In this episode, Louise McKinlay, Deputy Leader of Essex County Council, discusses the progress made in Essex on the levelling up agenda. She highlights initiatives focused on literacy and numeracy, community supermarkets, digital access, skills development, and childcare. McKinlay emphasises the importance of collaboration with businesses and other partners to drive change and spread opportunity. She also discusses the challenges of maintaining focus and ambition while ensuring sustainability. McKinlay's approach to local government is centred on enabling and empowering individuals and communities, and she emphasises the need for a joined-up approach to address deep-seated challenges.