Meet the Team

Drawing on 20 years of economic consultancy experience, Simon heads up GC Insight. He provides specialist advice to our project teams and clients, with a focus on business competitiveness, skills, tourism/culture, sectors, digital and innovation.

His exceptional project management skills have seen him direct a large number of evaluation and appraisal projects, assess the impact of economic growth interventions, and provide practical input on the design of new solutions to address economic development priorities. Simon has experience in both the UK and Canada of working with clients to develop economic strategy and investment plans to boost growth for local places and priority sectors.

Project Examples:

Barrow in Furness Proposition – Cumbria County Council 

Warwickshire Business Support Review – Warwickshire County Council 

Richard is an economic development leader, skilled in business growth, international trade and investment, business planning, strategic planning, business development and funding. 
He is leading the national expansion of The Growth Company’s support services, providing advisory services to local areas, government departments and private partners on how best to design and deliver business growth programmes. 
 
Richard received the Public and Third Sector Director of the Year award from the Institute of Directors (North West) in 2018, is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts (FRSA) and holds an Associateship of the Textile Institute (CText ATI). 

Project Examples

Review of Business Support in Warwickshire - Warwickshire County Council (Special Advisor) 

Be the Business Mentoring for Growth Programme (SRO) 

Kirsten has worked in the economic development and regeneration sector for over 20 years, delivering contracts for both public and private sector clients.  

As Managing Director of ekosgen, she collaborates closely with clients to develop investment propositions, understand the needs of local areas, and assess the effectiveness and impact of programmes of activity. Internally, she manages the day-to-day operations of ekosgen, including HR.  

Kirsten’s recent workload has focused on preparing Green Book (and fund specific) business cases to secure investment; undertaking project and programme evaluations; and supporting clients to prioritise programmes of investment and ensure compliance with funder requirements.  

Project Examples

Energy House 2.0 Evaluation – University of Salford  

Community Renewal Fund Investment Prioritisation – Blackpool Council  

Translational Energy Research Centre Summative Assessment – University of Sheffield 

Now Managing Director of Winning Moves, following four years as Chief Operations Officer, Debs is an experienced and effective business manager.  

She oversees strategy and business performance, ensuring our client’s needs are fully met and that we recruit and retain a culturally committed, accountable, skilled and flexible workforce.  

Debs has operated in the research and evaluation industry since 2002. Her experience includes leading a senior team as Chief Executive, directing strategy towards profitable growth and operation. And she has also supported clients across a comprehensive range of policy areas in roles ranging from researcher to consultant and project manager. 

Project Examples

Purpose Built Flats Research – WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) 
Home Renewables Advice Service evaluation – Energy Saving Trust 
Budget Planner evaluation – Money Advice Service 

Abbie has a proven track record across a range of projects for local and national government clients. She provides dedicated support on planning, coordination, delivery and research, helping to ensure that our clients get the advice they need to operate more effectively and respond to changing circumstances.

Passionate about communication and process management, Abbie previously worked as an ERDF Grant Coordinator, specialising in supporting SMEs affected by COVID-19.

She graduated from Durham University in 2017 with First Class honours in Archaeology, in which attention to detail and the strongest analytical skills were paramount. Her dissertation focused on the methodology of measuring public engagement in online crowdsourcing projects.

Project Examples:

Staffordshire Education and Skills Programmes for Enterprise – Staffordshire County Council

Warwickshire County Council Business Support Review – Warwickshire County Council

Aakash has developed a strong track record in undertaking socio-economic analysis, impact assessments, business cases, and evidence-based research and insights. 

Prior to joining us he worked for Continuum Economics while earning a BSc in Economics and International Development from the University of Bath.  

With experience across the research process, covering varying strategies, applying quantitative methods and analysis to effectively address various projects, Aakash is a skilled researcher who is firmly motivated by delivering a positive impact to clients  and local businesses.  

Project Examples:

• Barnsley Metrodome Socio-Economic Impact Assessment 
• Tate Store Economic Business Case Support 
• Westferry Environmental Statement Chapter and Environmental Impact Assessment

Alicia is an experienced research and evaluation consultant, accomplished in designing and delivering programmes of research and evaluation for central government departments and their agencies.  
 
