Kada Research partnered with the University of Sunderland to support an expansive review of employment opportunities and support in the North East of England. The report will support those working in the North East to advocate for funding and support opportunities.

The research highlighted five of the key barriers to sustained employment, productivity and growth in the North East (economic inactivity, young people not in employment, education or training, skills mismatches, sector-specific shortages and structural issues). The research compiled examples of best practice, responses to challenges and possible solutions in order to highlight a pathway into good work for residents in the North East.

Due to our track record in skills and employment research, Kada Research were asked to provide case studies to supplement the research being conducted by the University. Kada Research reviewed and analysed previous reports, drawing together fourteen examples of best practice in employment and skills support across the country. They also highlighted cross-cutting elements of successful employment support, emphasising the key issues that should be taken into consideration when designing future support programmes.

The research concluded that a strategically coordinated approach at a hyper local level is vital to engage with communities who are most in need of support and often ‘seldom heard’. It also highlighted the role of employers in inspiring the next generation, especially in high potential and foundational sectors. The importance of inclusivity and flexibility was emphasised, with the research recognising that a one-size-fits-all approach is often inapplicable to some of the complex circumstances faced by those out of work. Finally, the report highlighted the need for continuous monitoring, evaluation and learning, ensuring that employment and skills programmes are accountable and accessible.

Kada Research were commissioned by the University of Huddersfield in June 2024 to undertake an evaluation of their £42.2m Health Innovation programme. The programme, utilising £3.8 million of UKSPF funds, aimed to stimulate innovation around health and wellbeing within West Yorkshire’s business ecosystem.

The programme was delivered between September 2023 and March 2025, establishing a Health & Wellbeing Innovation Centre that provided a suite of business support initiatives, events, mentoring, proof-of-concept grants as well as a unique Healthtech makerspace and visualisation suite offering access to bespoke equipment and facilities. Following the conclusion of the business support element in March 2025, 385 businesses had been supported and following the end of UKSPF funding activity has continued in the form of an incubator programme funded through the West Yorkshire Investment Zone.

Kada’s evaluation adopted a mixed methods approach to assess the programme’ s effectiveness in delivering against the four objectives outlined within the initial UKSPF application. The programme evidenced strong performance with all outputs met or exceeded as a result of the high levels of engagement, effective delivery mechanisms and strong strategic partnerships cultivated with partners.

In respect to the economic impact, over the appraisal period the business support element of the Health Innovation programme generated a Net Present Value (NPV) of £5.41m. With total UKSPF revenue expenditure, in addition to public sector funding, the NPV impact represents a benefit cost ratio of 4.2:1.

There were other notable impacts. The development of the Innovation Centre has boosted local perceptions of Huddersfield and increasing pride of place and the programme is expected to increase capacity and boost innovation within the NHS more widely, resulting in improved and faster patient care. Without the UKSPF funding, connections between local businesses and the NHS likely would not have been established.

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

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 Barnsley College to undertake a desk review of the potential uses of mobile learning technology to facilitate onsite training for employers.

Having received LSIF funding to address local employer skills need, Barnsley College commissioned a review to explore how mobile learning technology delivered on employer premises (i.e., VR headsets, e-learning, skills hubs) could be used to upskill South Yorkshire. By drawing on good practice and considering the benefits and challenges of delivering training via mobile learning technology, Barnsley College allocated a portion of LSIF funding towards purchasing mobile learning technology.

Kada conducted an extensive literature review of the benefits and challenges associated with mobile learning technology and the importance of training. It embedded these findings within the context of South Yorkshire, considering the characteristics of the local labour market and the skills needs of the local area. Kada also consulted local training providers in care, construction and manufacturing to establish how mobile learning is, or could be, used in their sector. The findings from these interviews and the desk review enabled the development of a set of recommendations as to how mobile learning technology could be used to support onsite training by Barnsley College.

The study found that flexibility, rapid feedback, work experience opportunities and a reduction of safety concerns are key advantages of mobile learning technology and can make it easier to businesses to access training and connect their training with others. Mobile learning can facilitate the delivery of LSIF and LSIP priorities in larger businesses and SMEs and micros. Inclusivity, responsibility and procurement are key areas for consideration in adapting mobile learning technology as a resource for training in the workplace.

If you are thinking about commissioning a workplace training study or evaluation or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work, you can contact us at info@kadareasearch.co.uk.

Kada Research were commissioned by the University of Essex to investigate the demand for and feasibility of expanding their apprenticeship offer. This followed the University receiving funding from the Office for Students aimed at supporting universities to further develop their existing apprenticeship offer. The potential expansion of 11 apprenticeship standards was explored from qualification Levels 4 to 7 across three thematic areas of health and social care, data science, and economics and business administration.

The University already has well-established higher and degree apprenticeship pathways in place focussing on standards in computer science and electronic engineering, health and social care and sport, rehabilitation, and exercise sciences. Building on these strengths, the aim of the research was to identify new opportunities for expansion aligned to these existing pathways but also in new subject areas and disciplines where apprenticeships were not currently offered.

