Last year, the University of Sheffield Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre (AMRC) commissioned Kada Research to produce an Economic Impact Assessment (EIA) to capture the economic benefits generated by the operations of the Training Centre.

The AMRC Training Centre was established to train the next generation of world leading engineers. It works with employers to identify and provide the skills required to enable manufacturing companies to compete globally. Trends within the advanced manufacturing sector drive demand for greater technical proficiency and higher-level engineering skills, for both apprentices between Levels 3-6 and the existing workforce.

Kada were commissioned to undertake the EIA which could be used to inform potential expansion of the Training Centre and future bids to the public purse. The EIA report looks at the Training Centre’s activity over a five-year period (2018/19 to 2022/23).

The approach to assessing the economic impact of publicly funded interventions has evolved in recent years. Local places have often focussed on jobs and Gross Value Added (GVA) benefits that an intervention will deliver, because increasing local employment is often a key strategic objective of place-based initiatives (as acknowledged by the Department of Levelling Up, Housing and Communities’ Appraisal Guide). Such metrics are relatively visible and easy to measure.

However, HM Treasury’s default assumption is that any jobs created by a policy resulting from government expenditure do not increase employment at the UK level. As set out in The Green Book, these employment effects are assumed to be largely determined by macroeconomic decisions on the level of overall public expenditure (though they may have an important local impact). The Green Book approach therefore does not take jobs and GVA into account in the assessment of economic benefits.

What is taken into account is supply-side effects which have the effect of raising productivity – such as improvements to the skills of the labour force and movement into more productive jobs. The benefits of these improvements are generally seen through increases in wages rather than increased employment at a national level.

Considering the above, the assessment of the economic impact of the AMRC Training Centre provides three separate estimates:

• An estimate of the productivity uplift generated through the increased skills which the Training Centre generates within the labour force.
• An estimate of the local jobs and GVA benefits arising from AMRC TC apprentices moving into fully-skilled job roles following completion of their training.
• An estimate of the GVA benefits arising from the operation of the Training Centre, based on current levels of employment.

The economic impact delivered by five years’ operation of the AMRC Training Centre is significant. The Training Centre is a national asset but its location in South Yorkshire means that its impact is particularly significant for the local and regional economy. Over a 15-year period, the apprentices who completed their apprenticeships at the AMRC TC between 2018/19 and 2022/23 will contribute:

• £46m of productivity benefits, of which £38m will be in the South Yorkshire economy
• £280m of direct, indirect and induced GVA, of which £233m will be in the South Yorkshire economy.

The operation of the Training Centre also generates jobs and GVA. Over the 2018/9-2022/23 period, the Centre’s activities created £20m of GVA, of which £16m has been retained in South Yorkshire.

AMRC TC apprentices take a number of years to complete their training, with most starters from the 2018/19-2022/23 period still on their apprenticeship at the current time. This provides a pipeline of future benefits, which will be realised over the coming years.

If you are thinking about commissioning an economic impact assessment, have any questions about this piece of work or if you would like to talk through an idea and discuss how we can help, please contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk

Kada Research were commissioned by the Yorkshire Sport Foundation to explore the social and economic benefits of sport, movement and physical activity in South and West Yorkshire, and how sport and physical activity can help to meet sub-regional priorities. The place-based advocacy documents highlight the importance of investment in sport and physical activity initiatives at both a regional and community level.

A desk review of localised, sub-regional context was undertaken for both South and West Yorkshire, highlighting the health, wellbeing and future of sport and physical activity in the area. These place-based reviews were further supported by wider policy surrounding health, sport and participation and academic research. The merits of sport and physical activity and general attitudes towards engagement were detailed.

Consultations with local leaders and experts in the field of health, wellbeing and physical activity were undertaken. These consultees provided valuable insights into challenges faced in the sub-region, how challenges can be addressed through sport and physical activity, and examples of sport and physical activity being used to make a positive difference within local communities. Kada also provided estimates for the economic and wellbeing benefits of engagement in sport and physical activity.

The report concluded that sport and physical activity have tangible health and wellbeing benefits, such as a reduction in loneliness and mental ill health, a reduction in disease and age-related decline, and an improvement in social cohesion and trust. Sport and physical activity was also found to have a significant positive impact on local economies’, providing upwards of £380m GVA in South Yorkshire and £830m GVA in West Yorkshire.

