AMION appointed to evaluate Forest of Dean Levelling Up Fund scheme
AMION have been appointed to carry out an evaluation of the Forest of Dean District Council’s Levelling Up Fund scheme. We will be carrying out a baseline review this year with interim and final evaluations following in the next two years. AMION are leading a team which also includes Focus Consultants and Spirul. In 2021 the Council secured £20 million of Levelling Up Fund support to improve leisure and community facilities, repurpose vacant buildings and grow the local economy across the area. The scheme focuses on three projects: a new Enterprise Learning Centre at Hartpury University, a new leisure centre and community hub at Five Acres and the regeneration of Cinderford Town Centre. AMION are also currently evaluating Canterbury’s Levelling Up Fund scheme. If you would like to enquire about AMION’s capabilities and relevant experience with regard to evaluating Levelling Up Fund or similar schemes, please contact either Brenda Graham (brendagraham@amion.co.uk) or Tim Sullivan (timsullivan@amion.co.uk).
AMION evaluating two Innovate UK Business Growth projects
AMION are currently evaluating two projects funded by Innovate UK Business Growth. The first is the Design for Growth project being delivered by Magnetic. AMION are carrying out an interim evaluation of the project, having previously carried out an evaluation of the pilot project. Design for Growth provides support to SMEs in relation to improving a broad range of design-related issues such as product design, website design and branding. The other is the Invest-Ability Pathway being delivered by Newable. As with Design for Growth, AMION also carried out the evaluation of the pilot initiative. The Invest-Ability Pathway supports businesses looking to attract investment by providing support in preparing investment pitches and in practicing their pitches to a panel of investors for constructive feedback.
AMION appointed to Centre for Process Innovation Economist Framework
AMION have been appointed to Lot 2 of the CPI’s Economist Framework. CPI is part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult and brings together academia, businesses, government and investors to translate bright ideas and research into the marketplace. Lot 2 of the Framework relates to evaluations and will provide us with opportunities to build on our extensive experience of evaluating innovation projects and programmes. This experience includes evaluations for a wide range of clients such as universities (for example, Lancaster University, Imperial College London, University of East London, Warwick University, Loughborough University and Liverpool University), sector support bodies (such as NIAB and BioCity) and other organisations such as Newable and Magnetic.
AMION Consulting have been appointed to lead the evaluation of the “Cultural Pillar” of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund (CWGLEF).
AMION Consulting have been appointed to lead the evaluation of the “Cultural Pillar” of the Commonwealth Games Legacy Enhancement Fund (CWGLEF). CWGLEF is a £70 million fund delivered by the West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) to build on the legacy of the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth Games. The Cultural Pillar has been allocated £4.1 million, and the programme runs until March 2025, with activities including grants for Cultural and Heritage Action Zones, artistic commissions, business support schemes, and skills and training opportunities. The commission will inform the WMCA’s Culture departments’ future activities and meet reporting requirements to DCMS on the delivery of the fund. If you have any questions on this assignment, please contact Matthew Budd (07548 632 323 / matthewbudd@amion.co.uk)
AMION Consulting has been appointed to the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Business Case Development
AMION Consulting has been appointed to the Dynamic Purchasing System (DPS) for Business Case Development for the University of Newcastle – trading as Newcastle University acting in its own right – and on behalf of the University of Durham, the University of Sunderland and the University of Northumbria. The DPS responds to funding calls from the government including Industrial Strategy Challenge Funds, Regional and Local Growth Funds, and devolved funds to the region. It helps the universities undertake tasks to assist preparing applications for funding. A key requirement is an understanding of “HM Treasury Green Book” Business Cases and their component parts. Please contact Simon Dancer for further information (simondancer@amion.co.uk / 07557 501781)
AMION joins the Institute of Economic Development
AMION has taken another significant step forward in our commitment to excellence in economic development! We are proud to share that AMION has formally joined the prestigious Institute of Economic Development (IED), reinforcing our position as leaders in the field. The IED stands as the foremost professional body representing economic development and regeneration practitioners nationwide. As members, we embrace a culture of continuous learning and improvement, committing to complete 40 hours of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) over a two-year period to maintain our accreditation. Our decision to pursue organizational membership with the IED underscores our dedication to upholding the highest standards in economic development. We’re excited about the opportunities this partnership brings, as we continue to push boundaries, drive positive change, and deliver exceptional results for our clients and communities.