She offers a blended skill set that combines analytical expertise with qualitative research experience, enabling her to design and lead effective, large scale, mixed method studies.  
 
Her work is delivered with an excellent eye for detail and a determination to ensure methods, analysis and outputs are transparent and defensible. Alicia builds strong, lasting relationships with clients, based on a hands-on approach to project delivery combined with a genuine desire to have a positive impact on society.   

Project Examples

National Evaluation of English ERDF Programme 2014-20 - Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities  

Evaluation of the Peer Network Programme, Department of Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy  

Impact evaluation and cost benefit analyses – WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme)  

Amanda is an experienced researcher with a strong track record in designing and delivering research and evaluation for local and central government agencies.  
Her qualitative expertise and extensive practical quantitative research experience enables Amanda to lead effective qualitative and mixed-method studies.  
 
She has particular strengths in analysing and interpreting structured and unstructured evidence from qualitative research to provide depth of insight to clients.  
 
Amanda is also skilled at developing methodologies that put participants at ease, including those who are vulnerable, ensuring the approaches used are inclusive and capture valid insights. A strong communicator and project manager, Amanda offers her clients a high level of confidence in delivery plans.  

Project Examples

Research into Recycling in Purpose Built Flats – ReLondon 
Evaluation of the Growth Programme – Buckinghamshire Business First  
Skills for Inclusive Digital Participation (SIDP) Project Monitoring, Evaluation and Learning – British Council 

Amarilis has over five years of experience in economic consultancy and a strong record of conducting economic impact assessments and evaluations on a wide range of sectors – including SMEs, housing, construction, education and rural development.

Her skills include undertaking desk-based reviews, consultations, data collection and data analysis to inform the formulation of policy recommendations.

Since joining the team in early-2023, Amarilis has played important roles in analysing local intelligence relating to the local skills ecosystem, sector analyses, and preparing reports and dashboards to inform the development of economic and skills strategies.

Project Examples

Cheshire and Warrington Local Skills Improvement Plan research – South Cheshire Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Hull and East Yorkshire Employer Skills Survey – HEY LEP

Hull and East Yorkshire State of the Economy Update – HEY LEP

Amy is a chartered environmentalist with two decades’ experience working with the businesses at the heart of the net zero transition, and is a passionate advocate for the green technologies and services sector with buyers, local decision-makers and national policy-makers. 
She and her team have established Green Economy to improve the competitiveness of the supply chain, overcome the market failures that prevent uptake of low carbon technology and promote the businesses playing a key role in delivering the UK’s net zero ambition. 
With an MSc in Environmental Monitoring, Modelling and Reconstruction, Amy has a deep understanding of the technologies that make up the industry, the legislation that affects it, and the businesses and people at its core. 

Project Examples:

Local Government Association – Identifying and Promoting green growth opportunities 

GMCA – The Potential of the low carbon sector in Greater Manchester 

ERDF/DCLG – Green Technologies and Services programme delivery 

Anna joined GC Insight in 2023, having previously held social research roles in a large commercial research agency and a children’s charity. Her research career has built on her previous academic training in quantitative techniques and mixed-methods designs.

Anna has experience of working on several high-profile research and evaluation projects for international third-sector clients and UK and EU government-funded bodies, where she led key aspects of the survey methodology, including the design of nationally representative samples. She has also designed quasi-experimental approaches for impact evaluation and has been responsible for the training and coordination of numerous overseas research partners. Although Anna’s primary expertise lies in quantitative research, she combines this with considerable practical experience conducting qualitative fieldwork.

One of Anna’s particular strengths is her adaptability as a researcher. Having spent many years working on research projects in countries with challenging political and social contexts, she is accustomed to dealing with uncertainty and change. Where circumstances demand a revised approach, she can respond quickly and provide creative solutions that maintain methodological rigour.

Ben is highly skilled at working with individual businesses, as well as collaboratively with multiple stakeholders across sectors and clusters to co-create strategy and action plans.

