Nov 2010 – SQW working for employment and skills
SQW delivers research, analysis and advice for central and local government and national and regional agencies and partnerships on a wide range of topics related to employment and skills, some of which are illustrated in this document SQW Employment and Skills Flyer.
Nov 2010 – Local authorities harnessing ICT for energy efficiency
On 5th October SQW’s Chris Fry presented at Open Days 2010 – the 8th week of European Regions and Cities in Brussels. He presented case studies of how ICT is successfully being used by local and regional authorities across Europe to achieve energy efficiency, such as building retrofits and transport route optimisation. The presentation draws on SQW’s ongoing project on this topic.
The presentation can be downloaded here.
Nov 2010 – HEFCE welcomes SQW’s summative evaluation of Lifelong Learning Networks
In September 2009, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) commissioned SQW to undertake a summative evaluation of its Lifelong Learning Networks (LLNs) programme. The evaluation aimed to asses the overall success of the LLN programme in relation to its key aim to improve ‘the coherence, clarity and certainty of progression opportunities for vocational learners into and through higher education’. HEFCE has warmly welcomed the resulting report, which it has published this month.
You can read the HEFCE response here and the SQW report here.Nov 2010 – SQW Regional Growth Fund workshops a great success
SQW has completed its round of workshops on the Regional Growth Fund. The workshops were held in Birmingham, Warrington, Barnsley and London and were attended by over 150 colleagues from public, private and not-for-profit sectors. The slideshow and discussion notes from the workshops may be found here.
Nov 2010 – SQW workshops on the future of economic development
SQW has been appointed by Manchester’s Commission for the New Economy to deliver a series of workshops for senior local government officers and partners on the future of economic development. The sessions will run over two days in November 2010 and again in January 2011. SQW looks forward to working with colleagues in Greater Manchester in order to ensure they are well placed to make the most of the opportunities available for economic development at this challenging time.
Nov 2010 – LGID appoints SQW to provide support to LEPs
SQW is one of three firms appointed by Local Government Improvement & Development to an 18-month framework to provide support to Local Enterprise Partnerships (LEPs). The framework covers production of training materials and discussion papers, workshop sessions and direct support to LEPs and areas seeking to submit revised LEP submissions to government. SQW looks forward to working with local government and its private sector partners in making the transition from Regional Development Agencies to LEPs.
Oct 2010 – Creativity and cultural form professional development for early years’ practitioners
For Creativity, Culture and Education, SQW has completed a scoping study investigating professional development opportunities for early years’ practitioners focused on creativity and cultural form practice. This largely desk-based project involved a review of initial and continuing professional development requirements for the early years’ workforce linked to often local and informal development opportunities centered on encouraging young children’s creativity and improving cultural form experience. The report can be found here.
For more information contact Michael Frearson on 01223 209400 or mfrearson@sqw.co.uk.
Oct 2010 – Scottish Enterprise launches the SQW baseline study for the Aerospace, Defence and Marine sector in Scotland
In July 2010, SQW completed an industry baseline study for the Aerospace, Defence and Marine sector in Scotland for Scottish Enterprise, in association with A|D|S Scotland. The study fed into Scottish Government’s contribution to the Strategic Defence and Security Review, and it is expected to provide a baseline for the future development of the sector. Scottish Enterprise, in association with A|D|S Scotland, launched the study in October 2010.
You can read the press release here. The study also received coverage in the following media: www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-scotland, www.heraldscotland.com/news/politics/scotland,www.business7.co.uk/business-news.
For more information contact Stewart Brown at sbrown@sqw.co.uk or Osman Anwar at oanwar@sqw.co.ukOct 2010 – Community Asset Transfer – Year 2 launch of SQW’s evaluation of the Asset Transfer Unit
The second year of SQW’s evaluation of the Government’s Asset Transfer Unit (ATU) is now underway. The evaluation has been commissioned by the Development Trusts Association (DTA) on behalf of Communities and Local Government.
SQW’s independent evaluation report on the first year of the ATU was published in June 2010 and is available here. In addition, a separate Baseline Report setting out the findings from two extensive national surveys of 360 local authorities in England, carried out during Summer 2009, is also available here. The primary survey targeted Senior Officers of local authorities while the second complementary survey targeted Council Leaders. SQW is currently conducting a second wave of survey work with local authority officers.
The ATU seeks to empower local people and community groups to take on the ownership and management of local properties for the benefit of the wider community. SQW’s Year 1 report paints a positive picture of the work and impact of the ATU so far, but also outlines some challenges for the next year. Government is committed to developing a ‘Big Society’ in which greater community control of local assets and services must play a role, but at the same time public spending to support this is under enormous pressure.