The research involved a multi-methods approach and included consultations with academic leads in relevant disciplines within the University and a comprehensive desk review to explore local labour market needs, strategic priorities and skills supply. Local and national employers were also engaged via a survey and consultations to further understand employer needs within the region and beyond.

A final report and presentation were produced which each highlighted current skills needs, priority sectors and employer demand for higher and degree apprenticeships. Employer readiness to engage with apprenticeship development was also captured along with a suite of recommendations which identified the sectors and disciplines offering scope for apprenticeship development. The outcomes of the study provided an evidence baseline and practical next steps to help inform strategic decisions within the University about further development of its apprenticeship offer.

If you are thinking about commissioning market research to understand opportunities for the development of apprenticeship provision or to inform wider curriculum development planning, or if you would like to talk through an idea you can contact the study director Laura Lane at laura@kadaresearch.co.uk.

Kada Research were commissioned by the University of Birmingham to evaluate the ERDF funded DIGI-RAIL West Midlands programme which has helped to diversify the rail industry supply chain and bring more digital technologies to the rail sector.

DIGI-RAIL worked with SMEs to help them access opportunities in the rail industry in turn promoting innovation within the sector. The programme’s Get Into Rail events introduced SME suppliers to the sector who also benefited from world-leading facilities at the Birmingham Centre for Railway Research and Education (BCRRE) to develop new products.

Interviews and roundtables with programme managers, delivery staff and PhD researchers complemented consultations with industry representatives and a beneficiary survey. The research allowed the Kada evaluation team to assess the strengths and successes of the different elements of the programme, explore its added value and identify lessons learned for future programme design and delivery after ERDF. It was important to understand the benefits not just to SMEs, but to academics at the University and the wider industry. The programme monitoring data was used alongside the beneficiary survey data to estimate the economic impact of the programme on the region.

The evaluation found that breaking down perceived barriers to SMEs entering the rail industry and working with academic institutions was important for success. Business-focussed support, industry connections and the technical expertise and facilities were strengths. New product development benefitted from longer collaboration projects which started after COVID-19 restrictions ended.

If you are thinking about commissioning an evaluation or business research study or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear more about this project you can contact us at sam@kadaresearch.co.uk.

Kada Research were commissioned by The Sheffield College (TSC) to review the contribution to meeting skills needs. The purpose of the review was two-fold. Firstly, it was to assist the college’s Governing Body in fulfilling a new statutory duty introduced by the Department for Education (DfE) to review how well education and training provided by FE and sixth form colleges meets local skills needs. Secondly, it was to help inform the college’s first Accountability Statement for DfE, for which the scope of the study was expanded to include consideration of National Skills Priorities.

As a South Yorkshire anchor institution TSC is the sub-region’s largest provider of 16-19, adult and apprenticeship programmes. With nearly 13,000 students enrolled, TSC delivers basic skills through to higher level provision, including technical options such as T Levels and Higher Technical Qualifications (HTQs). TSC is South Yorkshire’s largest apprenticeship provider by market share offering apprenticeships aligned with key employment sectors identified in the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority (SYMCA) Strategic Economic Plan.

The study involved a comprehensive desk review alongside consultations with local strategic skills and economic leads, employers, and employer representative bodies to identify Sheffield and South Yorkshire skills needs. A systematic assessment was then completed to evaluate the extent to which TSC’s education and training provision addresses each of these needs. The review considered what provision was already in place, learner progression opportunities, collaborative arrangements (including with employers), and future plans for curriculum and capital development.

The review concluded that TSC’s strategic positioning within Sheffield and South Yorkshire means it is well-placed to respond to local and national skills priorities. Plans for curriculum development and growth directly address identified skills needs and the college’s extensive collaboration with employers and other organisations is helping to address technical and cross-sector needs, including via the college’s sector-leading Employer Skills Academy model. The findings also illustrated TSC’s important role in addressing community based and adult learning needs to support local priorities associated with economic inclusion.

If you are thinking about commissioning a review of your education and training provision to explore alignment with local skills priorities, or you are interested in research into local and national skills needs, including those articulated in Local Skills Improvement Plans (LSIPs), you can contact us at Laura@kadaresarch.co.uk

Kada comment (Dr Laura Lane, Study Director): This review was an important piece of work for TSC. It enabled the college’s governing body to complete its new statutory duty while also providing clarity about local skills needs setting out a baseline for future reviews and helping to inform curriculum planning decisions.

Andrew Hartley, Deputy Chief Executive, The Sheffield College, said: “Ensuring that the college is well positioned to respond to the skills needs of employers in the city and beyond is vital. It is a priority for governors and leaders, who commissioned the independent review.

StreetLife has created innovative and immersive experiences to revitalise the historic Coney Street in the city of York. It is led by the University of York in collaboration with strategic partners across the city and funded by UK Government’s Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF) and the University of York. StreetLife’s heritage, music and print activities have successfully sparked curiosity, nostalgia and emotions whilst engaging with members of the public. The physical presence on Coney Street, in a formerly empty retail unit, has provided a space to ask questions about Coney Street’s future and for the public to enjoy high-quality creative and heritage activities.

