Nathan Shoesmith, GC Insight consultant and Data and Insight Lead for Growth Flag, has been shortlisted for the Rising Star of the Year award by the Institute of Economic Development. He has earned it.
The award recognises ‘professionals working in economic development with less than 10 years’ experience, who have demonstrated excellence, commitment and gone above and beyond in their early career’.
In less than five years in economic development, Nathan has been instrumental in the introduction an innovative business data platform and a consultancy offer which supports impactful interventions for destinations and local economies across the UK. His accomplishments outside work are equally as impressive. Nathan has been recognised for his work as an advocate and educator for social entrepreneurialism, youth empowerment, and children's mental health.
Nathan’s career has been underpinned by data, creativity and hard work. As Insights and Analysis Lead for Growth Flag, a data platform that forecasts business growth (and risk) for targeted interventions, he conducts detailed analyses of datasets and government policies to help local authorities make smarter, evidence-led decisions.
His work spans economic strategy, investment proposals, and place-based development. Notable contributions include:
Nathan began his career at the Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), where he developed and launched Lancashire’s Space Strategy. He rolled out materials on emerging sectors to schools, supported business diversification, community building, and worked with government and international investors. He also organised multiple major conferences and supported the project management of multi-million-pound investment projects of national significance.
Nathan’s passion for creating positive impacts for communities continues outside of work. He was a founding member of Fraser House Hub, a co-working space in Lancaster, which supports local economic development and offers strategic advice to YoungMinds, a national charity that supports mental health in young people. He has delivered a variety of talks on improving data usage in the public sector and serves as GC Insight’s Mental Health First Aider.
Of note, are Nathan’s exceptional communications skills. He presents complex information and data in captivating formats, engaging audiences of all sizes with clarity and confidence. In the past year, Nathan presented a TEDx Talk titled ‘Transforming ideas to impact in a confusing, changing world’. In the presentation, Nathan explored three essential drivers of real-world impact: embracing change, building resilience, and cultivating communities – qualities that are central to effective economic development.
Previously he was featured by The Independent in their 2019 Happy List as one of “50 of the most inspirational people whose kindness, ingenuity and bravery have made Britain a better place to live”. In 2020, he was named in TechRound's 29 Under 29. This year, Nathan was included in the Next 750 – a unique group of young changemakers from across Europe who are shaping the world of tech and beyond.
Nathan is a graduate of Management, Politics and International Relations from Lancaster University. Beyond his seriously impressive accomplishments, he is a kind person and a joy to work with. At just 24 years of age, he is only just getting started.
