The agreement, signed by Hammersmith & Fulham Leader Cllr Stephen Cowan and his Wigan counterpart Cllr Nazia Rehman, marks the latest in a series of collaborations for H&F. These partnerships are designed to drive economic growth and enhance the borough's reputation as a global innovator, fostering growth in every postcode.
Hammersmith & Fulham has existing co-operative growth agreements with innovation districts in Milan, Barcelona, Oslo, Lillestrom (Norway), Melbourne, Buenos Aires, and Rzeszów (Poland), alongside UK partnerships with Barnsley and Swindon.
The signing occurred at the Upstream London Network Economic Forum 2026 on Tuesday 13 October. This forum saw H&F's partners convene to launch a blueprint for place-based, innovation-led, inclusive growth, authored by Cllr Cowan.
Cllr Stephen Cowan, Leader of Hammersmith & Fulham and Chair of London Councils, stated that the blueprint offers a practical model adaptable for the Government's 'growth in every postcode' mission. He welcomed Wigan's shared values and its joining of their national and international alliance of leaders focused on inclusive economic growth.
He emphasised that place-based, innovation-led, inclusive growth enables towns and cities to compete globally while retaining their distinctiveness. He highlighted the role of local municipal government in integrating economic strategy with existing powers like planning, zoning, public amenities, skills, and infrastructure.
Cowan noted that Hammersmith & Fulham's experience demonstrates local government's significant role in fostering innovation-led economic success, having attracted £6.5 billion in growth investment, curated 17,200 new STEM³ jobs, and built one of the UK's fastest-growing innovation economies.
Cllr Nazia Rehman, Leader of Wigan Council, expressed optimism that shared learning will help deliver growth across Wigan Borough, aligning with their 'Progress with Unity' principles. She noted that both Wigan and Hammersmith & Fulham are seeking ways to grow economies that benefit local people.
Rehman added that the alliance provides access to more ideas, investment opportunities, and practical examples, with the ambition to create high-quality jobs and career pathways that encourage young people to remain and build careers locally. Wigan is investing in innovation, digital skills, and emerging industries to secure future opportunities.
The partnership aims to pioneer practical collaboration, expand high-growth innovation ecosystems, and deliver inclusive economic growth across both boroughs.
The Memorandum of Understanding outlines three core collaboration pillars: sharing learning on developing high-growth, inclusive economic ecosystems; supporting mutual business investment and growth; and providing learning opportunities for residents, businesses, and council employees.
Wigan Council is recognised for its innovative public service delivery and partnership working, with a £1 billion investment planned for infrastructure, regeneration, and housing over the next two years. As part of the Greater Manchester devolution, Wigan is in the country's fastest-growing regional economy, with its NorthFold site benefiting from 'Good Growth'.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council has secured £6 billion in investment and created 17,200 jobs since launching its 'Upstream London' industrial strategy in 2017, making it London's fastest-growing economy and ranking in the UK's top ten.
The White City Innovation District, launched with Imperial College London in 2017, leads growth in life sciences, climate tech, defence tech, and creative industries. H&F has attracted major employers like Novartis, Autolus, Airbus, NATO, and L'Oreal.
Through the new H&F Pathway Bond, the council connects schools with businesses, creating career pathways for young people in science, technology, engineering, maths, medicine, and media (STEM³), with nearly 100 businesses and organisations involved.
