See the latest news from SQW Consulting below, or click on the archive links to view news from previous years.
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 Consulting 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
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 Consulting was commissioned by BIS to undertake this review. We conducted desk research and interviewed RDAs, BIS, HM Treasury, CLG, fund managers and a range of the other stakeholders. We developed and presented options to RDAs and BIS for improving the delivery of venture capital funds.
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 Consulting and SQW Energy.
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.
Dec 2009 – An analytical framework for community empowerment evaluations
SQW Consulting (SQW) is carrying out a long-term evaluation of Participatory Budgeting in England for the Department of Communities and Local Government (CLG). The work included the development of an overall evaluation framework. CLG asked SQW to develop a generic framework for evaluating community empowerment programmes and projects to assist local areas looking to carry out or commission evaluations of their activity.
Click here to read the report.
Dec 2009 – Stopping the spiral of decline? Understanding the importance of social networks in a recession
SQW’s report for SEEDA “Stopping the spiral of decline?” looks at the impact of the recession on local communities and how social capital is an important factor in making areas resilient to economic shocks.
The report explores how local communities and local economies are interlinked. It highlights the risks of a ‘spiral of decline’ for vulnerable communities that are subject to economic stress, and makes the case for more attention to be paid to the value of social networks. Greater promotion of ‘bridging social capital’ in particular may help areas to recover faster economically. Click here to read the report.
Dec 2009 – Chris Hasluck Joins SQW Consulting to Expand Services in Employment, Skills and Welfare Reform
Chris Hasluck has been appointed as an Associate Director at SQW Consulting, one of the UK’s leading providers of sustainable economic and social development consultancy services. Mr Hasluck will be responsible for expanding and developing SQW’s research and evaluation capabilities, focusing specifically on worklessness and skills, welfare reform and employment services. He will be based in the company’s Manchester office, working predominantly with public sector clients across the UK.
Mr Hasluck is a labour economist with 38 years experience of lecturing, academic management and research. Prior to his appointment at SQW Consulting, he spent 20 years as Principal Research Fellow and Director of the Work, Welfare and Policy Evaluation research programme at the Institute for Employment Research (IER), University of Warwick. He has worked on a wide range of labour market and policy evaluation research and consultancy projects. He will be continuing his association with IER in the future, having just been granted the title and status of Associate Fellow by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Warwick.
While at IER, Mr Hasluck undertook major projects on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions and Jobcentre Plus relating to initiatives such as Employment Zones and the New Deal. He also has an interest in developing the business case for apprenticeships, and has produced a number of analyses of the costs and benefits of apprenticeships for employers. He has also previously advised the World Bank, the European Commission, the Equality and Human Rights Commission, the Learning and Skills Council, the Guardian Newspaper Group and Lloyds TSB.
Mr Hasluck is an expert providing detailed analyses of local labour markets, unemployment and worklessness, public and private employment services, employers’ recruitment practices and government employment programmes. He has significant experience in the design and interpretation of surveys, and the collation and manipulation of data.
A graduate of the London School of Economics, Mr Hasluck also holds a Masters in labour economics from the University of Leeds. Following graduation he worked for 10 years as a lecturer in economics at Wolverhampton Polytechnic and was Deputy Head of the School of Economics and Accounting at Leicester Polytechnic.
Simon Pringle, SQW Consulting’s Managing Director, said: “We’re delighted to welcome Chris Hasluck to the team as an Associate Director. His significant and specialist experience is a valuable addition to the services we can offer to our clients. He will take the lead in enabling us to provide specialist services in the area of employment and worklessness that will include analyses of the skills, employment and broader labour market issues that our clients are facing.”
Chris Hasluck said: “It’s an exciting time to be joining SQW Consulting and I look forward to working with my new colleagues and our clients. The employment and skills sector is in a constant state of flux and it is a stimulating challenge to help develop the best approach to these issues. SQW has a reputation for delivering high quality consulting services and I am pleased to have the opportunity to develop our services in the area of employment and skills.”
