Example Reports
A selection of AMION's work is provided below which illustrates the breadth and depth of our support to a range of programmes and projects.
Project: The Eden Project, Cornwall
Client: South West of England Regional Development Agency
Sector: Tourism
Type of support: Economic evaluation
AMION led a team including Locum Consulting and Ecotec in carrying out an evaluation of the Eden Project in Cornwall for the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA). The Eden Project is an internationally renowned environmental centre and visitor attraction. Since opening, it has attracted over 10 million visitors. The evaluation was carried out through a range of methods, including visitor and local business surveys and econometric analysis of unemployment and worklessness in the area.
Project: Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly Employment Space Strategy 2007-17
Client: South West of England Regional Development Agency
Sector: Business and enterprise
Type of support: Strategy advice
AMION, along with Thomas Lister and Cambridge Econometrics, prepared a Strategic Assessment of Employment Space for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly for the South West of England Regional Development Agency. The overall aim of the assignment was to help improve the economic performance of the area, and in so doing close the economic gap between Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly and the rest of the country.http://www.economicforum.org.uk/documents/cornwall-emp-space-strategic-assmt-060707-logo.pdf
Project: Mersey Gateway
Client: Halton Borough Council
Sector: Transport
Type of support: Economic impact study
AMION undertook a study of the wider economic impacts of the proposed Mersey Gateway, a proposed new bridge linking Widnes and Runcorn, in accordance with DfT Transport Assessment Guidance and taking account of the Eddington transport study. The study considered, in particular, two broad aspects of local economic impact: the employment impact on defined 'Regeneration Areas' and the 'wider business effects'. The Mersey Gateway was the subject of a full planning Public Inquiry in 2009, at which Graham Russell appeared as an expert witness in relation to detailed examination of the economic impacts of the proposed scheme.
Project: Manchester Independent Economic Review (MIER)
Client: Commission for the New Economy
Type of support: Research
AMION led a study into Polarisation and Sustainable Communities in Greater Manchester as part of the Manchester Independent Economic Review (MIER) in conjunction with PION Economics and Professor Brian Robson from the University of Manchester. The objectives of the study were to: describe the extent to which levels of area deprivation vary in Greater Manchester and how this might have changed over time; discuss the key drivers of the trends identified in the identified spatial patterns of deprivation and the underlying processes at work; identify how area deprivation has been addressed and the extent to which the relevant policy interventions have been successful; and identify the lessons for future policy. The report identified a need for continuing efforts to address area deprivation in Greater Manchester, an assessment of where intervention is required, as well as key issues that need to be addressed.
Project: National Regeneration Project
Client: Working Ventures UK (formerly the National Employment Panel)
Sector: Construction
Type of support: Project development and business planning
The National Regeneration Project was commissioned by the National Employment Panel (now Working Ventures UK) in 2004 to identify how the opportunity for securing jobs in the construction industry for workless and other disadvantaged people could best be realised. It was initiated at a time of significant growth within the industry and in recognition of the fact that despite low levels of overall unemployment in the country there were a number of areas experiencing persistent concentrations of worklessness often close to areas of high growth resulting from public sector spending. AMION assisted in the development of the 'Construction Employment Integrator' approach in consultation with industry representatives, key partner agencies and practitioners from across the country as a mechanism to co-ordinate interventions that sought to - use procurement processes and planning to effect change (by embedding obligations into public sector contracts); engage with employers and contractors to ensure recruitment and training provision was demand-led; provide tailored pre-recruitment support and routeways for workless individuals; and encourage local SMEs to access opportunities arising from the new planned development activity. Following a pilot project in the North East, AMION has since provided business planning support to a further five areas in the country to roll the project out.
Project: Development of Old Trafford Stadium
Client: Lancashire County Cricket Club
Sector: Regeneration
Type of support: Business Plan
AMION prepared a business plan in support of the proposed redevelopment of Lancashire County Cricket Club's Old Trafford stadium. In addition, it assisting the Club in its negotiations with its bank to secure funding support, prepared successful applications for public sector financial support, and provided technical support for the important planning application that has been submitted to secure development cross-funding. This included reporting on the economic impacts and benefits of the proposed redevelopment scheme.