About the Society

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The Society of Professional Economists (SPE) is the leading organisation serving professional economists in the UK and Europe.

Objectives

The Society of Professional Economists is the leading organisation serving professional economists in the UK and Europe. The Society organises a diverse range of activities, providing members with a forum for debating questions of economics, to extend their professional competency as economists and to interact with key economic policymakers.

As an association of economists, the Society provides a point of contact for those with similar intellectual and professional interests. Although not a regulating institution, it is concerned with maintaining and improving professional standards among its members.

To further these aims the Society maintains links with other bodies with similar interests, both in this country and overseas.

Origins

In 1953 a small group of economists working in industry, commerce and finance started meeting regularly to exchange views. The Business Economists Group, as it was then called, grew rapidly and in 1960 was incorporated as a company limited by guarantee. Reflecting its continuing increase in membership and reputation the Group adopted the name of Society of Business Economists in 1969. In January 2018, to reflect the broadening of its membership into areas that extended beyond business and the expansion of its activities in the area of professional development, the Society’s name was changed again to Society of Professional Economists.

Activities

A programme of monthly meetings, held at lunchtime and in the evenings, forms the core of the Society’s activities. The meetings typically involve presentation(s) by expert guest speakers for 45-60 minutes, followed by questions and then drinks.

Evening meetings generally take place from 6.00-7.30pm, with many of these meetings hosted by Norton Rose Fulbright LLP and the Resolution Foundation.  Details can be obtained from the Secretariat. Lunchtime meetings are usually held at a location in the City of London.

The Society arranges both an annual conference, at which broader domestic and international issues are discussed, and a very popular annual dinner.

The Society also operates a professional development programme for economists.

Organisation

The SPE is governed by a Council of 12 elected members, with all Full Members and Fellows eligible for election. The Chairman is elected by Council members. The Society has a President and Vice Presidents, also elected by the Council.