North East Foundational Economy (NEFE) Alliance
The NEFE was launched at the Farrell Centre on Thursday 18 June by lead researcher Dr David Webb
26 June 2026
At an event held in the Farrell Centre on Thursday 18 June, lead researcher Dr David Webb formally launched the North East Foundational Economy Alliance: an alliance of academics, co-operatives, community organisations and policy makers seeking to map the extractive economy and develop generative alternatives.
Research website
The event set out these initial findings and provided a forum to discuss future areas of work that should guide the alliance. The event marked the launch of the research website www.nefe.org.uk which hosts an interactive map of all the property in Newcastle which is owned offshore along with the reports on the investigations of where economic value is leaking out of the city.
Discussions were led by Simon Grove-White, of the Centre for Local Economic Strategies, and Luke Devlin of the Centre for Human Ecology along with local partners and councillors. Jamie Driscoll, former North of Tyne Mayor and currently Green Party councillor responsible for community wealth building was also in attendance.
Event images
Dr David Webb welcoming attendees to the event
Professor Simin Davoudi chairing the event and introducing the speakers
Simon Grove-White delivering his presentation
Luke Devlin delivering his presentation
Break out session one
Break out session two