Click here to read the full press release
Nov 2009 – SQW Appointed by Equalities and Human Rights Commission to Study the Role of Local Strategic Partnerships and Local Area Agreements in Promoting Equalities
SQW Consulting is part of a consortium appointed by the Equalities and Human Rights Commission to study the role of Local Strategic Partnerships and Local Area Agreements in promoting equanimities. The consortium is led by the European Institute of Urban Affairs at Liverpool John Moores University, and also includes the Local Government Centre at the University of Warwick, and the Cities Research Centre, University of the West of England. The work will focus on case studies on specific equalities themes: gender and transgender, age, race, faith, disability, sexual orientation and gypsies and travellers. The work is to report its findings at the end of June 2010.
Nov 2009 – SQW Commissioned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to Assess the Impact of Growth Funding on Housing Delivery in the Ashford and London-Stansted- Cambridge-Peterborough Growth Areas
SQW Consulting was commissioned by the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA) to assess the impact of the government’s growth funding (including Growth Area Fund – now the Growth Fund – and the Community Infrastructure Fund) on housing delivery and the development of sustainable communities in two growth areas in the greater South East – Ashford and London-Stansted-Cambridge-Peterborough. This followed successful completion by SQW of a similar project in MKSM growth area. The methodology was based on identifying as clearly as possible the causal links – whether direct or indirect – between funding for different types of projects and the development of particular sites for housing. The work involved a review of all data held by CLG/HCA, and interviews with all local authorities and LDVs to ascertain the characteristics of projects supported by growth funding, and the role of growth funding relative to other sources of investment.
Nov 2009 – SQW Commissioned by The Prince's Trust to Evaluate the Be Enterprising programme
The Prince’s Trust has appointed SQW Consulting, with subcontractors QA Research, to evaluate the Be Enterprising programme. This is a new programme aimed at helping unemployed young people into self-employment, employment, education or training, and builds on the Trust’s long-running and successful Business programme. It is currently funded by the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.
Nov 2009 – City of Nottingham - Sustainable Community Strategy (Nottingham Plan 2020)
The City of Nottingham’s new Sustainable Community Strategy (Nottingham Plan 2020) was launched in Nottingham on 5th October by the leader of the council with 200 guests in attendance. SQW developed this strategy and it now forms the basis for One Nottingham’s work and partnership structures. It is also now shaping the council’s own corporate plan and priorities. Click here to read the strategy.
Nov 2009 – SQW Commissioned by the National Strategies to Evaluate the Effectiveness of Local Authority Support to Help Implement the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework
SQW Consulting has been appointed by the National Strategies, the organisation that delivers professional programmes for early years, primary school and secondary school heads, teachers, practitioners and managers, to lead the evaluation of the effectiveness of local authority support to practitioners to help them implement the Early Years Foundation Stage framework. The study involves qualitative work within eighteen local authorities across England. We are working with QA Research to undertake an extensive survey of practitioners in a range of early years settings including headteachers, teachers, childminders, Early Years Professionals and other practitioners in the early years workforce. This work will inform the 2010 Departmental Review of the Early Years Foundation Stage, which will be undertaken by the Department for Children, Schools and Families.
Nov 2009 – SQW Appointed by Bookstrust to Lead Evaluation of Two Book Gifting Schemes
SQW Consulting has been appointed by Booktrust, the book gifting charity, to lead the evaluation of two of its book gifting schemes funded by the Department of Children, Schools and Families. The Booktime programme provides a free book pack to four- and five-year olds, promotes reading for pleasure and aims to encourage parents and carers to get involved in shared reading with their children. The Booked Up programme provides free books to eleven-year olds and aims to generate an excitement about books and reading that will encourage children to adopt enduring reading habits. SQW Consulting is working with QA Research to undertake a mix of postal, online and telephone surveys of parents, carers, teachers and school pupils, to investigate the long-term impacts of the programmes. QA Research is also undertaking qualitative research with five- and eleven-year olds in schools across the country.
Sep 2009 – Participatory Budgeting – Lessons From Recent English Experience
CLG contracted a consortium led by SQW in 2008 to study Participatory Budgeting (PB) in England. The work aims to establish what works and why, and the relative costs and benefits of PB. It will be completed in December 2009.
Click here to view an article which presents an update from the research undertaken to date, setting out lessons from recent English experience.
