Our Expertise

Economic Development

Successful economic development is vital to the prosperity of individuals, communities and nations. Creating the conditions to support long-term, sustainable economic growth is a challenge for government at all levels. This involves a wide range of interrelated factors, from planning and infrastructure development to social and community support. The cross-border nature of economies also means that global, national, regional and sub-regional factors need to be taken into account.

Step Ahead can help you overcome these challenges and support you in developing a sound evidence base for policy, identifying strengths, weaknesses and opportunities, and working with you and your stakeholders to identify priority actions and interventions at different spatial levels.

Our research has helped previous clients to: 

• identify and support businesses in their local region;
• provide assistance in developing markets and supply chains;
• improve the supply of skilled labour;
• improve the supply of suitable sites and premises;
• improve the local infrastructure;
• improve access to services and employment and learning opportunities in rural areas;
• ensure that economic development is inclusive, benefiting all parts of the community;
• encourage business development in deprived areas.

Examples of our work include:

• developing the Brighton & Hove Economic Strategy in 2005 and being commissioned again in 2008 to update it;
  
  
• developing a strategy for voluntary and community engagement to support the Regional Economic Strategy for the North West Regional Development Agency;
  
  
• conducting employment land studies for a number of councils;
  
  
• carrying out an impact assessment of a proposed transport development in the West Midlands;
  
  
• surveying 1000 businesses annually in East Sussex to analyse business trends and the main issues affecting business performance in the county;
  
  
• developing skills and employment plans for several councils;
  
  
• securing the Rural Development Programme for England to support rural economic development in rural East Sussex.

If you are interested in finding out more about our work in this area, please contact:

Bruce Nairne: 07970 510237
bruce.nairne@stepaheadresearch.co.uk

Paul Gallagher:   020 7953 8423
paul.gallagher@stepaheadresearch.co.uk