There are frequently many areas of uncertainty regarding the future of specific markets and proposals. In this context, policy-makers need the best possible evidence on which to base their decisions. SQW has extensive experience in helping clients to assess demand, costs, benefits, revenues and funding, in order to develop interventions 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 intervention, 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 financials and outputs.
Examples of SQW projects
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 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.
LEGI Bid Support
SQW supported North East Lincolnshire Council (NELC) in developing its successful submission for Local Enterprise Growth Initiative (LEGI) funding. Our work involved: preparing the evidence base to demonstrate the need for funding; consultation with the NELC’s team and key stakeholders; working with others in participatory workshops, developing ideas to stimulate enterprise and aid small business development in North East Lincolnshire; drafting the bid document.
Business Plan for Film City Glasgow
SQW was commissioned to produce a revised business plan for Film City Glasgow taking account of the change in operating model and management and the opening of phase 3 of the development. This involved close consultation with stakeholders and existing tenants and a review of phases 1 and 2 of the project as well as consideration of the competitive environment to build up workable options for the future.
Feasibility Study into Marine Science Pooling in Scotland
SQW was commissioned by University of St Andrews, on behalf of member of the Marine Science community in Scotland, to conduct a feasibility study on the pooling of Marine Science capability and activity within the Scottish research-base. The study examined the feasibility of combining national resources in research and helped develop a strategy to ensure that Marine Science in Scotland is positioned to meet strategic needs and opportunities over the next ten years, sustaining and enhancing research excellence and international competitiveness.
Cardiff Business Technology Centre and Cardiff Medicentre Business Plan
SQW and St John’s Innovation Centre were commissioned to develop a business plan for a suite of incubators in South-East Wales. The co-ordinated business plan was used to ensure that best use is made of existing and future incubators in South-East Wales, in support of their economic development objectives.