Possessing a rare ability to synthesise disciplines – technical, creative and commercial – his wealth of experience spans 20 years of driving transformational change. Previously, he has held senior roles in the green technology sector, in addition to working at the heart of the UK’s innovation ecosystem – helping to inform funding and policy for sustainability and manufacturing, and delivering UK-wide programmes.

An RSA Fellow, Ben also sits on various steering groups, including for the Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs.

Project Examples:

Bee Net Zero

Journey to Net Zero Boost

Support for Net Zero

Carolyn has worked in economic development for over 15 years. She is a skilled project manager with extensive experience of collaborating with clients to develop, prioritise and evaluate projects relating to business growth and competitiveness, innovation, town centres, culture and education.

She specialises in impact assessment and the development of business cases to help clients to secure funding, and routinely undertakes appraisals to inform sub regional investment decisions that will deliver benefits for local communities and economies.

Her evaluation experience covers both project and programme level assessments, identifying what has worked well and why, as well as lessons and recommendations for ongoing delivery or future projects.

Project Examples:

Harworth Impact Assessment 

UCLAN Impact Assessment and ERDF Summative Assessments

Catherine has a 20-year track record of working on social research and evaluation studies for central government departments, other public sector bodies, and third sector organisations. 

 
Her experience with us covers all aspects of applied social research, including defining a research method, sampling, research design and data analysis. Catherine is a highly skilled qualitative researcher, with particular expertise in recruiting for, and conducting, in-depth face to face and telephone interviews.  

She is quickly and competently able to build rapport with respondents, including householders, small businesses and public sector organisations, obtaining full and honest answers to probing areas of questioning.  

Project Examples

Research into Energy Ratings for non-domestic buildings – Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 

English and Digital for Girls’ Education (EDGE) programme Results Framework – British Council

 
Specialist Advice and Renewables Evaluation – Energy Saving Trust 

Chris has worked in economic development for six years, with four years in consultancy. In his time as a consultant, Chris has primarily focused on strategy and place-making with a specific niche around data analysis and data presentation in infographic led reports and interactive data dashboards.

Chris has helped clients to ensure their plans and strategies are grounded in meaningful and understandable evidence. Alongside work in strategy and placemaking Chris has also taken part in a range of evaluations focusing on business support where his roles have ranged from data analysis through to consultee and stakeholder engagement and feedback collection.

Project Examples

Greenwich Economic Strategy – Royal Borough of Greenwich 

Greater Manchester Review of Tourism Sector – Marketing Manchester

Watford Economic Dashboard update – Watford Borough Council

Chris works with national government departments and organisations to support the creation of collaborations, regionally, nationally, and internationally. He works with public and private partners to design and deliver business growth programmes.  

With an in-depth knowledge and experience of innovation, particularly product design and development, he has delivered more than £43million of regional innovation programmes in collaboration with universities, including £6million focused on international Health and Life Science networks.  

Chris was previously a founding member of the team that established GC Business Growth Hub in 2011, transforming it into a £20million per annum business with a team of more than 200 that has helped over 12,000 entrepreneurs either start, grow or scale operations globally. 

Project Examples:

Warwickshire County Council Business Support Review – Warwickshire County Council (Senior consultant) 
 
Coordination support for the Growth Hub Network across England.  
 
National Peer Networks Programme (Design, development and mobilisation) 

Drawing on over 25 years of experience, Colin has built his career leading the creation, development and transformation of private and public sector economic development organisations and programmes.  
 
Colin has an incredible sense of determination to make things happen, whilst trying to have a positive impact on the world. He does this by keeping things simple – even when he’s in a space that is overwhelmingly complex, he makes sense of it and talks about it in a way that people can relate.  
 
He recently co-edited Entrepreneurial Place Leadership: Negotiating the Entrepreneurial Landscape, part of the Contemporary Issues in Entrepreneurship Research book series from the Institute for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. 

Project Examples

Great 200 Leaders – Birmingham City Council 
North East Growth Hub – North East LEP 
Digital Tech Cumbria – Allerdale Borough Council  

Daniel is an economist specialising in impact assessments and economic appraisal.