AMION inspiring the next generation of economists
In January three of our consultants, Greg Hunt, Tim Sullivan and Ivy Tagoe delivered a talk to A level students at Winstanley College near Wigan. We discussed the work of AMION including examples of the regeneration projects we have worked on and how these projects have delivered benefits to local economies and local communities. The students were fully engaged and enjoyed participating in discussions about the potential impacts of various projects. We also discussed careers in economic consultancy and provided students with details of the types of skills needed and suitable degree subjects. AMION will also welcome a student from the College on a week-long work placement in February and we are looking forward to working with more students from the College in future.
AMION appointed to Blackpool Economics Panel
AMION Consulting has been selected to join the Blackpool Council Framework Panel for the Provision of Economic Consultancy Services. AMION has previously worked with the Blackpool Town Board and Blackpool Council to prepare their Town Investment Plan, and is delighted to have been chosen for their Economics Panel. Blackpool Council has exciting regeneration plans, and AMION hope to assist with these ambitions. The Panel selection was from open procurement and runs for two years For further information, please contact Graham Russell email: grahamrussell@amion.co.uk Tel: 07940 540260
Another Landmark for AMION
Research and analysis: The additionality of housing supply interventions The Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC) has published AMION’s landmark study on housing. This study evaluated the extent to which public sector investment in the housing market produced benefits for the targeted area (otherwise known as “additionality”). Released in parallel with the new DLUHC Appraisal Guide, the findings of this technical work are expected to be a key reference point for the appraisal of housing projects going forward. The insights gained from this study will improve the accuracy of economic assumptions, providing insights that will help overcome barriers that prevent housebuilding. AMION is proud to have been part of this crucial work. The additionality of housing supply interventions – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
AMION looks to build on £378 million of Levelling Up Funds secured
AMION Consulting understands that government is going to announce the third round of the Levelling Up Fund during March’s Budget Statement. As this is the final round of LUF, with £1 billion still available – interest is likely to be strong from applicants. Having supported bids which secured £378 million of LUF grant from previous rounds, AMION is well positioned to advise on Round 3 submissions. Just a few AMION LUF success stories £16.5 million to make town centre improvements in Kimberley, including transforming the Bennerley Viaduct, creating step-free access to the viaduct and boosting the cycle path network in the region. Lower Swansea Valley secured £20 million to regenerate three industry heritage sites, including new shops, restaurants and market places, and a major upgrade to Swansea Museum. £20 million of funding for the restoration of Haigh Hall in Wigan, which will make a site a popular destination for culture, community, events and hospitality. Ashbourne Reborn project in the Derbyshire Dales to transform the town centre was booted by £13.3 million In East Anglia, £20 million was granted to fund local regeneration of a Riverside Gateway in Great Yarmouth Twycross Zoo was awarded £20 million to fund a new science and conservation centre in Warwickshire If you would like further information on how we can support you to secure your bid, please contact email info@amion.co.uk
AMION helps to secure £215 million of Levelling Up funds
The government has announced the second round of successful Levelling Up Fund (LUF) bids across the country. In total, £2.1 billion of government funding has been announced for 111 successful applications from 525 total bids. Building on successes in Round 1, AMION Consulting has further cemented its status as market-leaders in competitive funding rounds, having helped to secure £215 million of LUF grant to support nationwide projects. Highlights include AMION securing £20 million for the local regeneration of a Riverside Gateway in Great Yarmouth. In South East Lincolnshire, AMION led on three successful bids – £14.8 million for Rosegarth Square (a new urban park in Boston); £20 million for a new Health and Wellbeing Hub in Spalding; and £8.1 million to revive three at-risk heritage and cultural sites in Lincolnshire Wolds. AMION also helped to secure £20 million of funding for the restoration of Haigh Hall in Wigan, which will make the site a popular destination for culture, community, events and hospitality. Government has also allocated monies for a third round of Levelling Up, with dates yet to be confirmed. Further details can be obtained from Simon Dancer, AMION Consulting on simondancer@amion.co.uk
A new service offered by AMION Consulting – Transport Economics
AMION has substantial expertise in the field of transport economics. We have a detailed understanding of DfT Transport Analysis Guidance (TAG), and regularly apply this in making the case for a wide variety of different projects and programmes. Our experience includes economic appraisals, business cases, funding applications and evaluations for road, public transport and active travel schemes, as well as development focussed projects that may have a transport component or transport impact that should be captured as part of a broader economic appraisal. We are able to work collaboratively with transport planners and modellers, advising on inputs that are required to inform an economic analysis.