Background information on the ATU is available at www.atu.org.uk.
For more information contact Luke Delahunty at lbdelahunty@sqw.co.uk
Oct 2010 – Sign up for Regional Growth Fund workshops
Following the release of our LEP review report on 24th September, SQW will be hosting a series of regional workshops on the Regional Growth Fund in early November. Timed to follow the 2010 Spending Review and sub-regional economic growth White Paper expected on 20th October, and anticipating the deadline for bids at the end of December, we are hosting workshops for representatives of organisations interested in submitting proposals. Further details can be found on our website:
http://www.sqw.co.uk/services/local-enterprise-partnerships-and-the-regional-growth-fund
Oct 2010 – SQW expands its portfolio of European Regional Development Fund evaluations
SQW has been appointed to undertake a mid-term evaluation of the South East England European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) Competitiveness and Employment programme. South East England stands to benefit from €23m of ERDF Competitiveness and Employment funds over 2007-13 matched by funds from the UK. The programme has an ambitious strategy to promote economic competitiveness and growth in the region at the same time as reducing the rate of growth of its ecological footprint. The Project Selection Committee, on behalf of the strategic regional Programme Monitoring Committee, has approved a variety of project investments supporting the decoupling of economic growth from the generation of pollution and loss of biodiversity.
The South East Mid-Term evaluation builds on SQW’s expertise in evaluating European Cohesion Policy and Structural Funds. We are currently evaluating over €900m of ERDF investment in the South West of England Competitiveness and Employment and Convergence programmes, the East Midlands Competitiveness and Employment 2007-13 programme, and the Ireland-Wales INTERREG 4A programme 2007-13.
For more information on the South East England mid-term evaluation contact the SQW London office on 020 7307 7140
For more information on the East Midlands mid-term Evaluation contact Angela Francis at afrancis@sqw.co.uk
For more information on the Ireland-Wales mid-term evaluation contact Rachel Brisley at rbrisley@sqw.co.uk
Sep 2010 – Understanding functional economic market areas
The advent of Local Economic Assessments (LEAs), and also the nascent Local Enterprise Partnerships and Regional Growth Fund, strengthen the need for developing a better understanding of functional economic market areas (FEMAs) and linkages across geographies spanning local and sub-regional areas. SQW has addressed this need by developing the Spatial Economic Analysis Tool for the South West (SEAT-SW) for upper-tier local authorities in the South West of England, which is now being used for high-level analysis of sub-regional FEMAs in order to identify challenges and opportunities for policy development. Further details on SEAT-SW and FEMAs are available from the South West Observatory: http://www.swo.org.uk/local-economic-assessments/spatial-economic-analysis-tool-south-west/. Our final report can be accessed here.
For further information contact the SQW London office on 020 7307 7140.
Aug 2010 – Renewable and low carbon energy capacity in the Northwest to 2020
The NWDA has published the results of this comprehensive assessment of onshore renewable energy potential across an array of wind, biomass, hydropower and microgeneration resources and technologies. SQW completed the study with Land Use Consultants in line with the latest national guidance that was prepared by SQW and published by DECC in March.
The study will assist Local Planning Authorities in preparing planning policies to step up the deployment of renewables in response to national planning policy requirements and the UK Renewable Energy Strategy.
To read the new renewable energy capacity report for the Northwest, click here.
To read the methodology, click here.
For more information contact Chris Fry on 020 7307 7140 or cfry@sqw.co.uk.
Jul 2010 – Evaluation of The Northern Way 2008-11 Interim Stage Findings
SQW is currently undertaking a real-time evaluation of The Northern Way’s 2008-11 programme. The study is looking at The Northern Way’s work on innovation, private sector investment and transport, as well as its research programme and work with city regions. A Summary Paper and Full Report covering the interim stage findings have been published by The Northern Way.
Jul 2010 – It takes a city to raise a child
Nottingham Children’s Partnership have just published their new Children and Young People’s Plan 2010-2014. SQW worked with the Partnership to develop the Plan. The final document is short, strategic and aimed at a broad partnership audience within the city. The Plan’s core theme is the recognition that all partners – public services, voluntary sector, communities and families – will need to work together to deliver the vision. The plan can be found at the following website: http://www.nottinghamcity.gov.uk/ics/index.aspx?articleid=2511
Jul 2010 – Waste is worse than loss
SQW recently prepared a business case for ‘meanwhile use’ on behalf of the Development Trusts Association (DTA) and their Meanwhile Project. The DTA published the report and have used the evidence in preparing submissions to Government. ‘Meanwhile use’ is the temporary use of vacant buildings or land for a socially beneficial purpose until such a time that they can be brought back into commercial use again. It makes practical use of the ‘pauses’ in property processes, giving the space over to community groups to run arts and culture projects or deliver services or even to provide temporary office space. It also provides some financial relief to the property owners. In an age of austerity, making more efficient use of empty spaces makes sense for everyone.