He has developed business cases that have unlocked significant investment to support local and national growth. This has included investment to enable the delivery of new homes, assist the diversification and renewal of town centres, and create new cultural facilities.

He also works with funding bodies to appraise applications and advise on how best to maximise the impact of their available resources.

Building on detailed local economic analysis and stakeholder consultation, Daniel regularly advises local areas and sub-regions on planning for growth, and has overseen the development of local economic strategies and town investment plans.

Project Examples:

Levelling Up Fund – Derby Theatre

Crewe Towns Fund Appraisals

Sheffield Economic Evidence Base

Doros has been lead analyst on numerous high-profile research and evaluation projects on behalf of government departments, agencies, regulators and the organisations they fund. 

  
While Doros has far-reaching knowledge across research and evaluation methodologies, his particular expertise lies in the field of quantitative research, undertaking advanced data analysis and applying it to impact and economic evaluations.  

Despite the technical nature of much of his work, he is able to explain concepts in a clear, accessible and meaningful way. Doros also collaborates closely with our consultants, advising them on methodological issues and making sure that the research and evaluation is based upon a thorough analytical perspective.  

Project Examples

Evaluation of Adult Education Budget (AEB) – West Midlands Combined Authority 
Mid-term evaluation of the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge – UKRI 
Evaluation of Climate Change Agreements – Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 
  

Esther has a strong track record in undertaking socio-economic analysis, impact assessment, business case, appraisal and evaluation commissions. Her substantial experience includes large-scale data analysis to profile local economies and sectors, along with measuring the value of publicly funded programmes through survey, consultation and data analysis.

She has successfully deployed her socio-economic impact assessment skillset on a wide range of property, housing, culture, leisure, place and business competitiveness projects. Esther has a detailed understanding of the Green Book process and is skilled in building the evidence base needed to support business case submissions.

Project Examples:

Manchester Culture In the City Levelling Up Fund Business Case Support, Manchester City Council

Brexit and Covid-19: An Economic Impact Assessment for Trafford, Trafford Council

Northern Health Science Alliance A Northern Powerhouse Proposition for Health and Life Sciences, NHSA and NP11

Francisco joined the team following a strong multidisciplinary education and roles in commercial and academic research environments. He has experience across all elements of the research and evaluation project lifecycle: developing methodologies, primary and secondary data collection, data analysis and report preparation.  
 
Boasting particularly strong data analysis skills, Francisco is comfortable preparing and processing large volumes of both structured and unstructured data for scrutiny. He has rigorous attention to detail and works with a transparent and systematic approach.   

Project Examples

National Evaluation of English ERDF Programme 2014-20 - Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities  

Evaluation of the Green Homes Grant Skills Training Competition – Midlands Net Zero Hub  

Consultation on Devolved Institutions - Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy  

Since joining GC Insight, Harry has worked on a broad range of projects in a number of key areas such as healthcare, childcare and education.

Studying Criminology up to masters level at the University of Edinburgh, Harry has experience with a broad range of research skills, including drug policy.   

Harry’s main interests lie in economic development and urban planning, and has worked on projects in those fields since joining us.  

He is continuing to adapt and develop new research and consultancy skills as he looks to grow and develop within the company.

• Cash First Learning and Evaluation - Independent Evaluation (Scottish Government)
• Provision of Rural Childcare Research and Model Review (Aberdeenshire Council)
• Learning Needs Analysis Specialist Healthcare Built Environment (NHS Education Scotland)
• Regional Transformational Opportunities in the Highlands and Islands (Highlands and Islands Enterprise)
• SPCA Impact Assessment to Contribute to Business Case (Scottish SPCA) 

Holly’s academic background in psychology has set her up with a strong foundation for research and evaluation. With skills in quantitative and qualitative methods, she has experience across the project life cycle, including interviewing, analysis and reporting, and project management.  

She has worked within several policy areas, ranging from education to international trade and decarbonisation. Holly also has a keen interest in psychological and behavioural mechanisms, which she strives to apply in all aspects of work, making her a versatile, well-rounded member of the team.  

