Former Manchester Council boss joins Institute of Economic Development

Former Manchester City Council Chief Exec Sir Howard Bernstein has been made the new patron of the Institute of Economic Development (IED).

Taking over the unpaid role from retiring patron Lord Michael Heseltine, who held the position since 2013, Sir Howard said he hopes to support the IED’s organisational development to the benefit of its members.

Commenting on his appointment, he said the IED counsels its members on issues he is “deeply passionate about” – such as local and regional authority development, economic and infrastructure regeneration and place management.

Sir Howard explained: “The IED provides exceptional support as the UK’s leading professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners working for local and regional communities.

“I hope to support the IED’s organisational development to benefit its members, which in turn an impact on those working ‘on the ground’ in local government.”

The 64-year-old stepped down as Manchester City Council’s Chief Executive in March this year, following two decades in the job. He first joined the authority in 1971 as a junior clerk.

In April, he joined professional services giant Deloitte in the role of strategic advisor.

IED chair Bev Hurley commented: “I would formally like to thank Lord Heseltine for his support and encouragement and to welcome Sir Howard Bernstein.

“Sir Howard is hugely respected for his achievements in local government and his strategic input to the IED’s development will be invaluable.”

She added: “We are extremely fortunate to have such a prestigious and knowledgeable successor to help us thrive in the years to come.”