The overall objective of the project was to understand the feasibility of creating a GTA to support advanced manufacturing in Harlow and the wider area. Undertaken in conjunction with Semta.

The research included profiling of the current workforce and services; Voluntary or ‘Third Sector’ care services and current engagement with the Third Sector; Strategic drivers and future service demand; Future workforce demand; and key priority areas and recommendations.

The purpose of the research was to undertake a detailed review of supply and demand for the lifelong learning sector within the West Midlands Region, based on available secondary data.

The key component of the stage three research was a comprehensive programme of 'market testing', which sought to communicate key supply and demand issues and outline potential solutions which would improve future business performance within the Asset Skills sector. In this regard, an important focus of the stage three work was to reach agreement with employers and partners on the actions needed to ensure that the future supply of skills meets the short and long term demands of businesses within the Asset Skills sector. One of the main research outputs from this work was the production of four action plans for the Housing, Property Services, Facilities Management and Cleaning sectors within the Asset Skills footprint. (Asset Skills were awarded 'Exemplar Standard' for Stage 3 of the SSA process).

The project involved the development of a web based Purchasing Guide to Social Enterprise and Trading VCS organisations within Birmingham and Solihull.

The main aim of the study was to explore and determine the feasibility of achieving economic growth, including job creation, through the development of opportunities for franchise businesses to start up and grow within the East Birmingham and North Solihull Regeneration Zone.

The main output of the project involved the production of a detailed report on arts based learning from a provider and employer perspective, including a structured analysis of the main issues. A major dissemination event to launch the report was undertaken, involving providers, employers and other key stakeholders.

The project involved a strategic assessment of employer demand in the north Birmingham area on behalf of the Birmingham and Solihull LSC and key partners.

The purpose of this research study was to use existing data, supplemented with targeted contact with a range of different providers to build up an overall assessment of: The nature and performance of the Birmingham and Solihull economy in relation to business start-ups; The scale of demand for start-up support services and how this demand may vary amongst different population groups and sectors/clusters; The nature of demand for start-up support and the extent to which existing support services reflect this demand; and how support services might be segmented/focussed more effectively.

This project involved carrying out a range of social and economic analysis to support the proposed ‘Hale Village’ development in Tottenham Hale, North London. In particular the analysis was used to support the proposed development mix for the site.