Project Examples

Monitoring and Evaluation of European Structural and Investment Fund (ESIF) projects – Department of International Trade 

Evaluation of Adult Education Budget – West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA) 

Longitudinal Report Approach Development – Energy Systems Catapult 

Ines joined GC Insight after graduating from the University of Manchester with a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics. She brings experience analysing large numerical data sets to produce original research as well as working with original qualitive data. She has well-developed skills in data visualisation and  a strong understanding of software such as QGIS and Power BI.

She has contributed to projects involving Social and Economic Impact Assessments, Economic Benefit Statements, Local Economic Strategies, Evaluation and Land Employment Reviews, Equality Impact Assessments and have supported on Economic Business Cases.

Project Examples:

• Central Bedfordshire All Age Skills Strategy EqIA (Central Bedfordshire Council)
• Theatre Royal Margate Economic Impact Assessment (Thanet District Council)
• Meadows Shopping Centre Socio-Economic and Health ES Inputs (Dominus Real Estate)

Jack is a thorough researcher, and since joining the team in September 2022 has already played a key role in projects spanning economic strategy, net zero, tourism, digital, and healthcare.

Holding a strong interest in economics, regional development and sociology, he is passionate about investigating the localised impacts of broader fiscal strategies and policies.  

His exceptional critical thinking and analytical reading and writing skills were honed while studying philosophy at the University of Glasgow, where he graduated with First-Class Honours.

Jack is currently undertaking training in geographical information system mapping (QGIS) and data visualisation (Power BI), as he looks to further develop his skills.

Project Examples:

City and Regional Economic Strategy Review for Scottish Cities Alliance 

Evidence-based Assessment of Skills Demand to Support Sectors of Importance to the Transition to Net Zero for Skills Development Scotland 

Review of Digital Capabilities within the Adult Social Care Workforce in Scotland for Scottish Social Services Council 

John is a highly skilled consultant with a formidable history of designing and delivering research and evaluation programmes for central government departments and their agencies. 

With an extensive experience of the full range of applicable methods, he designs and leads studies using both traditional and innovative approaches.  

John’s ability to synthesise large volumes of structured and unstructured evidence into a coherent and compelling narrative is complemented by his talent for effective dissemination, via reports, presentations, workshops, case studies and infographics. He also draws on expertise in both qualitative interviewing and focus group moderation. 

Project Examples

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formerly part of BEIS) - Evaluation of the Supply Chain Demonstrator Scheme: 2019 – 2021  

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formerly part of BEIS) - Evaluation of the Green Homes Grant Skills Training Competition: 2021 

Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (formerly part of BEIS) - Evaluation of Phases 1-3 of the Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme and Low Carbon Skills Fund: 2020 – present 

Justin is perfectly positioned to provide strategic insight on business and place-based economy, having 20 years’ experience in local economic development.

His senior roles in local government have included leading on economic analysis and strategic thinking for over 10 years – developing the evidence base and narrative for strategic economic growth areas.

He has managed and delivered multiple pieces of economic consultancy, and his expertise spans the full breadth of economic development.

Justin holds a PhD in political economy and public policy from the University of Sheffield, and is currently an Honorary Industry Fellow at the University of Salford.

Project Examples:

Framework to Guide Local Authority Capital Investment in the Transition to Net Zero – Local Partnerships, March 2022

Sale Town Centre, Levelling Up bid – Trafford Council, Summer 2022

Holt Town Baseline Review and Economic Vision – Manchester City Council

Karl is an experienced researcher, consultant and director, having led more than 100 research and evaluation contracts for central and local government clients in the UK.   

He has an excellent theoretical understanding of research and evaluation methods, along with vast experience of putting these into practice, enabling him to advise on, design and lead effective studies using both traditional and innovative approaches.   

Karl works with an uncompromising approach to quality, and strives to ensure methods, analysis and outputs offer maximum value and insight. As a director, Karl also takes overall responsibility for service improvement and staff development at Winning Moves. 

