Nathan Shoesmith, Consultant at Manchester-based GC Insight, is the 2025 winner of the Institute of Economic Development’s prestigious iED Rising Star of the Year award.
The awards, which were hosted at The Lowry Hotel in Manchester on 25th November following the iED Annual Conference, Good Growth: Driving the UK economy with investment in our regions and communities, celebrate achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.
This year saw a record-breaking number of entries, with almost 60 submissions received for seven award categories, and shortlisted nominations were assessed by an expert judging panel in September.
The Rising Star of the Year 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.
Nathan’s peer-led nomination described him as a “dynamic economic development professional whose data-driven strategies, community impact, and thought leadership help shape local economies across the UK”. From launching innovative data solutions to championing youth and mental health, his early career reflects excellence, compassion, and a bold vision for inclusive, place-based growth, it said.
iED Director and former Chair Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the awards honouring achievements across the public and private sectors, said: “Our judges recognised Nathan Shoesmith for his remarkable contributions across data innovation, youth empowerment, and mental health advocacy. Through his leadership of Growth Flag+ and involvement in national strategies, combined with his public advocacy, he has already established himself as a rising leader in inclusive economic development. Nathan’s work bridges national strategy, local impact, and community wellbeing. His innovation, leadership, and compassion distinguish him as a future leader – and make him a truly worthy recipient of this award.”
Nathan commented: “It is an enormous pleasure and honour to receive the prestigious Institute of Economic Development Rising Star of the Year Award for 2025. So much of what we do in economic development is focused on community impact – and these impacts are so much stronger when we do this together. Both at the conference and iED awards evening it was great to hear about best practice examples making a positive impact in local communities across the country, as well as their contribution to the national growth agenda. Thank you to everyone in my team at GC Insight, the iED, and to all those who have supported my journey inside and outside of economic development. A big congratulations to everyone who won an award and was shortlisted for their inspiring achievements.”
iED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock added: “When we first created these awards during the Institute’s 40th anniversary celebrations, our ambition was clear: to recognise excellence – individuals, teams and organisations making a real difference in economic development across the UK. Every year since, the quality, innovation and commitment displayed has been extraordinary, and this year is no exception.
“Shortlisting the finalists was no easy task for our judges. My congratulations go to all those who were shortlisted, to each of our winners, and my sincere thanks to everyone who submitted entries. Their work showcases the diversity, creativity and impact of economic development in action – precisely what these awards exist to celebrate. It was wonderful to welcome so many familiar faces, along with new colleagues, to share in this special evening.”