Sep 2009 – Helping SMEs Adapt to Climate Change
SQW Consulting has just embarked on a project for the East of England climate change partnership with the aim of improving the support available to SMEs adapting to the effects of climate change. The current focus tends to be on how businesses and consumers can help prevent climate change by reducing their carbon footprint, but this project looks at how businesses can adapt to the inevitability that the climate and weather will change. It is a fascinating project that brings together SQW’s expertise in both environmental matters and business. The study begins with a review of media coverage of past weather events affecting businesses, and with analysis of new climate projections data, for which we have teamed up with the highly-regarded Climatic Research Unit at the University of East Anglia. It also involves speaking with businesses to put together a series of statements for different sectors on the threats and opportunities posed by climate change. The work will go on to develop thinking on how private and public business support organisations can help SMEs to adapt, ending in a regional conference.
Sep 2009 – Connecting Europe 2009
Connecting Europe 2009 is a vitally important event for everyone with an interest in the future of electricity generation, transmission and regulation in Europe.
In co-operation with the Scottish Government, SQW Energy and WSP Environment & Energy are sponsoring and organising ‘Connecting Europe 2009’, a ground breaking conference designed to inform, encourage debate and support the development of a pan-European electricity grid.
The conference is chaired by Sir Michael Lyons with an opening keynote address by the Right Honourable Alex Salmond, First Minister for Scotland. The conference is attracting Government Ministers from around Northern Europe as well as senior business leaders in the electricity generation, transmission and distribution sectors. Subject to final confirmation, the programme includes:
• Eamon Ryan – Minister for Communications, Energy and Natural Resources, Ireland
• Andris Piebalgs – European Energy Commissioner
• Dr Doug Parr – Chief Scientist and Policy Advisor, Greenpeace International
• Robert Hull – Directory of Regulatory Services, Ofgem
View the Conference Programme Now
Establishing an offshore grid to connect the electricity networks of Europe will be a key factor in maximising the efficiency of sustainable energy production and the balancing of supply and demand. This could ultimately be one of the single largest contributory factors to Europe achieving its carbon emission reduction targets and realising secure energy supplies into the future.
REGISTER NOW
Take advantage of the early bird delegate fee and book before 30th September 2009.
Sep 2009 – SQW to Lead Visioning and Masterplanning Process for Crewe
SQW Consulting, supported by Colin Buchanan and Cambridge Econometrics, was commissioned in August 2009 by Cheshire East Council to lead a high-level visioning and masterplanning process for Crewe. The key outputs from the six month study will include a detailed SWOT assessment, a Strategic Framework and Action Plan.
Aug 2009 – SQW to Evaluate the Lifelong Learning Network Programme
SQW Consulting has just won a contract from the Higher Education Funding Council for England to conduct the summative evaluation of the Lifelong Learning Network (LLN) programme. The LLNs were established with the overall objective of improving progression opportunities for vocational learners into and through higher education.
The evaluation will measure the overall success of the HEFCE LLN programme in improving the coherence, clarity and certainty of progression opportunities for vocational learners into and through higher education, with specific reference to: curriculum development to facilitate progression; information, advice and guidance systems; and production of network-wide progression agreements.
The project will include visits to all 30 LLNs, some in-depth case studies, a survey and focus groups with learners, and a review of performance data and other relevant documents. A final report is due by the end of July 2010.
Jul 2009 – Consultation Opens on a Carbon Reduction Target and Strategy
The Higher Education Funding Council for England (HEFCE) has published a consultation document on the development of carbon reduction targets and a strategy for the English higher education (HE) sector. The consultation draws on research undertaken by SQW Consulting and SQW Energy which included the establishment of two baselines for carbon emissions for the sector and recommendations on future sector-level targets for 2020 and 2050.
SQW Consulting and SQW Energy compiled a range of data, documentation and other relevant literature, consulted with key stakeholder organisations, and visited 10 case-study higher education institutions. Two consultative workshops held in January 2009 provided an opportunity for interactive discussions with representatives from institutions, experts in the field and representatives of key stakeholder groups.
The report presents a sector-level carbon baseline for two years: 1990 and 2006. In 2006, total sector carbon emissions were 3.288 MtCO2, a rise of 34 per cent since 1990. It suggests that the sector could aspire to exceed national targets for carbon reduction for 2020 and 2050 and makes recommendations to assist HEFCE in defining a strategy for making steady progress towards the sector target.