Karl Dalgleish, Kada’s Study Director outlined:

If you are thinking about commissioning a health and wellbeing research study or if you would like to talk through an idea or to hear more about this work, you can contact us at info@kadaresearch.co.uk

In Autumn 2021, the York & North Yorkshire (Y&NY) Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) commissioned Kada Research to undertake a comprehensive review of key economic sectors across the sub-region in two distinct parts comprising:

• a research report to build intelligence on which economic sectors had the potential to make the greatest contribution to future economic growth
• a report to consider what actions the LEP and partners could take to support the further growth of the identified sectors.

The client asked the team to take a fresh perspective, including the consideration of new ideas about where future investment might best be focused. This included cross cutting technologies and industries tackling urgent global issues such as climate change, food security, and energy.

As well as sectors with growth potential the team also looked at foundation and mature industries as they underpin much activity within the sub-region, and also have a strong presence. The second part of the study considered what actions the LEP and its partners should take to stimulate economic growth in the chosen sectors.

Initially we assessed the evidence using commercial data and official statistics to look at industries across a number of domains. These included sector dynamics and prospects. For instance, how were different industries affected by Covid? How were they predicted to grow? And what is their export propensity?

The team looked at historic trends in employment and output against the predicted trajectories, as well as identifying some ‘productivity heroes’ and niches where there were particularly high concentrations of activity.

Some sectors were identified using insights from stakeholders as areas of potential, which was based on their contribution to a carbon negative future, their employment potential, or their significance in innovation or technology adoption terms. Key supporting assets and critical infrastructure supporting the sectors were identified and mapped.

As a result of the above the following broad economic areas were identified and key firms and strengths were highlighted for each.

• agri-food
• sustainable energy
• the bio economy
• health, pharma & life sciences
• digitech, data & creative industries
• advanced manufacturing

Part two of the study unpicked these further. This report outlined a five-point action plan designed to support sustainable growth and resilience in the priority sectors. It included the following priorities:

• Objective 1: Green innovation – net-zero pathways and low-carbon solutions.
• Objective 2: Empowering people for a fairer, stronger economy.
• Objective 3: Supply chain resilience and growth and digital adoption.
• Objective 4: Strengthening R&D, science and innovation investment in the priority sectors.
• Objective 5: Trade, inward investment and high-value opportunities.

The final reports and supporting presentation were well received by the client who commented on “the breadth, depth and high-quality content and presentation of the reports”. The client added “many thanks for once again for the excellent work your team has produced”.

The LEP strategy and Inward Investment team have used the findings to promote the sub-region in its inward investment and growth activity.

Study director, Karl Dalgleish, said:

If you are thinking about commissioning a sector study or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work you can contact karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk or cassie@kadaresearch.co.uk.

Kada undertook a pro bono business case for the £1.5m rebuild of the Archer Project, the most significant capital investment in infrastructure in a generation to addresse homelessness in Sheffield. The Project’s current building is not fit for purpose and in May 2020 suffered fire damage through an arson attack.

This ambitious plan will significantly help transform homelessness services in Sheffield and beyond by offering a ‘hub’ designed specifically for those suffering from trauma. It will allow the people the project works with to make faster progress away from street life and homelessness and towards stable and fulfilling lives.

Kada undertook a social value analysis which was independently verified by a registered social value practitioner. We show that every £1.00 of investment raised or offered by partners will return social value benefits worth £3.20. The investment in the new centre will create a total net social value of £68m over 15 years.

“Our work is an important part of demonstrating the value of the rebuild project to potential funders. It will become a place where people can make important changes to the way they live and move away from homelessness.” Karl Dalgleish, Study Director and Archer Project Trustee

Get in touch if you are thinking about commissioning a social return on investment study. Contact us at karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk or sam@kadaresearch.co.uk if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work.

The Innovation Partnership and Kada Research were commissioned by Worcestershire County Council (WCC) to assess the make-up, scope and opportunities of the Creative and Technology sectors (the CreativeTech sector) in Worcestershire. In a time of rapid globalisation and growth, many creative and technology industries are thriving.  WCC wanted to know if the County had a strong CreativeTech sector and ecosystem to support its growth.  What opportunities are there and what is needed to help the sector flourish?

