While some smaller businesses have reported they are thriving, urban centres are struggling to survive. This approach to urban development has long treated city centres as convenient and easy landing points for global financial capital. But in reality, this model has skewed investment, directing it away from manufacturing and other industries that still make up the bulk of employment in towns and outer city areas. Rather than clinging to the past, we should be seizing this opportunity to redefine our cities and who they work for. • Neil McInroy is chief executive of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies (CLES)

Source: The Guardian September 14, 2020 06:00 UTC