SQW also produced draft guidance for higher education institutions to assist them in developing their own baselines and targets which forms part of the consultation process.
Click here to read the full report.
Jul 2009 – Royal Society Report ‘ Hidden Wealth’
The Royal Society has published a new report ‘ Hidden wealth’ on the subject of the role of ‘Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics’ (STEM) in innovation in service sectors. The report is based on the detailed work of a Royal Society Working Group under the Chairmanship of Professor David Rhind.
As part of the research for the report, SQW Consulting was commissioned to undertake a programme of in–depth interviews among innovative service based organisations in the public and private sectors and completed over forty semi-structured interviews with key individuals in four main sectors
• Public services (especially health)
• Business services
• Financial services
• Retail and logistics
The Royal Society’s report contains analysis and case studies and some 27 specific recommendations for enhancing services innovation.
The report ‘Hidden Wealth’ is available from the Royal Society’s web site
Jul 2009 – SQW Consulting Plays Key Role in UNESCO City of Film Bid
SQW Consulting is delighted that Bradford has recently been named as the first UNESCO City of Film. The UNESCO (United Nations, Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation) designation recognises Bradford City of Film’s aim to use the popularity and accessibility of film as a major tool for regeneration, cultural development and social inclusion.
SQW Consulting and the Burns Owens Partnership worked with the partner group in Bradford to support the development of the concept, the plans and the bid. Our involvement included assistance with the creation of a Partnership Board, with representation from film producers, businesses, the public and community sectors, and then working with the Board to develop the concept and business plan, as well as writing the bid itself.
We investigated aspects of film in its broadest sense, from the history and heritage of the early film screenings, through the heyday of cinema when Bradford was home to over 40 cinemas including the largest in Europe and onto the work of specialists such as the Bradford printer, EM Berry, who was responsible for producing almost half of the world’s film posters. We tracked Bradford’s position as the UK’s centre for Bollywood premieres in the 1950s through to its hosting of the International Indian Film Awards (“Bollywood Oscars”) in 2007.
The bid set out ambitious plans to support the future development of film-related activity in Bradford, from capacity-building within the digital media cluster, supporting community activities and urban film clubs, to building the profile of the International Film Festivals, and assisting young local film-makers.
Nigel Rice, Senior Programmes Development Officer at Bradford Metropolitan District Council, who was the overall project manager for the bid, said: “SQW Consulting and the Burns Owens Partnership provided professional and technical support throughout the process, helping us develop the vision, bid and action plan that draws on our film tradition and builds for a digital future. Their work to develop the submission document was a key part of the successful bid.”
Julie Ramage was SQW Consulting’s Project Manager for the work. She said: “It is a wonderful achievement for Bradford to have become the first ever UNESCO City of Film. Bradford has a deep and varied heritage of film from the first film pioneers, to the early importers of Bollywood films (over 50 years ago), to a wide range of local talent and activity from technology and exhibition through to film-making and festivals. This accolade gives Bradford an excellent platform from which to launch its vision for the next generation of film and film-making in the City.”
Jul 2009 – Oxford Investment Opportunity Network Ltd (OION) Investment Network Wins BBAA Angel Network of Year Award
SQW Consulting’s sister firm, Oxford Investment Opportunity Network Ltd (OION), is celebrating after being named Angel Network of the Year at the prestigious British Business Angels Association (BBAA) Awards held at the world famous Belfry Golf Course Hotel near Birmingham. The OION Network is Europe’s leading technology business angel network.
The BBAA Awards showcase talent within the early stage investment community and the Awards Ceremony is a highlight of the business calendar, attracting senior representatives from business angel networks and early stage venture capital firms across Europe.
The OION Network was singled out as having achieved a record number of deals over the past year and for its unique co-investment programme with a major institution which attracted new investors to join the Network and raised awareness of angel investing in the press.
OION also launched a series of initiatives in support of early stage investment, which included training workshops to link new angel investors with experienced investors as well as special interest investment meetings. A Green Technology investment event brought together investors, global businesses and emerging companies developing green technology products and services, while a UK-China Showcase investment meeting provided a forum to develop Anglo-Chinese relationships.
