Green Book 2026: Yes, minister… it’s all change
As a mandarin for many a year, and Green Book consultee, I can imagine the scene back in Whitehall. A minister bursts into the office, clutching the new Green Book, eyes shining. “Sir Humphrey, this is marvellous. It’s completely new.” Sir Humphrey adjusts his glasses, wryly smiles and replies “Indeed, Minister. Entirely new.” Only...
New year, new… discount rate? Through the looking glass of the Green Book
Right, let’s talk about discount rates. Before you click away into something more exciting (cat memes, Wordle or bleeding the brakes on your car), hear me out. While most of us were swimming in a sea of eggnog and mince pies, His Majesty’s Treasury quietly kicked off a review of the Green Book discount rate. Exciting? Absolutely not. But if I could...
Homes England publishes AMION research on commercial-led regeneration
We’re pleased to share new national research for Homes England on the placemaking impacts of commercial-led regeneration. The study builds on earlier Homes England work on housing-led regeneration and feeds into the 2025 Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) Appraisal Guide. It focuses on what commercial development means for...
One growth zone to rule them all? The logic behind Industrial Strategy Zones
If you thought the UK’s economic development toolbox already had too many acronyms, brace yourself – there’s a new one on the block: ISZs, or Industrial Strategy Zones. They’re not an entirely brand-new invention, but rather a tidy repackaging of Freeports and Investment Zones. The government’s goal? To unite their strengths, cut duplication, reduce...
Introducing our Place Economics Team
Our Team Across the UK, towns and cities are facing complex and interconnected challenges: how to attract investment, regenerate centres, unlock brownfield sites and ensure communities can thrive. Meeting these challenges requires a blend of skills and perspectives. AMION’s Place Economics team has been established to provide just that. By combining...
AMION Shortlisted for iED Award
AMION’s independent evaluation of Historic England’s High Streets Heritage Action Zones (HSHAZ) programme has been shortlisted for an Institute of Economic Development (iED) Award. The recognition highlights the impact that heritage-led regeneration can deliver when undertaken at scale and in partnership with communities. Between 2020 and 2024,...
Strengthening the role of place in business cases
The introduction of place based business cases has the potential to transform approaches to regional economic planning under the 2026 Green Book update. While we await the detail, using place based analysis can help to show why investment matters and how it benefits our local communities. New for 2026 – Place based business cases Following...
New Directors appointed at AMION
AMION Consulting is delighted to announce the promotion of Matt Budd and Jonathan Guest to Directors. Their appointments reflect both their individual strengths and the organisation’s commitment to building leadership capacity across research, evaluation, policy and strategy. Strengthening our leadership team As AMION continues to grow and diversify,...
Homes England Design Quality Study: Strengthening the case with Homes England
AMION Consulting has been appointed by Homes England, through its Strategic Research, Economics and Evaluation Framework, to examine how the design of homes and neighbourhoods contributes to economic, financial and social value. Why design quality matters Across government, local authorities and the housing sector, there is growing recognition that...
60 seconds with Charlie Bircham!
You’ve just been awarded RICS Chartered Surveyor – what did that entail? Becoming Chartered with RICS has been a fulfilling journey. It’s not only about completing structured training and passing the final assessment; it’s also about demonstrating growth and professional development. The process requires several years of gaining experience, applying...