A review of the global and national strategic context was undertaken. The County’s key CreativeTech assets and institutions were mapped, and the composition of the sector’s regional economy assessed.  The impact of the coronavirus outbreak was considered. Surveys with 75 CreativeTech companies were undertaken and the report featured mini profiles of local firms with CreativeTech specialisms.

Kada has also been retained by the WCC to draft ten case studies for their new website, showcasing how firms have adapted and thrived during Coronavirus.

This was an important study for the CreativeTech sector that has had very mixed fortunes since the Coronavirus outbreak. Our study provided the first assessment of this diverse and growing set of industries. As part of the work an action plan was developed to support the development, recovery, and resilience of the sector.

– Karl Dalgleish (Study Director, Kada Research).

Want to understand a sector better? Think you have a sector or cluster with untapped potential and opportunity? Need help in developing some clear actions to support sectoral growth? Speak to Karl Dalgleish (karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk).

The Future High Streets Fund will support and fund local areas’ plans to make their high streets and town centres fit for the future. Kada were commissioned by BDP alongside property specialists, cost consultants and transport planners to advise on developing the economic case.

We worked with the team to develop an overarching business and economic case for the project and assessed the economic effects by quantifying local labour market supply impacts informed by our understanding of the area and by green book guidance.

Kada played a key role in advising on digital technologies for the project and the application, development and implementation of smart city technologies. To inform the master plan, Kada prepared a socio-economic review and an analysis of business and enterprise. As part of the consortium’s public engagement activities, the Kada team spoke to local residents and sites about the options for the town.  We enjoyed working with many different disciplines on a shared vision for the area and at the time of writing await the results of the application with interest.  This was an intellectually demanding study requiring considerable flexibility and teamwork, as well as refining the strategy to consider the implications of Covid-19.

The client was happy with BDP’s leadership of the project and the quality of the support they received. We were delighted to see that during the Christmas break (2020) Heanor were awarded £8.5 million from the Future High Streets Fund to help realise their plans.

On behalf of Amber Valley, we would like to express grateful thanks to you all, for your hard work and expertise throughout the process and ensuring that we compiled a robust application, providing us with the best possible business case to aim to secure funding for the town. You have all been very professional and worked with us through challenging circumstances. I know that the changes to the extended project timeline and supplementary requirement to respond to the Covid situation has been protracted and I appreciate your continued support and maintaining your service and good humour throughout. Please pass on my thanks to your teams.

-Joanne Bamford (Growth & Town Centres Manager, Landscapes, Growth & Community Safety, Amber Valley Borough Council).

Need help with your high street? Struggling to monitor your high street performance? Do get in touch at karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk

Skyline Enterprises is a New Zealand-based company that provides outdoor tourist attractions. The company was interested in exploring the potential of a new attraction in Swansea, Wales. The attraction would include an 8-seater gondola, four different luge tracks, a mountain biking park, and a three-line zipline. Kada Research was commissioned to provide an economic impact assessment of the proposed facility and assess its viability.

We found that the Skyline attraction should bring significant economic benefits to the area, including construction and tourism jobs, increased tourism expenditure and wider benefits. The economic model was independently scrutinised internally (by Stantec Limited) and externally by Welsh Government economists.  This ensured the assumptions were extremely robust and defendable.  The scenario testing for this assignment was very thorough.  We looked at the potential impact of reduced visitor numbers, increased costs and exceptional ground conditions. At the Welsh level, the model stood up well to fairly pessimistic scenarios.

Karl and his team at Kada were extremely diligent in their analysis of our projections and provided great counter arguments. We envisioned difficulty due to the time difference between New Zealand and the UK, however Karl was willing to receive calls outside of typical working hours so made the entire process very easy. It was a pleasure working with Karl and we’d definitely use him again for future work.

-Danny Luke (General Manager – International Luge Development).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about an impact assessment or feasibility study of a project or programme you are involved with, e-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and he will respond within 24 hours.

This major 64,000 sq. ft development, at Forge Way in the Parkgate area of Rotherham, was built speculatively by local developer E V Waddington and offers 10 industrial and manufacturing units.  Like many speculative industrial developments in South Yorkshire, viability was a challenge, so the developer successfully secured European Regional Development Fund to plug the funding gap.  A requirement of the funding was to produce a Summative Assessment of the project.  They commissioned Kada to conduct a review.