The business case can be found on the Meanwhile Project’s website at http://www.meanwhile.org.uk/useful-info/
For more information contact Tim Thorlby on 020 7307 7140 or tthorlby@sqw.co.uk.
Jun 2010 – Community Asset Transfer: Accelerating Change
The Government’s Asset Transfer Unit (ATU) has just published SQW’s independent evaluation report on the first year of the ATU. The ATU seeks to empower local people and community groups to take on the ownership and management of local properties for the benefit of the wider community. SQW’s report paints a positive picture of the work and impact of the ATU so far, but also outlines some challenges for the next year. Government is committed to developing a ‘Big Society’ in which greater community control of local assets and services must play a role, but at the same time public spending to support this is under enormous pressure.
The evaluation report is available here. It was launched by the ATU on 28th June at a national symposium. The report was covered in the media, including articles in the Local Government Chronicle and Regeneration and Renewal. Further information on the ATU is available at www.atu.org.uk.
Jun 2010 – Zero Waste Report and Modelling Capability
In June 2010, The Scottish Government published its Zero Waste Plan, setting out its vision for the future of waste and waste management in Scotland. The announcement included the publication of a report produced by SQW to assess the costs associated with the introduction of the new waste infrastructure required to meet the EC Landfill Directive and the Scottish Government Zero Waste Targets. The report was the culmination of modelling work carried out by SQW that included the development of a Zero Waste model that forecasts future waste streams; determines the infrastructure required to process those waste streams; applies ‘Green Book’ Cost Benefit Analysis; and performs different waste management scenarios and sensitivity analyses to find the optimum waste plan for any given geographical region. The report received widespread industry and media coverage including front page, full article and editorial comment in The Scotsman national broadsheet. To read the report, click here.
For more information contact Jean Welstead on 0131 225 4007 or jwelstead@sqw.co.uk.
Jun 2010 – SQW report on Property Efficiency Solutions
SQW’s report (led by Steve Lucas) for Telereal Trillium, a leader in property outsourcing and investment, estimates that the Government could save an extra £4.3bn within five years through a radical new approach to property management.
This headline has generated a range of coverage – here is a selection:
Reuters on 18 June – Is it safe to make cuts in the current economic climate? – http://blogs.reuters.com/great-debate-uk/2010/06/18/is-it-safe-to-make-cuts-in-the-current-economic-climate/
Estates Gazette online on 15 June – Telereal Trillium report: Govt could make further £4.3bn of property savings –
http://www.egi.co.uk/articles/2010/06/15/719163/Telereal-Trillium-report-Govt-could-make-further-%C2%A343bn-of-property.htm
Premises & Facilities Management online on 17 June – State property savings could cut deficit by £4.3 bn – http://www.pfmonthenet.net/featuresarchive/article.aspx?ArticleID=34455
London Standard on 18 June – Why the pen pushers have to cut down and push off – http://www.thisislondon.co.uk/markets/article-23846535-why-the-pen-pushers-have-to-cut-down-and-push-off.do
May 2010 – Evaluation of the One North East Place Theme
SQW has been commissioned to undertake the Place theme evaluation for One North East. This involves synthesising evaluation evidence from a range of Place-based interventions over several years and making recommendations to ensure the evidence base is compliant with the Impact Evaluation Framework guidance for Regional Development Agencies.
May 2010 – Hampshire Local Economic Assessment
SQW has been commissioned to work with Hampshire County Council in the preparation of the area’s Local Economic Assessment (LEA). The LEA is focusing on the five key themes identified within the statutory guidance (overall competitiveness, economic geography, people and communities, business and enterprise, and sustainable economic growth). It is drawing on published datasources but it is also making extensive use of the evidence and information held by local stakeholders and partners. The intention is that the draft LEA should go through a formal consultation process over the summer months and that the final LEA will be signed off by Hampshire Economic Board in the late autumn.
May 2010 – Measuring distinctiveness in higher education
On 23 April, Patricia Ambrose (Associate Director) spoke at a seminar for the Management in Small HEIs Network (MASHEIN) on the development of performance indicators for small and specialist higher education institutions, drawing on developmental materials created for the MAGPI project led by Newman University College. The three-year MAGPI project, funded by the HEFCE Leadership, Governance and Management Fund and involving a wide range of specialist institutions, looked at the development of performance indicators to support, sustain and develop the individual missions of specialist and distinctive HEIs.
