There are frequently many areas of uncertainty regarding the future of specific markets and proposals. In this context, decision makers need the best possible evidence on which to base their strategic choices. SQW has extensive experience in helping clients to assess demand, costs, benefits, revenues and funding, in order to develop proposals that are appropriately designed and resourced, offering the optimal prospects for success and value for money.
In determining the demand for a proposal, we assess evidence from relevant comparator initiatives, we analyse market/industry data, and we talk to intended users through surveys, focus groups and/or consultations.
In our feasibility studies, we identify a variety of realistic options for achieving the intended outcomes, and rigorously examine the costs, risks and benefits of each, using primary and secondary data on demand, consultations with expert stakeholders, and relevant benchmarks from public domain sources and from our own previous relevant assignments.
Having evaluated hundreds of programmes and projects, we know what makes for a successful initiative, and our business plans and bid documents reflect this knowledge by articulating an explicit ‘logic model’ for the proposal, with clearly defined objectives and activities, underpinned with a robust and realistic model of the expected costs and benefits.
Examples of SQW projects
Golf Tourism – an Assessment of its Growth Potential to 2020
In 2009, SQW undertook research which estimated the economic value of golf tourism to Scotland. This follow-up study, commissioned by Scottish Enterprise and Highlands and Islands Enterprise, assessed the growth potential of golf tourism up to 2020. The work involved speaking to key stakeholders involved in the industry and considering how a range of drivers will affect the number of golf visitors coming to Scotland.
Quantifying the Market for Business Solutions
On behalf of a major provider of water services, SQW was commissioned to undertake a market analysis of the national market for water services to commercial and public sector businesses in the UK.
Market Demand and Need Study for Proposed Knowledge Gateway
We undertook a market demand and need study for a proposed Knowledge Gateway (a research park of 50,000 sq m) and an Institute for Democracy and Conflict Resolution at the University of Essex in Colchester. This included a background review, interviews with stakeholders, market research (including with ‘hit list’ organisations of potential clients), an assessment of competitors and a final market demand and need report.
Support to Business Planning Process
The Energy Technology Partnership is an alliance of Scottish Universities engaged in world class energy Research, Development and Demonstration. SQW supported ETP in the development of its first business plan through a process of consultation with key academic stakeholders and a survey of wider potential partners. We provided a series of options to feed into the business planning process being led by ETP.
Bradford City of Film
Bradford has recently been named as the first UNESCO City of Film. SQW 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. The UNESCO 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.
Study on the Provision of Higher Education in Herefordshire, Powys and Shropshire
SQW was commissioned to undertake a comprehensive study of actual and potential demand for higher education provision based in Herefordshire, Powys and Shropshire, and we provided an appraisal of the options for meeting that demand. Our report was used to make recommendations to the funding bodies on options for supporting strategic development and decision-making with regard to improving access to and the range and quality of higher education opportunities in the English and Welsh Marches.
Northumberland Employment Land Study
Northumberland County Council and partners commissioned SQW to undertake an Employment Land Study. This included an assessment of local/district provision, involving site assessments on a district by district basis, consultations with District and County planning and economic development officers and an assessment of local property markets. We considered employment land requirements over a 25 year period, using regional economic and employment projections.
Development of a Business Plan for Milton Keynes South Midlands
The process of developing the first Milton Keynes South Midlands growth area business plan had three main components: to define a strategic vision for the growth area; to identify key infrastructure, investment and interventions; and to recommend sub-regional performance frameworks. The main focus of the business plan was the key infrastructure, investment and interventions which were developed in light of a separate strategic transport prioritisation exercise the outputs of which were built on in our analysis. The business plan was developed in close cooperation with representatives of the MKSM inter-regional board and has become the strategic framework for priorities in the sub-region against which performance and implementation is monitored.
Support for Manchester’s Biomedical Research Centre Funding Bids
SQW supported the Central Manchester and Manchester Children’s Hospitals NHS Trust and the University of Manchester in their bids for funding from the Department of Health and the North West Development Agency (NWDA) for a Biomedical Research Centre in Manchester. The work included assistance in developing the bid strategy and proposition, development of the financial model and assistance in the drafting of the funding applications. Manchester was successful in obtaining funds for a BRC from both the Department of Health and the NWDA.
Market Research Study into Data Commercialisation Opportunities
This was a market research study to inform and enable the Natural Environment Research Council to optimise the commercialisation opportunities that arise from its extensive data holdings. The work involved close interaction with NERC staff from a variety of functions in its data centres and institutes, an extensive survey of current and potential external users of NERC data in both the private and public sectors, desk-based market analysis, and the development of recommendations on the nature of further market opportunities for exploiting the data holdings.