Dr. Tim Leunig is a prize-winning economist and policy advisor whose work spans economic history, urban planning, and public policy. A Visiting Professor at the London School of Economics, Tim has advised Chancellors, Cabinet Ministers, and Prime Ministers, shaping major economic and social policies.

After working in academia, Tim joined the policy world, first at the Centre for Cities influencing urban policy, infrastructure, and strategies to promote economic growth in cities across, and then in government. He served as Chief Economist at the Department for Education, devising policies on school funding, performance measurement, and curriculum reforms. He worked on housing policy and the expansion plans for Heathrow Airport. He was also Economic Adviser to Chancellors Sajid Javid and Rishi Sunak. Significantly, and contrary to the existing plans of the Treasury, he conceived the UK’s furlough scheme during the COVID-19 pandemic, protecting millions of jobs.

Having left government, Tim explores the real world effects of economic policy. He considers how it affects businesses and individuals, and provides insights into decision-making, productivity, and long-term economic growth. He’s a regular commentator to The Financial Times, The Times, The Telegraph, and The Guardian, and has contributed to programmes on Radio 1 and Radio 4.

Tim has also served as Director of Economics at Public First, and as a Senior Fellow at the Institute for Government. He is a Fellow of the Academy of Social Sciences, the Royal Society of Arts, and the Royal Historical Society, and a Governor of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research.

Minette is the Former President of the National Farmers’ Union, a position that she held between 2018 and 2024, where she was the first woman to hold the post. During her tenure, she was responsible for representing 47,000 members of the farming community through a period of change and instability. The issues Minette faced ranged from political turbulence, the after effects of Brexit, and sustainability challenges.

Raised on her father’s tenant farm in Wiltshire, Minette was dissuaded by him from following in his footsteps. Instead, she took a Cordon Bleu course and launched and ran her own catering business for 20 years. However, upon her father’s retirement, she made the decision to take on the tenancy. Upon her election to the NFU (first as Vice-President in 2014, and then as President), she juggled running the farm with her responsibilities at the Union. 

Working closely with four different Prime Ministers and six different Environment Secretaries during her period at the helm of the Union, Minette has unique insights into the political landscape and leadership. She was responsible for representing the views of the entire farming community during Brexit negotiations and during the Covid-19 pandemic, which caused unprecedented food shortages. Subsequent challenges she tackled while she was leader included the spillover effects of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, which involved price increases for both fuel and produce, and labour shortages. She has been an active campaigner for a thriving rural economy and food standards - notably bringing together a range of chefs, environmentalists, consumer groups and animal welfare experts in a 2020 campaign, which led to over 1 million people signing the NFU Food Standards Petition. She has been included in BBC Radio 4’s Women’s Hour Power List, and in 2021 was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant to Wiltshire.

Stevie Ward is a former professional rugby player who was part of the golden generation at Leeds Rhinos, one of the most successful teams in Super League history. He became the youngest Grand Final winner, securing 3 Grand Finals and 2 Challenge Cups. At just 26, he was named captain. However, Stevie faced significant challenges, undergoing 10 surgeries and struggling with mental health issues. He had to retire at 27 due to a brain injury.

This adversity led Stevie to launch Mantality in 2016. The initiative promotes mental health for men through counseling, life coaching services, and a podcast that breaks the stigma around mental health.

Stevie also works with Premier League football teams, athletes, and creatives through keynote talks, leadership programs, and one-on-one coaching. He helps them discover their authentic game plan.

Stevie Ward is a former professional rugby player who was part of the golden generation at Leeds Rhinos, one of the most successful teams in Super League history. He became the youngest Grand Final winner, securing 3 Grand Finals and 2 Challenge Cups. At just 26, he was named captain. However, Stevie faced significant challenges, undergoing 10 surgeries and struggling with mental health issues. He had to retire at 27 due to a brain injury.

This adversity led Stevie to launch Mantality in 2016. The initiative promotes mental health for men through counseling, life coaching services, and a podcast that breaks the stigma around mental health.

Stevie also works with Premier League football teams, athletes, and creatives through keynote talks, leadership programs, and one-on-one coaching. He helps them discover their authentic game plan.