The Hardest Lesson Andy Burnham Must Learn for UK Growth

Jan de Vries · 2026-07-24

Let's talk about a critical lesson that could reshape the UK's economic future. Harry Margulies recently argued that Andy Burnham, the Mayor of Greater Manchester, needs to prioritize economic reality over political promises if Britain wants to achieve sustainable growth. It's a tough pill to swallow, but it's one that Mark Carney, the former Bank of England governor, learned the hard way. ### The Core Argument: Reality Over Rhetoric The idea here is simple but powerful. Politicians often make grand promises about growth, jobs, and prosperity. But without a solid grounding in economic fundamentals, those promises can fall flat. Burnham, like many leaders, faces pressure to deliver quick wins. However, Margulies suggests that real, lasting growth comes from facing hard truths first. Think of it like building a house. You wouldn't start decorating the living room before checking the foundation. The same goes for an economy. You need to address structural issues—like productivity, infrastructure, and investment—before you can expect sustainable results. ### What Mark Carney's Lesson Teaches Us Mark Carney's career is a masterclass in balancing optimism with realism. During his time at the Bank of England, he had to make tough calls that weren't always popular. He understood that economic stability requires discipline, even when it means disappointing people in the short term. For Burnham, the lesson is clear: don't promise what you can't deliver. Instead, focus on what's achievable. That might mean - Prioritizing long-term infrastructure projects over flashy short-term initiatives - Being honest about the trade-offs involved in economic policy - Building consensus around difficult decisions, even if they're unpopular This approach isn't just about avoiding failure. It's about creating a foundation for growth that can weather storms. ### How This Applies to the EU Inc Proposal Now, you might be wondering how this connects to the EU Inc proposal and European startup incorporation. The link is about how regions handle economic growth. The EU Inc proposal aims to make it easier for startups to incorporate across Europe, reducing bureaucracy and fostering innovation. But like Burnham's challenge, it requires a focus on practical realities. For European startups, the promise of a unified market is huge. But to make it work, policymakers need to - Simplify legal frameworks without sacrificing protections - Ensure tax systems don't penalize cross-border operations - Invest in digital infrastructure that supports remote and hybrid work These aren't glamorous tasks, but they're essential. Just as Burnham must prioritize economic reality, EU leaders must focus on the nuts and bolts of creating a startup-friendly environment. ### The Bottom Line for Startups and Growth What does this mean for you as a professional in the startup space? It means paying attention to the fundamentals. Whether you're incorporating in the US or Europe, the principles are the same: - Build on solid legal and financial foundations - Be realistic about timelines and resources - Focus on sustainable growth, not hype The hardest lesson is that there are no shortcuts. But by learning from leaders like Carney and applying those lessons to your own work, you can set yourself up for long-term success. In the end, it's not about the grand promises. It's about the quiet, consistent work that makes those promises possible.