Devolution is becoming a bigger talking point across the UK, particularly within counties exploring more local control of budgets, skills planning and investment. But what does this mean for the marketing community?
In simple terms, devolution gives regions more say over how money is spent and how local economies grow. For marketers, employers and growing businesses, these shifts could open new opportunities that are worth understanding.
More relevant skills and training
One of the biggest opportunities linked to devolution is the ability to shape skills locally.
If counties gain more control of adult skills funding, we could see:
Training and upskilling programmes shaped around what employers in each area are actually hiring for.
Better routes into digital, brand, performance, content and creative roles.
Colleges, universities and employers working more closely to create job-ready marketers.
This could make it easier for candidates to access the right training and easier for employers to find marketing talent with the skills they truly need.
A stronger marketing job market across counties
With more freedom over local investment, regions can focus support on the industries that drive their economies, from tech and life sciences to manufacturing and digital services. All of these rely heavily on strong marketing teams.
As a result, devolution could help create:
More organisations investing in marketing.
Higher demand for brand, digital and communications roles.
Stronger progression opportunities as businesses grow specialist functions.
This means more varied and more senior opportunities for marketing talent across counties exploring devolved powers.
Better conditions for hybrid work
Improved transport and digital connectivity often sit at the heart of devolution deals.
For marketing teams, this supports:
Wider hiring pools for employers.
More accessible hybrid roles for candidates.
Better cross county collaboration between teams, agencies and partners.
Why marketers should stay informed
Even though devolution can feel like a political subject, the reality is simple. It will influence the shape of local job markets, the skills available in each region and the opportunities open to marketing talent.
At Kin Collective, we will be keeping a close eye on how these changes evolve because they directly impact the businesses we support and the people building their marketing careers across the UK.
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Photo by David Dibert on Unsplash