Clone Town

Think we're the only one's dealing with the onslaught of big-box retail and the bland, monotonous environments they create? Think again. Across the pond in the UK, London's New Econoomics Foundation (nef) is leading the charge for local economic development.

They are an independent think-and-do tank that inspires and demonstrates real economic well-being by aiming to improve quality of life by promoting innovative solutions that challenge mainstream thinking on economic, environment and social issues. nef works with all sections of society in the UK and internationally - civil society, government, individuals, businesses and academia - to create more understanding and strategies for change. Clone Town is one of their latest campaigns.

Economic systems that favour the large, remote and uniform threaten our local economies and communities, diversity and choice.

Creating the right balance between local and global economies will help to increase individual well-being, reduce inequalities and promote environmental sustainability. nef is pushing to fight ghost town britain and relocalise the economy through the local works campaign and by empowering communities through enterprise and innovation.

The tools for local economic renewal help people create their own futures. Our flagship inner city 100 project shows the power and dynamism of inner city business, and our work on access to finance addresses the problem of people being excluded from mainstream finance.