Click here to read the full press release
Jun 2009 – Science Parks as an Instrument of Regional Competitiveness: Measuring Success and Impact
A paper by Kathrin Peters and Charles Monck was published in the proceedings of the 2009 Conference of the International Association of Science Parks (IASP), which aims to contribute to the discussion on the benefits and problems associated with the evaluation of science and technology parks. The paper starts by referring to previous evaluation exercises, then introduces a theoretical impact evaluation framework and reports on experience in applying the model to a specific case (Tamar Science Park). It then broadens the discussion of evaluation issues and ends by making practical suggestions for next steps to be taken by the international science park community, including the establishment of a working group to develop a common set of guidelines to assist the process. Click here to read the paper.
May 2009 – SQW's Evaluation of The Northern Way 2004-08 is Published
SQW was commissioned to undertake an evaluation of The Northern Way’s initial phase of activity. The evaluation examined the set-up, decision-making and activities undertaken and funded over the 2004-08 period as well as the transition into the restructured priorities from the 2008/09 financial year. The evaluation was structured around the 10 initial Investment Priorities, two flagship projects and the city regions research activity, and also provided an overall assessment of the impact of The Northern Way to inform lessons going forward. The study was undertaken using the logic set out in the RDA Impact Evaluation Framework and developed new methodologies for assessing Strategic Added Value. Two reports have been published, as follows:
2. Full report
Apr 2009 – Learning and Skills Council Publishes Good Practice Guide for Local Authority Transport Partnerships
In late 2008 SQW was commissioned to review local transport arrangements for post-16 learners in England and local authority transport partnerships. The principal purpose of the review was twofold: to identify challenges faced by local authorities in meeting their statutory duty to ensure learners of sixth-form age are provided with sufficient transport services and support to access learning; and to identify areas of good practice where local authorities (working with partners) are meeting or exceeding their statutory duty. The study was based on a detailed review of the 146 available Transport Policy Statements published by local authorities in 2008, as well as wide-ranging consultations and surveys involving many local authorities in England. The study produced several research reports and a good practice guide for local authorities, published by the Learning and Skills Council.
Click here to read the good practice guide.
Apr 2009 – Open Access to Research Outputs
SQW Consulting was commissioned by RCUK to undertake an independent study into open access to research outputs. LISU (Loughborough University) acted as our sub-contractors. The purpose of the study was to identify the effects and impacts of open access on publishing models and institutional repositories in the light of national and international trends. Welcoming the study, Professor Ian Diamond, Chair of the RCUK Executive Group said: “This excellent study sets out a way forward for the UK Research Councils in relation to open access, building on the extensive activities already supported through repositories such as UK PubMed Central and ESRC Society Today. The Research Councils look forward to working with their partners across the research community to consider the options.” In response to the study, the Chief Executives of the Research Councils have agreed that over time the UK Research Councils will support increased open access, by: building on their mandates on grant-holders to deposit research papers in suitable repositories within an agreed time period, and extending their support for publishing in open access journals, including through the pay-to-publish model.
To read the report click here.
Apr 2009 – SQW Pushes the Boundaries of Impact Evaluation
This new guide by SQW Consulting, born out of the firm’s extensive experience, takes forward the debate on impact evaluation. Its aim is to challenge existing evaluation practice and improve outcomes – testing the rationale for intervention, evaluating impact and assessing value for money. It argues for use of more sophisticated evaluation techniques to provide evidence on intermediate and GVA outcomes as they persist over time, greater use of cost benefit analysis, and a more harmonised approach to public policy and investment decisions. To read the guide, click here.
Mar 2009 – Inspire East Publishes Research on the Contribution of the Further Education Sector to the Sustainable Communities Workforce
In 2008 SQW was commissioned to investigate how the further education (FE) sector contributes to upskilling the sustainable communities workforce in the East of England. The study revealed regional patterns and trends in employment in the core occupations and identified key aspects of FE provision. It involved secondary analysis of standard employment, business and FE data sets, and made recommendations for strengthening the responsiveness of FE provision in this area.
To read the report click here.