By Elliott, Account Director
A few weeks on from the LGC Summit 2026, I’m still reflecting on some of the conversations and insights shared by leaders from across local government and partner organisations.
One idea that particularly resonated with me was that innovation only becomes transformation when the old way of doing things stops. Organisations are often good at launching new initiatives, but genuine change requires the confidence to retire outdated processes. Without a clear transition point, innovation can risk becoming “just another pilot” rather than embedding itself as business as usual.
Another key theme was the growing role of combined authorities and regional governance. While introducing an additional layer of decision-making can create complexity, the discussions highlighted the significant opportunities these structures offer for driving investment, infrastructure and skills development at a local level. Hearing how established combined authorities are approaching these challenges gave me real optimism about the positive impact they can have on communities.
Perhaps the greatest value of the summit was the opportunity to learn from others. As organisations across the public sector navigate change, forums like the LGC Summit provide an invaluable space for sharing experiences, lessons learned and practical solutions.
My thanks to LGC for bringing together such a diverse group of leaders and creating an environment where these important conversations can take place. The insights shared continue to provide plenty of food for thought long after the event itself.