May 2010 – Small companies’ contribution to the economy
SQW was commissioned by the PR company Blue Rubicon (who were working on behalf of communications company O2) to research the contribution of small companies to the UK economy. We were challenged to develop new research and data around the contribution being made to the economic recovery by SMEs. The press release developed by Blue Rubicon was published as an article in the Mail on Sunday on April 25th 2010; the text is at the following link: http://www.thisismoney.co.uk/work/small-business/article.html?in_article_id=503353&in_page_id=10
Apr 2010 – What future for neighbourhood working?
In March, Tim Thorlby (Associate Director) gave the main presentation to the latest conference of the North East Neighbourhoods Network. He set out the very real financial challenges facing many neighbourhood initiatives but established that the national policy environment – reflected by all political parties – was likely to continue being supportive of neighbourhood working into the future.
Apr 2010 – V&A at Dundee
The proposed V&A at Dundee has the potential to be a key cultural asset for the city and for Scotland, helping to enhance the Dundee waterfront re-development and stimulate the further development of the creative industries. SQW has been commissioned to undertake independent assessments of the visitor projections and economic impact associated with the project.
Apr 2010 – Fylde Coast economic development strategy
SQW has been commissioned by Blackpool Borough Council, on behalf of the Fylde Coast Economic Development Company (EDC), to support local partners in developing a new long-term economic strategy for this coastal area of the North West. SQW’s role on the project is to act as a ‘Critical Friend’ throughout the strategy development process, ensuring the data and evidence is worked hard and fully, that the emerging strategic imperatives are soundly based, and to draw in learning lessons on the implementation of regeneration strategy from elsewhere.
Apr 2010 – Chris Green speaks to the ‘Next Generation Science Parks and Business Incubators’ conference
On 9th March, Chris Green, SQW Group CEO, presented at a conference on ‘The Evolution of Next Generation Science Parks and Business Incubators’, organised by the UK Science Parks Association and Carter Jonas. The subject of the presentation was “Making the Most from Management – How to Deliver and Animate the Process”, and focused on SQW Group’s extensive experience of advising on, and managing, innovation centres. The event attracted over 100 delegates from public and private sector property and economic development organisations.
Apr 2010 – Chris Fry presents at BASE show
Chris Fry, Associate Director at SQW, presented at the Business and a Sustainable Environment (BASE) show which attracted 1,100 delegates in its inaugural year. Chris presented at a seminar session entitled “Rethinking energy generation and use” on 17th March. His talk explored the new opportunities for businesses to manage their energy needs differently in light of changing regulation and energy price volatility.
Mar 2010 – “The one report you need to read”
That’s the verdict of the Cultural Learning Alliance chaired by Lord Puttnam, which has published SQW’s evaluation report on the Find Your Talent national pilot of a universal cultural offer for all children and young people, commissioned by DCSF/DCMS: http://www.culturallearningalliance.org.uk/evidence/the-one-report-you-need-to-read
Mar 2010 – Chris Green provides expert input to Regeneration & Renewal
Chris Green, Chief Executive Officer of SQW Group, provided expert input into Regeneration & Renewal’s special on the case for regeneration. To see what he said about the Advanced Manufacturing Park, in Rotherham, MediaCity and Salford Quays and Chatham Dockyards go to http://regenandrenewal.blogspot.com/2010/03/are-these-most-demonstrably-successful.html
Mar 2010 – SQW Commissioned by BIS to Review the National and Regional Venture Capital Provision
Lord Mandelson in a recent speech announced an urgent review of publicly funded venture capital provision. The focus was on how Government could enhance coherence and impact of venture capital funds through an effective national framework and strong regional capacity.
SQW has been commissioned by BIS to undertake this review. This will involve desk research and interviews with RDAs, BIS, HM Treasury, CLG, fund managers and a range of the other stakeholders. SQW will then develop and present options to RDAs and BIS for improving the delivery of venture capital funds.
Mar 2010 – SQW Group set to expand Innovation Centres business following Acquisition
SQW Group today announced that through its subsidiary, Oxford Innovation, a leading operator of innovation centres, it has completed the purchase of the business development operation of Fasset, a specialist operator of regional technology parks.
The acquisition is intended to position Oxford Innovation to expand its innovation centre portfolio into a national network. Fasset has decided to focus on growing its core business of facilities management for technology and business parks.
As well as providing premises and business support through innovation centres, Oxford Innovation assists early stage technology businesses to raise finance through its three business angel investment networks. The company also runs regional innovation advisory programmes including a £9 million programme designed to boost the growth of start-ups and mid-sized firms in the south west.
