There is increasing interest in understanding not only how policy affects the more obvious economic measures such as employment and income, but also how it impacts on quality of life through changes in social and environmental conditions. Economic research has always been an important part of SQW’s offer and has helped our clients understand how local economies work through, for example, economic forecasting, local economic assessments and socio-economic impact studies.
With growing interest in assessing (and valuing) social impacts, we have broadened our experience through work on migration, community ownership, families, corporate social responsibility and poverty. For example, Social Return on Investment is an approach which facilitates the valuation of a wider set of social impacts. SQW has used models such as this to help value some of these effects, which cover not just business-based measures but outcomes such as reducing crime, increasing training, improving childcare and better health.
Our research frequently requires a demonstration of the impacts on carbon emissions. We developed a carbon footprint model for Scottish Enterprise and have also investigated the relationship between environmental regulation and competitiveness. Research into valuing both social and environmental impacts is becoming more important as clients adopt more formal cost-benefit approaches to decision making.
We believe that our expertise and experience across these themes allows us to help our clients make better decisions, deliver more effective projects and services, and demonstrate their value.
Examples of SQW projects:
Economic Assessment of the Draft Plan for Offshore Wind in Scottish Territorial Waters
SQW was commissioned with ABPmer to provide an economic impact assessment for the development of offshore wind farms in Scottish Territorial Waters. The study provided a comparison of the economic and social benefits associated with the development of the short-term options for offshore wind in Scottish Territorial Waters against any potential economic and social costs associated with it. The study included assessing the distribution of costs and benefits amongst the public sector, different industries (e.g. fishing, tourism, shipping) and wider society, in order to establish who may bear the benefits and costs associated with the short term options. It also considered the impact (in terms of GVA and employment) that the short-term options would have on the local economies affected, and on the wider Scottish economy.
The Costs and Benefits of Interventions Addressing Youth Worklessness
This project provided a systematic review of evidence relating to the relative monetary benefits and costs of interventions designed to tackle the issue of worklessness amongst young people. The project reviewed evidence from across the UK (and international evidence where relevant) in order to provide a decision-making framework based on benefit-cost ratios (suitably adjusted for application in a London context).
Review of the Cheshire and Warrington Economy
With Cambridge Econometrics, SQW undertook a comprehensive review of the economy of the Cheshire and Warrington sub-region, and provided projections for future employment and Gross Value Added growth by sector. We identified a number of priorities emerging from the analysis, and assessed the fit of the current and planned portfolio of interventions against those priorities.
Stop the Spiral
SQW was commissioned to explore the social impact of the recession upon communities in the South East, to understand the possible longer term economic consequences of this and to identify the policies and interventions that may mitigate this and strengthen community resilience. The project included a literature review, secondary data analysis and consultations with local authorities and the third sector. The final report recommended policies and interventions to promote social capital and community cohesion in ways that would promote positive economic outcomes.
Migrant Worker Research
Westminster City Council commissioned SQW to test the robustness of the Office of National Statistics’ methodology for estimating and forecasting population. The work involved a desk-based review of critiques of methods of estimating and forecasting population and migration data. It also involved qualitative work with intermediary bodies working with migrants, including those providing housing advice, or placing them in work.
Study on Retrofitting Low Carbon Measures in UK Homes
The overall objective of this research project was to look at the implications to the UK economy of implementing a large-scale programme of retrofitting low and zero carbon measures to the existing housing stock. The study used recommendations from WWF-UK’s How Low? report on the scale and type of installations required to achieve an 80% reduction in carbon emissions from the UK’s existing housing stock as a baseline, and included a short term analysis to 2020 and the longer term analysis through to 2050. The results were provided at the UK level and separately for the devolved nations.
The Golden Age
SQW undertook a detailed analysis of the gross and net economic contribution (both quantitative and qualitative) of seniors (people aged over 65) to the UK economy. Themes incorporated into the analysis included: tax receipts; the direct and knock-on impacts of consumption expenditure; the value of volunteering; and contributions to community life.
Assessment of Cost Scenarios for Zero Waste Targets and the Landfill Directive
Scottish Government commissioned SQW to assess the costs associated with the introduction of new waste infrastructure to meet the European Commission Landfill Directive and Scottish Government Zero Waste Targets. The work included a cost benefit analysis of delivering the Zero Waste policy for municipal waste up to 2025 (in accordance with Treasury Green Book procedures), a review of different options (new facilities and infrastructure), the development of a Zero Waste flow model for Scotland, and sensitivity analyses on key underpinning assumptions.
Assessment of the Economic Potential of the Manchester – Liverpool Growth Corridor
An SQW-led consortium was commissioned to undertake a high-level futures study, exploring the economic potential of a proposed growth corridor linking Manchester and Liverpool along the M62. The research examined the potential economic benefits to be gained by joining-up the corridor’s economic assets in a strategic manner. In addition, it sought to understand the medium- and long-term economic drivers for this particular geography, and established the extent to which the corridor could generate spill-over benefits to other parts of the region.
Corporate Social Responsibility Integration across the Northwest
SQW provided a framework and options for future intervention and investment in Corporate Social Responsibility support. Through establishing current provision in both public and private sectors, identifying investment, and testing the rationale for further public sector and intervention, the framework was built to respond to current demand and market failures.