Oct 2006 – Appointment of Group Chief Operating Officer
Following the successful merger between SQW and Oxford Innovation, we are pleased to welcome Andrew Strivens, Group Chief Operating Officer. Andrew, a chartered accountant with experience both as a Management Consultant with PwC and as Practice Partner with Weil, Gotshal & Manges US law firm, is responsible for Finance, HR and other support functions on a Group-wide basis. This appointment follows the stated intentions at the time of the merger of further investing in the Group’s management and internal support functions in order to accelerate growth and performance. Andrew is based in our Oxford offices and is contactable at astrivens@sqwgroup.co.uk.
Sep 2006 – Economic Performance of Rural Areas Inside and Outside of City-Regions
SQW – working with Cambridge Econometrics – completed a study to review the economic performance of rural areas inside and outside of city-regions. The study developed a working definition of city-regions based on an analysis of commuting flows at district level and informed by the approach developed in an earlier study for then-ODPM. Using this definition, it tested, in quantitative terms, the extent to which the economic performance of rural areas varied, and the reasons for this. Finally, the study drew on a number of case studies. These were defined in terms of a transect, extending from an urban node through rural areas within a city-region (as defined for the purposes of the study) to rural areas which apparently were outside of any major city-region. The study found some important differentials in economic performance with rural areas within city-regions generally performing more strongly than those outside. To view the report, please click here.
Jun 2006 – SQW and Oxford Innovation Announce Merger
The Boards of SQW Ltd and Oxford Innovation Ltd have announced the completion of a merger between the two companies. The merger brings together two market leaders in the fields of economic development and regeneration, technology commercialisation and business support for high-growth companies. The expectation is that the new Group Company of over 150 employees in six locations across the UK will grow significantly, with the objective of preparing for a stock market flotation in two to three years. To read the full press release, click here.
Apr 2006 – Local Strategy for Felixstowe Peninsula
This report was commissioned by EEDA, English Partnerships, Suffolk Coastal District Council and Felixstowe Town Council and combines the work of SQW, David Lock Associates and BBP Regeneration. The strategy focuses on the long term regeneration of the town and surrounding area. To view the report click here.
Apr 2006 – Evaluation of the Higher Education Partnership for Sustainability (HEPS) Programme
This project was a review of a partnership of 18 UK universities which carried out innovative projects in sustainability, broadly defined to include socio-economic and environmental factors. The study’s recommendations will contribute to a forthcoming review of sustainability by HEFCE. To view the reports click here.
Mar 2006 – Neighbourhood Management
A suite of reports were published in March by ODPM on behalf of the Neighbourhood Management Pathfinder National Evaluation, which SQW leads. The reports were widely disseminated and covered in articles in the trade press also (R&R, and New Start). To view the reports click here.
Mar 2006 – Exploring the relationship between environmental regulation and competitiveness - literature review
SQW was commissioned by Defra to conduct a literature review to explore the relationship between environmental regulation and international competitiveness., focussing on specific issues – defining international competitiveness, assessing the validity of the comparative static and a more dynamic approaches to the analysis of the relationship and considering the relevance of the findings about the relationship for the situation in the UK. To view the report click here.
Feb 2006 – Demand for flexible and innovative forms of higher education
HEFCE commissioned consultants SQW, in partnership with Taylor Nelson Sofres, to investigate the demand for flexible and innovative types of HE. The study was concerned with flexibility in the timing and pace of learning. To view this report click here.
Feb 2006 – Developing Entrepreneurship and Innovation in Rural Areas in West Yorkshire
The West Yorkshire Enterprise Partnership manages the brands of Business Link, UKTI, Learndirect, Social Enterprise Link and Education Business Links. SQW was commissioned to undertake research into developing entrepreneurship and innovation in the rural areas of West Yorkshire. The work involved: reviewing the current policy context from national to local level; reviewing good practice in developing enterprise; consulting with key stakeholders; surveying rural businesses. The study then developed ideas for initiatives, including brief specifications, of how enterprise and innovation could be developed in rural areas To view the report click here.
Feb 2006 – RDA Impact Evaluation Framework
The Department of Trade and Industry commissioned SQW, alongside PA Consulting, to develop an evaluation framework for assessing the impact of the English Regional Development Agencies (RDAs). The framework was developed in consultation with the RDAs, Government Departments and other agencies. It contains methods, techniques and recommendations to enable the RDAs to assess their contribution to the achievement of regional and national objectives. As such, it provides a broad approach that the RDAs can take forward to understand their impact and learn from their interventions. To view this report click here.
Feb 2006 – Sustainability Appraisal of the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy
SQW provided the economic input for Entec’s recent Sustainability Appraisal of the Northwest Regional Economic Strategy, which is currently awaiting approval by Ministers. This piece of work adds to a growing body of sustainable development activity that SQW has undertaken over the past two years. Sustainable development is seen as an increasingly important area of policy and one which SQW, with its breadth of expertise, is keen to develop further. To view this report click here.
Feb 2006 – Making Spaces of the Creative Economy
Bill Wicksteed has written a chapter on Cambridge for the book “Making Spaces of the Creative Economy” published by the International Society of City and Regional Planners. It discusses the Cambridge Phenomenon and takes a particular look at Granta Park, the University’s West Cambridge development and networking.
Feb 2006 – Evaluation of the Equality Challenge Unit
SQW was commissioned by HEFCE to undertake an Evaluation of the ECU. The ECU provides advice and support to UK Higher Education Institutions on equal opportunities. The evaluation touched on a number of difficult issues and recommended some substantial changes. Most of the recommendations have now been adopted. To view this report click here.
Jan 2006 – Quantifying the Impacts of the Buncefield Explosion
In the interest of understanding the full range of effects of the Buncefield Explosion, SQW have been commissioned to undertake an economic impact assessment to quantify the impacts of the incident on businesses in the area. To find out more please click here.
Jan 2006 – Research to Inform the Management and Governance of Children's Centres
SQW was commissioned by the DfES’ Sure Start Extended Schools and Families Group in July 2005 to undertake research to inform the management and governance of children’s centres. To view this report click here.