Providing independent and robust evaluation of public policy

The State in all its various guises has a real impact on business. We help our clients understand the impact of government policy on their businesses and the broader economy, and use research to support their efforts to improve public policy decisions.

• Demonstrating the effect on your industry of government policy

Case Study: Demonstrating the cost of the Working Time Directive on the haulage industry

With the UK’s opt out from European working time rules for hauliers due to expire, we helped the Road Haulage Association quantify the impact of the shorter working day on industry costs and performance.

• Informing government decisions

Case Study: Making sure quarry capacity meet the construction industry’s future needs

The government regulates strictly the number and size of quarries. To coincide with a review of these quotas, we helped the Quarry Products Association produce detailed and credible forecasts for demand for aggregates, and to demonstrate how the government’s aspirations for future economic growth require more liberal allowances.

• Evaluating proposed legislation

Case Study: The Enterprise Bill and the hidden costs of making insolvency easier

Our review of the enterprise bill demonstrated that the looser restrictions on bankrupts it contained would have hidden costs. We showed how even relatively small increases in the number of personal bankruptcies would lead to higher costs of credit for everyone. The findings of the research, completed at a late stage of the parliamentary process on behalf of the Finance and Leasing Association, influenced the legislation and its implementation.

• Assessing the economic impact of health and safety regulations

Case Study: Calculating the economic effects of classifying a chemical as hazardous

A major international chemical producer asked us to assess the impact on the European economy of the classification of one of its products as hazardous. We not only showed how many jobs depend on the industry, but also demonstrated how innovation, productivity and growth across Europe could be jeopardised by the reclassification of this basic raw material. Our research was used successfully in negotiations with the European Commission and member states.

• Using economics research as evidence in enquiries, tribunals and litigation

Case Study: Explaining the consequences of an incinerator on local regeneration

Lewes District Council commissioned us to review the local economic impact of plans by the county council to establish an ‘energy from waste’ incinerator in Newhaven. Evidence from elsewhere and our own research suggested that the task of regenerating this relatively deprived town may be made tougher by the presence of the proposed facility. We submitted our research in a proof of evidence to the planning enquiry as part of what became a formal objection to the waste local plan.

• Helping develop sound research methods to inform policy decisions

Case Study: Helping to count counterfeits in Europe

The European Commission asked us to develop for them a robust research methodology for national governments to use to measure the level of counterfeiting and piracy in a wide range of product markets. Counting Counterfeits: click to access report (on pdf).

• Providing regular analysis of government policy in the UK and abroad

Case Study: Helping our clients stay up-to-date through regular reports and briefings

Our publications and briefings provide up-to-the-minute analysis of the impact of fiscal, monetary, industrial and trade policy on businesses worldwide. Publications: click to find out more.