See the latest news from SQW below, or click on the archive link to view news from previous years.
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/
If you would like any further information, please contact Tim Thorlby (Associate Director) at 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. If you would like any further information, please contact Simon Forrest (Senior Consultant) or Jean Welstead (Associate Director) in the Edinburgh Office. To read the report, click here.
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.
Dec 2009 – An analytical framework for community empowerment evaluations
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 – Permitted Development Rights: Domestic Wind Turbines and Air Source Heat Pumps
Scottish Government wished to engage with Stakeholders to evaluate the impacts of Permitted Development (PD) for domestic wind turbines and air source heat pumps in Scotland. The likely impacts (visual, noise, environmental and built heritage, etc) were investigated to develop a recommended PD regime that encourages carbon free generation without adverse impacts.
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 to Expand Services in Employment, Skills and Welfare Reform
Chris Hasluck has been appointed as an Associate Director at SQW, one of the UK’s leading providers of sustainable economic and social development research, analysis and advice. 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, 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’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 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 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 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 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, 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 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 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 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.
Oct 2009 – Assessment of Carbon and Energy Performance: Operational Ratings
SQW, in collaboration with Green Energy Partners, was commissioned to conduct a review of the operational rating system for energy use and carbon emissions from public buildings in place in England and Wales. The study involved a review of the current system, a survey of building owners, users and assessors and the development of a number of options for the client to consider for developing a similar operational rating system in Scotland.
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 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 – SQW to Lead Visioning and Masterplanning Process for Crewe
SQW, 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.