Kada Research were commissioned to evaluate StreetLife by the University of York in line with UKCRF guidelines. The evaluation assessed the impact of the project through qualitative and quantitative analysis, a robust impact evaluation which assessed the performance and a value for money assessment. Kada qualitatively investigated StreetLife’s delivery model, strengths and weaknesses, lessons learnt and successes. We produced an interim report in July 2022 and then a full evaluation in January 2023 and throughout this process we have enjoyed working closely with the client team at the University of York. As part of the evaluation, the Kada team attended the StreetLife launch event to immerse themselves in the experience and were able to attend the Coney Street Hub in December 2022 to see how the project had developed over its eight-month delivery period.

The evaluation found StreetLife had clearly tapped into a public need for creative and heritage activities on the high street, as they exceeded several of their targets for engaging with people, businesses and organisations. Kada’s economic impact analysis demonstrated the total net economic and social benefits amount to £1.39m, with ‘Preserving heritage’ providing the most substantial economic and social value at £1.26m. The analysis found that StreetLife generates £2.20 for every £1 spent which represents high value for money.

The consultation with a wide range of stakeholders highlighted the power of collaborations and interdisciplinary working. This strengthened the delivery of StreetLife and created more immersive and innovative activities which had the ability to transform people’s understanding of the environment around them. The value of the Coney Street Hub and the University having a physical presence on the high street was also universally recognised by stakeholders.

Kada’s research concluded with the creation of a series of impactful and evidence-based recommendations for the University of York and partners to consider which aimed to build on the clear successes of StreetLife.

The Net Zero Pathway for Change (NZPC) Programme is an ambitious pilot which supports SMEs in Kent to decarbonize their businesses and increase understandings of net zero. The NZPC Programme was led by Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the University of Kent and was funded by the UK Community Renewal Fund (UKCRF). It focused on targeting small businesses who are the hardest to reach and lack the absorptive capacity to recognize the value of net zero, assimilate it, and apply it to their commercial environment. There is also a need to accelerate the local supply chain to enable decarbonisation in Kent at the scale and pace required if net zero goals are to be met. The Programme delivered net zero audits, expert workshops, innovation vouchers, and grants to aid local businesses in decarbonization.

Kada Research were commissioned to evaluate the NZPC Programme in line with the UKCRF guidelines. The evaluation investigated the Programme’s performance, successes and lessons learnt, and explored the effectiveness of the design and delivery of the Programme. This included stakeholder and beneficiary consultation, with over 50 businesses inputting into the evaluation, as well as a value for money assessment. The report concluded with impactful co-designed recommendations to support the future of net zero business support activities in Kent.

As part of the evaluation, Kada, in collaboration with a videographer, created two short video case studies based upon two the experiences of two innovation grant beneficiaries to demonstrate the success and impact of the Net Zero Pathway for Change Programme. This included interviewing the beneficiaries along with academics from the University of Kent which produced two high-quality, impactful, and engaging videos.

Here at Kada, we are keen to continue to work with clients to help make decarbonisation and a more sustainable future a reality. If you would like to know more about our work please contact sophie@kadaresearch.co.uk or sam@kadaresearch.co.uk.

Coastal communities in England often encounter greater social and economic challenges than their inland neighbours. In order to provide insight into these unique challenges, as well as the potential benefits of coastal living, Kada was commissioned by the Eastern Arc – a strategic collaboration between the universities of East Anglia, Essex, and Kent – to conduct a baseline evaluation that would inform how knowledge exchange could be used to address coastal inequalities.

The mixed methods evaluation first identified target areas along the coast of Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, Kent, and East Sussex, which reported significant levels of deprivation using the Index of Multiple Deprivation.

The quantitative analysis investigated low pay, unemployment, and life expectancy, as well as sector analysis of the tourism, creative and the energy industries. The data was mapped to provide a statistical picture of themes which effect living on the coastal edges, and an economic opportunity map was also produced to demonstrate the significant low carbon and port infrastructure.

Alongside the quantitative analysis, an extensive desk-review produced a detailed qualitative picture of the challenges and opportunities of coastal living.

The report (available here) found higher levels of deprivation, low-paid work, and unemployment along the coastal edges of the study area, and clusters of lower life expectancy amongst people living in coastal communities.

The findings support national evidence on coastal deprivation and health inequalities which shorten the lives of those living on the coastal edges of England.

The research also highlighted opportunities as the quantitative analysis identified above average industrial sectors, with potential including high concentrations of energy and maritime industries, particularly in the East, and above average clusters of the tourism industry and visitor economy, as well as high concentrations of creative and cultural industries along the coast.

The report, which was launched by the Eastern Arc at the ‘Collaborative Coast’ conference which saw 160 academics and regional stakeholders come together to discuss coastal inequalities, concluded with strategic recommendations to utilise the coastal assets to address the stark inequalities within coastal communities.

Get in touch if you are thinking about research exploring inequalities or a baseline evaluation. Contact us at karl.dalgleish@kadaresearch.co.uk or sophie@kadaresearch.co.uk if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work.