Strategic Comms
Aligned communication strategies that link commercial objectives to political reality.
Public Relations
Building and maintaining reputation through strategic media presence and storytelling.
Crisis Support
Swift, decisive advice and execution when your reputation or operations face immediate challenges.
Stakeholder Engagement
Connecting with the communities and partners that matter most to your regional growth.
Case Studies & Impact
£250m investment in critical technology
Our strategic communications and public affairs support for the UK's biggest semiconductor factory unlocked significant Government and private investment, bridging national strategy with local delivery expertise.
Building new PPPs
Supporting public-private partnerships to deliver sustainable regional infrastructure projects.
Investment Summit
We are building plans for the Northern Growth Summit with our partners the Devo Agency - which will be billed as 'the Davos of the North'
The Team Behind the Network
Alex brings 20 years’ experience in strategic communications and consultation, specialising in infrastructure, healthcare and crisis communications. His impressive track record includes work with Microsoft, the NHS, Ark Schools, and National Highways on the £8bn Lower Thames Crossing project. During the Covid-19 pandemic, Alex was seconded to the Department of Health and Social Care as Deputy Director for Strategic Communications. As an independent consultant, he has served as an associate with Deloitte on crisis communications protocols and advised Grayling clients, including the UK’s largest semiconductor manufacturer.
Alex Bigham
Co-Founder & Executive Chair
alex@alexbigham.com
Ian has 30+ years in politics and as a senior civil servant, focusing on policy, strategy, and speechwriting for Prime Ministers. His career began in the NUS and the Labour Party Home Affairs team, following which he joined Tony Blair’s office for the 1997 campaign. He held pivotal roles at Oftel and HM Treasury, where as Head of Innovation and Technology he oversaw Ofcom, the BBC Charter, and aviation. Ian’s senior leadership includes roles as Principal Private Secretary in the Cabinet Office, Director of Criminal Justice Strategy at the Ministry of Justice, and CEO positions at STM and Radiocentre. He holds a Master’s in economics specialising in competition and regulation.
Ian Moss
Co-Founder
Gill is a luminary in parliamentary and public affairs with over 30 years of experience. A recipient of the CIPR Doug Smith Lifetime Achievement Award and the Outstanding Contribution to Public Affairs Award, she has founded several successful agencies. Gill is a leading voice on devolution, building campaigns and consensus for levelling up across England’s towns, cities and regions. Her work focuses on bridging the gap between local aspirations and national policy frameworks.
Gill Morris
Co-Founder
Our Associates
NICK FINCHAM
Nick is an experienced economic regulator, consultant and was co-chair of the Regulatory Policy Institute. He spent three years as the Executive Director, Energy and Water Department at NEOM in Saudi Arabia and before that was a Senior Adviser to the Payment Systems Regulator. Nick spent nearly a decade working in Thames Water as Strategy & Regulation Director and a Board member. Prior to that, Nick worked at a number of UK regulatory authorities including Ofgem, the Postal Services Commission and the Civil Aviation Authority, where he was Director, Economic Regulation and Competition Policy.
JO GIBBONS
Jo is a senior communications strategist with over 25 years' experience at the highest levels of government, consultancy and in-house. She is an experienced team leader who knows how to communicate complex and controversial issues to wide and varied audiences and to motivate those around me to deliver. Jo has advised a Prime Minister, as well as senior Cabinet Ministers and officials, on all aspects of communications and has directly represented those politicians to external stakeholders and influencers. She has led in-house and consultancy teams delivering strategic planning as well as specialising in media relations, stakeholder engagement, event management, marketing and public affairs campaigning. Most recently she ran the marketing function for the Health Industries business at PwC and is currently providing communication support to a number of charities. She is an Associate at the Sheila McKechnie Foundation and a Board member of Compassion in Dying and Haringey, Hackney and Waltham Forest Homestart.
RACHEL SHAW
Rachel works as an independent communications consultant specialising in high-scrutiny corporate reporting and narrative development, including annual and sustainability reporting and other complex, data-heavy reports, white papers and publications. Alongside formal reporting, she also supports organisations with wider communications strategies, campaigns and content where clarity, consistency, narrative discipline and creative storytelling matter. Before returning to consultancy, she was Director of External Affairs (and later Acting Chief Executive) at the Midlands Engine, a government-funded economic growth partnership established to help position the Midlands as a £220bn+ regional economy and support collaboration to attract major investment. Rachel spent 7 years as a consultant to the World Heart Federation as Campaign Director and Interim Communications Director. Rachel has delivered reporting and narrative projects for FTSE 100s, universities and membership bodies.
GERI SILVERSTONE
Geri is a political communications and community engagement strategy expert with 20 years global experience across the built environment, transport infrastructure, education, and local government sectors. A leading expert in political communications and stakeholder across the South of England, Geri has worked extensively with local authorities, national government, infrastructure projects, and educational institutions, helping to overcome barriers to growth through meaningful dialogue. His consultancy (the largest of its kind based on the south coast) is renowned for fostering collaboration between communities and organisations.
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Get in Touch
Whether you're looking for strategic growth support or interested in joining our network of regional specialists, we'd love to hear from you.
Our Headquarters
The Regional Growth Network
London and Manchester
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Trusted by Government and Non-Profits
Strategy UK | Economic Forum | Regional Growth Initiative | Public Insight Group | National Strategy Centre