
What is PERN?
PERN is an academic led, multi-university network of experts in place based economic recovery, regeneration and resilience.
It was established to offer support to West Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (the MCA) / Leeds City Region Local Enterprise Partnership (LCR LEP) (and other public bodies, such as local authorities) in the design, plan and implementation of COVID recovery efforts.

News
***CALLING ALL POST GRADS & PhD STUDENTS*** blog competition
We are launching our inaugural blog competition. If you have something to say on levelling up, we want to hear from you!
Find out more here.
Ongoing tenders:
Events
Scheduled Steering Group meetings in 2022:
- 1 February
- 4 April
- 6 June
- 21 July
Publications & resources
Submission to the BEIS post pandemic economic growth consultation (Sept 2020)
Webinar series on the West Yorkshire recovery strategy:
- Webinar one: The future role of towns and cities
- Webinar two: Clean and green recovery which also tackles the climate emergency
- Webinar three: Start-up and entrepreneurial innovation led recovery
- Webinar four: Resilient supply chains
Steering Group
Natalie Allen, Business Development Manager, Research & Enterprise, Leeds Beckett University
Professor Andrew Brown, Professor of Economics and Political Economy, Leeds University Business School
Professor Gary Dymski, Professor of Applied Economics, Leeds University Business School
Marc Eatough, Major Research Initiatives Manager, University of Leeds
Patsy Gilbert, Vice Principal and Director of School of Performance, Leeds Conservatoire
Professor Jamie Morgan, Professor of Economics, Leeds Beckett University
Dr Andy Mycock, Reader in Politics and Director of External Engagement, University of Huddersfield
Claire Newhouse, Director of Centre for Apprenticeships, Work-based Learning & Skills University Lead for Knowledge Exchange, Leeds Trinity University
Dr Peter O’Brien, Executive Director, Yorkshire Universities
Professor Phil Purnell, Professor of Materials and Structures, School of Civil Engineering, University of Leeds
Dr David Spicer, Director of Business and Community Engagement, University of Bradford
Dr Richard Whittle, CAPE Regional Development Fellow