“Levelling up” has been one of the defining policy ambitions of recent years. The phrase has appeared in countless political speeches, policy announcements, and regional investment strategies. Yet despite its prominence, the concept can sometimes feel difficult to define in practical terms.
For businesses, investors and communities across the North of England, the real question is not simply whether levelling up is happening, but how success should be measured.
Is it economic growth? Infrastructure measurement? Increased housing delivery? Or broader improvements in opportunity and quality of life?
Understanding what levelling up should deliver in practice is essential if the ambition is to translate into tangible results.
Economic Growth Beyond Major Cities
Much of the discussion around levelling up has focused on strengthening the economic performance of northern cities. Cities such as Manchester, Leeds, Newcastle, and Liverpool have experienced significant growth in recent years, supported by investment in technology, finance and professional services.
However, levelling up is not only about strengthening major urban centres. It is also about ensuring that surrounding towns, communities, and regional economies benefit from that growth.
Balanced economic development requires strong connections between cities and the wider regions they serve. Transport infrastructure, employment opportunities and access to investment all play a role in ensuring that growth spreads more evenly across the North.
Infrastructure as a Foundation for Growth
Infrastructure investment has long been viewed as one of the most powerful tools for regional development.
Transport connectivity, digital infrastructure and public services all influence how easily people can access jobs, education, and economic opportunities. When infrastructure improves, it often unlocks wider economic activity by making regions more attractive to businesses and investors.
Projects such as improved rail links, regional transport upgrades and digital connectivity initiatives are therefore central to many levelling-up strategies.
However, infrastructure delivery can take time. Planning processes, funding arrangements, and coordination between national and local authorities can slow progress, making it important to maintain long-term commitment to these projects.
Housing and Affordability
Housing also plays a significant role in regional growth.
Strong housing markets help attract and retain talent, support local economies, and ensure that people can live close to employment opportunities. In many parts of the North, housing affordability remains relatively stronger than in southern regions, which can create opportunities for growth.
However, increasing housing supply still requires coordination between planning authorities, developers, and infrastructure providers. Without sufficient housing delivery, economic expansion can place pressure on existing communities.
Ensuring that housing development aligns with regional growth plans is therefore an important part of levelling up.
Measuring Real Progress
Ultimately, levelling up should be measured not only by investment announcements but by outcomes that are visible on the ground.
Are local economies growing?
Are infrastructure projects improving connectivity?
Are housing markets supporting communities and attracting investment?
Answering these questions requires ongoing collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and local authorities.
These themes will be explored further during the Levelling Up the North: From Political Ambition to Practical Delivery panel at UKREiiF 2026.
Hosted by Mark Manning, Managing Director of the Northern Estate Agency Group, the session will bring together leading voices including Ed Whiting (Chief Executive, Leeds City Council), Kevin Hollinrake MP, Richard Irving (ID Planning) and Julia Dacre Field (Gowlings) to examine what levelling up should deliver in practice and how progress can be measured.