It was evident from our initial site visit this was a high quality development, designed with the utmost flexibility and suitable for manufacturing and industrial use.  There was quick take up and the tenants we spoke to really liked the units which were flexible, high quality and had good links to public transport.  The project was located strategically in a Sheffield Rotherham corridor that has a high concentration of advanced manufacturing firms.  The units were all built to a BREEAM specification, with solar power LED lights to the office and warehouse.

This is great example of SMEs investing in industrial space in the heart of Sheffield City Region. The local developer has done similar schemes elsewhere and knew exactly what local industrial firms were looking for – modern and flexible space in a well-connected location. Many of the tenants we spoke to intended to provide new employment opportunities, and this scheme provides a valuable addition to the local business economy.

Karl Dalgleish (Study Director).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about an impact assessment of a physical project or programme you are involved with, speak to karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and he will respond within 24 hours.

The Medical Technology sector has witnessed considerable change as a consequence of shifting attitudes, new technologies and digitisation. By 2050, the world’s population over 65 is expected to triple, and the costs of treating chronic diseases will reach an estimated US$47 trillion. Innovation across the healthcare value chain and the digitalisation of products and services for Meditech suppliers is becoming an increasing necessity in delivering more personalised and cost-effective care. This has profound implications for the sector.

Worcestershire City Council wanted to understand the size and scope of their Meditech sector and identify key areas of potential growth and development. The changing context for the sector was assessed as well as key barriers to growth.  Within a short timeframe, Kada produced a detailed report summarising the sector, based on data analysis and interviews with key players in the sector.

The report highlights some local companies with Meditech specialisms as well as the support infrastructure and assets around the sector. The sector is quantified in business, employment and productivity (GVA) terms, and compared to other Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) priority sectors and other LEPs. The study looks in more depth at niches and comparator areas. The client was provided with a MediTech database so it could engage and work with companies in the future. Looking at global good practice, we assessed how other areas promoted and boosted their medical technology sector.  Following an implementation workshop with key players, we developed a workable action plan so the client team could support the growth of the sector.

We identified some notable examples of really successful Worcestershire based companies with strong international customer bases and supply chains. Whilst it certainly has some very interesting medical niches, Worcestershire lacks the gravitas of a traditional industrial MediTech cluster. That said, in economic terms it can match other local niches like agri-tech and cyber, so we worked with the client to consider what pragmatic actions might be taken to support firms with potential in this important and growing sector. These actions covered inward investment and promotion, better exploitation of UK wide national resources and cross sectoral networking events. They also included supply chain development, cyber development and R&D opportunities. Finally, we considered measures to attract young people into the sector

Karl Dalgleish (Study Director, Kada Research).

Want to understand a sector better? Think you have a sector or cluster with untapped potential and opportunity? Need help in developing some clear actions to support sectoral growth? Speak to Karl Dalgleish (karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk).

After severe floods damaged the Mytholmroyd Community Centre in 2015, the MCA took the opportunity to consider a better future use of the space and facilities and explore the feasibility of a long-held desire for a new swimming pool.

Kada Research was asked to assess community priorities and preferences for new facilities (including a pool), identify the potential future facilities options and assess their feasibility, and provide a practical plan for a dynamic building at the heart of Mytholmroyd. The client wanted us to consider differing community priorities, stakeholder interests, resources, and funding, as well as future flood safety measures.

Kada Research led consultations with interested parties and stakeholders to assess their expectations and funding possibilities, taking advantage of a local Christmas Market and cycle race to speak to 90 local residents. Using the consultation responses and evidence of similar facilities, we drew up different options based on community preferences and assessed them for viability. We provided the most feasible options along with their costs and benefits for the Community Association Chair and Board to take into consideration. We developed a practical five-year cost analysis and plan of action to help the MCA realise its ambitions.

“This study required tact and diplomacy and building a strong relationship with trustees. Ensuring we captured a diverse community voice was absolutely essential, as well as considering credible options for the future of the centre. It was well received by the council, trustees and chair of the MCA.

Karl Dalgleish (Study Director).

Get in touch: If you are thinking about the feasibility of a scheme and want to assess credible options e-mail karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk and we will respond within 24 hours and offer a free initial two hour consultation.