The deal will see a team of senior managers from Fasset, specialising in business development activity for new centres, join Oxford Innovation. Several innovation and business centres will transfer from Fasset management to become part of the Oxford Innovation portfolio, which will increase to 14 centres housing over 400 start-up and growing companies in locations from Portsmouth to Yorkshire.
Chris Allington, formerly managing director for business development at Fasset, becomes managing director of the Oxford Innovation Centres business and a member of SQW Group’s executive board. Matt Harrington joins as commercial director and Dianne Heath joins as programme manager. All three will work closely with an expanded centre management group to grow the Oxford Innovation Centres business.
The centres to be managed by Oxford Innovation in future include Portsmouth Technopole, the landmark building at the gateway to the City of Portsmouth. The Technopole has been managed by Fasset on behalf of owner, Portsmouth Technopole Ltd, for eleven months and occupancy levels have increased to 82%. The centre management team at the Technopole will also transfer to Oxford Innovation.
Ian Laing, the Oxford-based property entrepreneur and SQW Group chairman, said: “The SQW Group Board is delighted with the completion of this agreement which had the unanimous backing of all parties involved. It will position Oxford Innovation to scale up its existing network of innovation and enterprise centres while also developing this successful business platform to include business centres and managed workspace in future.”
Chris Green, chief executive officer of SQW Group, said: “I am confident that Chris Allington will prove to be an outstanding managing director of the Oxford Innovation Centres business division and we look forward to welcoming him and his team. The Fasset approach of developing innovation and managed business space that deliver commercial returns through close engagement with the economic development agenda is an excellent fit for Oxford Innovation.”
Chris Allington, incoming managing director of Oxford Innovation Centres, said: “Whilst I am sad to leave Fasset, I am also very excited by this opportunity to realise the substantial growth potential of the innovation centres network. The team at Oxford Innovation has developed an impressive portfolio of innovation centres and a strong brand. It is a privilege to have been asked to lead the combined organisation and to grow the Oxford Innovation Centres business into a national network.”
Fasset and Oxford Innovation will continue to collaborate on specific projects where Fasset will provide specialist support in facilities and construction management services to Oxford Innovation.
Click here to read the full press release.
Click to view the image toasting the agreement between SQW Group and Fasset.
Feb 2010 – Department of Health Appoints SQW to Evaluate the Common Assessment Framework for Adults Demonstrator Site Programme
SQW is leading of a consortium appointed by the Department of Health to evaluate the Common Assessment Framework (CAF) for Adults Demonstrator Site Programme. Working in partnership with the Personal Social Services Research Unit (PSSRU) Manchester University and GfK NOP, we will assess the extent to which CAF improves the assessment experience and outcomes for adults by ensuring a person centred and holistic assessment of need, supports improved joint working between health and social services and leads to increase efficiency through better information sharing. The work is due to report its findings by the end of 2011.
Jan 2010 – Supply of Equity Finance to SMEs - A report to the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills
This report was conducted on behalf of BIS by SQW with contributions from Oxford Innovation and Professor Colin Mason, University of Strathclyde. The study was conducted during the period September 2008 to January 2009 and refreshed the evidence base on the supply of equity finance for SMEs. It investigated whether the existence and boundaries of the equity gap have changed since the initial ‘Bridging the Finance Gap’ research was undertaken in 2003 by HM Treasury and the Small Business Service.
The report was published by BIS and referred to by the National Audit Office in their recent publication ‘Venture capital support to small businesses’.
To read the full report, click here.
Jan 2010 – Carbon Management Strategies and Plans: A Good Practice Guide
On 28 January 2010, the Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) published its new strategy to reduce carbon emissions across the higher education sector. The strategy draws on research produced by SQW.
SQW also produced a good practice guide for higher education institutions (HEIs) on developing carbon management strategies and plans. Click to read the good practice guide.
Further information on HEFCE’s strategy and SQW’s research can be found at: http://www.hefce.ac.uk/news/hefce/2010/carbon.htm .
Jan 2010 – Local Economic Assessments
2009 has been very challenging for those working in economic development, and 2010 promises further uncertainty, increased pressure and fewer resources. New legislation, building on the work of Local Strategic Partnerships and Local Area Agreements, points to the need for local authorities to keep abreast of local economic changes and ensure that interventions to support employment and businesses are relevant, timely and based on what works. We have prepared a document which identifies key opportunities and challenges that might arise as Local Economic Assessments are taken forward, and offers practical and policy-oriented solutions for their delivery. Click here to read the brochure.