Yorkshire AI Labs joins new Social Mobility Commission group to boost regional growth

It aims to look at tackling the barriers to economic growth, in parts of Yorkshire like Wakefield and Hull, which Rob Wilson, deputy chair of the SMC, says is key to promoting social mobility across the country.

The Chancellor Rachel Reeves has repeatedly said that growth must be felt across the country, and not just in London and the South East.

To achieve this, Mr Wilson explained: “We must also address the untapped and wasted opportunity in ‘left behind’ places, if it is to benefit the people and communities most in need.”

Today, the SMC deputy chair will launch the Economic Growth and Investment Group to tackle this.

He said: “Successive UK governments, organisations and businesses have tried and often failed for decades to improve growth in areas of profound economic disadvantage.

“Yet despite their best efforts, the impact of many of their policies and interventions remains frustratingly limited. Some might even argue a number of these policies have taken us backwards.”

The group will provide fresh insight into the longstanding challenges affecting “left behind” places, meeting with regional leaders like the metro mayors.

David Richards, co-founder of Yorkshire AI Labs and member of the group, explained: “Talent is everywhere, but opportunity is not.

“That’s the stark reality we face, particularly in regions like Yorkshire, where the opportunity gap continues to hold people back.

“We need bold action to break down barriers, create real pathways to success, and ensure that where you start in life doesn’t determine where you end up.”

It comes after the SMC’s state of the nation report, which found an enduring lack of opportunity for young people in former mining and industrial areas of the UK.

It also called for alternative methods of levelling up beyond the traditional route through universities.

In Wakefield, Bretton Hall University closed and has had no real replacement.

Mr Wilson said the SMC’s research found that in places like Wakefield, Hull and Barnsley, with low numbers of people with postgraduate degrees, there was less innovation and growth.

He added: “The Government’s push for growth is welcome, but we must also address the untapped and wasted opportunity in ‘left behind’ places, if it is to benefit the people and communities most in need.

“We hope that the Economic Growth and Investment Group’s recommendations will help pave the way for even more local jobs, regional growth and development, and thus expand opportunities for social mobility.”

The group will draw up policy recommendations for the Government, with the aim of empowering communities to break down persistent barriers to growth.

The insights will also support the development of a wider strategic framework, which can be tailored to different geographical areas.