Steer Economic Development strengthens team with senior appointment and further planned growth

Steer Economic Development is pleased to announce the appointment of Senior Consultant John Humphries to its Manchester office, further strengthening its growing presence in the North and ability to support places across the UK with high-quality economic insight and analysis.

His experience spans consultancy roles at consultancies Hatch and Mott MacDonald, where he developed Green Book business cases and city-region economic strategies, complemented by earlier financial analysis work.

The team is also delighted to welcome back Rebecca McCormack, who returns from maternity leave, and brings deep expertise in national and local project and programme evaluation, enterprise and innovation research, and place-based economic development.

John and Rebecca step into their roles at a time of sustained momentum for the team, with increasing demand for robust business cases, evidence-led strategies and robust evaluations to support local economic growth and the transition to a net-zero economy. 

Over the past year, the team has delivered a series of high-impact projects for Combined Authorities, including evaluating the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Local Growth Fund, advising Liverpool City Region Combined Authority (LCRCA) on its integrated settlement “golden thread”, and producing Greater Manchester’s latest Innovation Audit. We have also supported Homes England in shaping a more devolved, place-based investment approach.

Commenting on the expansion, Josh Stott (Director), said: "With further headcount growth planned for 2026, Steer Economic Development is continuing to invest in expanding its capabilities and presence in the North. Strengthening the Manchester team ensures we remain well positioned to help places unlock opportunity, attract investment, and deliver long-term, inclusive economic outcomes."