Specialisms
I specialise in the following areas:
- Economic Regeneration
Kevin is an Independent Economic Advisor with nearly 20 years’ experience delivering economic projects for public and private sector clients. His work focuses on economic strategy and analysis, and on building the case for investment in locally significant projects. He works across a wide range of themes relating to economic growth in places, including businesses and sectors, labour market and skills, housing, commercial development, innovation, infrastructure, net zero, and health.
He has extensive experience working with both local and central government to support and promote economic development. Kevin has also worked on behalf of a range of other organisations and anchor institutions, including research councils, universities, business representative organisations, investors and developers, and NHS Trusts.
Key Strengths/Area of Expertise
- Place-based analytics and data
- Policy development
- Economic strategy
- Economic impact assessment
- HMT Green Book business cases
- Engaging senior stakeholders
Professional Qualifications
- BSc Economic & International Development (Hons), University of Bath
- Better Business Case Practitioner certified
Testimonials/Case Studies:
Gerard McCleave – Corporate Director: Inclusive Growth, Luton Council:
In the context of developing a devolution proposal for Government, Kevin supported us to undertake the first economic analysis of our proposed devolved area. This work helped us develop a robust, evidence-based narrative of the rationale for our devolution submission. Kevin produced the report quickly in a fast-moving period, which has helped inform our discussions as partners, and with Government.
Alan Pease – Principal and Chief Executive Officer, New Suffolk College:
I first met Kevin at The Suffolk Convention convened by the Suffolk Chamber of Commerce. Kevin was presenting and I was struck by his knowledge of the local and regional economy. I therefore decided to commission Kevin to work with me on the new Strategic Vision for Suffolk New College.
Kevin took the time to understand what I was hoping to achieve from the process. He provided excellent support and guidance, which ultimately helped to shape my Vision document. He provided support with the contextual statement at the start of the Vision, as well as detail around the growth sectors in the region, with specific detail around future workforce requirements, which is helping to shape curriculum planning for my college. Kevin’s biggest contribution was in providing comprehensive and detailed Labour Market Information, including context around the productivity challenge, long-term employment opportunities, and challenges in the further education sector as a result of changing government policy.
Kevin was then generous with his time in supporting the launch of the Vision document, presenting his findings at a Board Strategy Day, impressing the Governors of the College Corporation with his knowledge and insights.
I plan to use Kevin again in the future and recommend him highly.
Notable Achievements/Value Added
- Fellow of the Local Policy Innovation Partnership (LPIP) Hub run by the University of Birmingham on behalf of the Economic & Social Research Council.
- Supported a successful economic development consultancy to grow from early phase start-up to established sector leader.
- Founded Evidence First to support local government and wider place-focussed organisations.
- Have led and supported successful funding bids worth £300m+
- Led the development of the proposals for the Northern Evidence Network, to improve policymaking and evidence-based decision making in the North.
- Led the development of local economic vulnerability analysis for MHCLG as part of their response to the initial outbreak of Covid-19.
Relevant Sector Knowledge
- Economic analysis, policy and strategy
- Economic impact assessment, funding bids, and HMT Green Book business cases
- Innovation policy and strategy
- Housing analysis and policy
- Net Zero analysis and policy
LGR Experience & Expertise
Kevin has supported places to develop devolution proposals and undertake functional economic market area (FEMA) analysis that supports devolution and LGR.