Claire Pearce, Founder and Executive Director of Real Growth Ltd, and formerly Director of Planning and Economic Development at This is Gravity Ltd, has been named Leader of the Year at the Institute of Economic Development (IED) Annual Awards 2024.
The awards, which were hosted in London on 6th November following the IED Annual Conference ‘Economic Transition – How do we deliver long-lasting change in our towns, cities and regions?’, recognise achievers in the public and private sector through a series of individual, team and organisational categories.
The Leader of the Year award, sponsored by WECD, is for economic development professionals who demonstrate outstanding leadership and management in their role, and who motivate and inspire their team to achieve success through effective leadership.
The nomination for Claire highlighted her exceptional track record as a skilled economic development leader. Transitioning from the public sector and leading the Hinkley Point C nuclear power station build, and then on to Gravity, the UK’s first giga-scale commercial smart campus, catalysing the journey towards net zero, Claire provided transformational leadership to kickstart and deliver long-term economic restructuring on a stalled, contaminated 616-acre site into a clean growth hub. The Gravity campus is now home to Agratas, one of Europe’s largest gigafactory developments.
After the ceremony, Claire said:
“I am genuinely heartened at receiving this award. It marks quite a milestone in what has been a challenging journey to restructure the economy, attract international investment and transform Bridgwater as a place. I am passionate about making things happen, creating opportunities for business and host communities, by shaping nationally significant projects and their ancillary developments. I really can’t thank the IED enough for the award. It will really help to inspire colleagues to continue the work and transfer learning to new parts of the UK to achieve real growth on the ground.
“The South West has certainly got a key role in delivering a modern industrial strategy, so let’s make that happen.”
IED Director Bev Hurley CBE, who hosted the IED Annual Awards 2024, said:
“Many congratulations to Claire as the winner of our Leader of the Year award. Our judges praised Claire for her dedication, pioneering spirit, and ultimately ability to transform a previously abandoned site into a hub for new technologies and inclusive employment opportunities. They highlighted her transformational leadership, supported by a clear vision, strategic implementation, and the delivery of measurable outcomes.
“The judges said the submission demonstrated Claire’s tenacity, knowledge, and strong communication skills, which were crucial for unlocking significant economic potential. They also noted how it reflected her esteemed reputation among colleagues and her impressive career achievements, particularly in overcoming challenges with courage and technical expertise on large-scale projects over time.”
IED Executive Director Nigel Wilcock added:
“Congratulations to all our winners, those who our judging panel determined should be Highly Commended for their nomination, and indeed everyone who was shortlisted and took the time and opportunity to enter the awards this year. We had a fabulous awards evening, it was an inspirational, uplifting and joyous occasion, and thanks to all award sponsors for their support.”
The IED is the UK’s leading independent professional body for economic development and regeneration practitioners, supporting them to create stronger communities and sustainable economies.