Project Examples

Evaluation of reforms to the Renewable Heat Incentive – Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy 

Impact evaluation and Cost-Benefit Analyses – WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) 

Mid-term evaluation of the Smart Sustainable Plastic Packaging Challenge (SSPP) – UKRI 

Kate is an experienced Project Coordinator who thrives on being involved in projects from inception through to completion, with clients appreciating her flexible nature and prompt resolutions.  

She is an integral part of our consulting and software development, responsible for testing new pieces of software (it’s up to Kate to try as best as she can to ‘break’ them!) and reviewing the quality of many of our existing products, providing user support and ensuring a fantastic end user experience.  

This has given her a firm understanding of technology and an appreciation of what it can do help business productivity and growth.   

Project Examples

Digital Maturity Assessment BEIS, Innovate UK, Kingston Upon Hull City Council, Allerdale District Council  

Cork Institute of Technology Scale Up Benchmarking & Diagnostic Tool  

Brexit & EU Exit Diagnostics – Enterprise Ireland, Welsh Government, Invest NI, Sheffield City Region Growth Hub, Solent LEP  

FTSE350 Cyber Security Governance research – DCMS 

With 20 years’ green economy experience, Katherine brings a deep understanding of the sector and the effective mechanisms and interventions for growth. 
 
She has been responsible for delivering multi-million pound support programmes, working with places and business to remove the barriers linked to low or slow adoption of green technologies, and increase the visibility and competitiveness of the sector. 
 
Katherine is perfectly placed to provide intelligence on local green economies – to inform economic development planning, and shape responses to climate change and biodiversity crises, net zero targets and the successful transition to a more sustainable economy. 

Project Examples

Local Government Association – Identifying and Promoting green growth opportunities 

GMCA – The Potential of the low carbon sector in Greater Manchester 

ERDF/DCLG – Green Technologies and Services programme delivery  

Laura is a policy economist with over seven years’ experience in central Government, including DLUHC, DfT and DfE. She joined Ekosgen in 2023, bringing expert insight on Government’s priorities, processes and working practises to projects.

She is highly experienced in appraisal, business cases and assessing economic impacts, with particular knowledge in cross-cutting local growth policy, housing and skills. In her time in government, Laura designed high-profile national programmes and their funding processes, including assessing hundreds of funding bids. She uses this experience to advise and guide clients on how to position projects and to maximise the likelihood of securing funding.

Project Examples

Business Cases for Tate Liverpool and National Museums Liverpool

Local Evaluation Framework for Cambridge and Peterborough Combined Authority

‘Passported’ business cases to access government funding, such as Housing Deals, Land Assembly Fund and Garden Communities when in DLUHC

Lauren is an experienced economic development and regeneration advisor, drawing on over 20 years of consultancy experience in the UK and overseas to provide robust research and sound analysis.

She informs strategic decision-making in the fields of economic development, regeneration and strategic planning, and helps clients to secure transformational investment to support levelling up and inward investment ambitions.

Her areas of specialism include economic, regeneration and placemaking strategies; socio-economic assessments; labour market research and strategy; business competitiveness and sector strategies; strategic land use planning; public policy research and evaluation; and project and business case development.

Project Examples

Borderlands Town Investment Plans – Cumbria County Council 

Strategic Narrative for Gateshead – Gateshead Council 

HEY State of the Economy Update – HEY LEP

Lee is Commercial Manager based in our Glasgow head office.  Lee has worked with the company since it was founded in 2002, and manages the Finance and HR functions of the company across the UK.  
 
Lee is also responsible for the development and effective delivery of the company’s IT systems and supports the planning and implementation of all internal and external marketing communications activity.  

After initially working as a telephone researcher, Luke joined the team in January 2022. Coming from a customer service and retail management background, he has extensive experience in effective recruitment and team building that he applies to bringing talented researchers on board.  

He takes a hands-on approach to field management and motivating researchers, guaranteeing that projects are carried out to the highest levels of quality and compliance, and are delivered on target. He also aims to ensure that researchers find their roles to be enjoyable and rewarding. 

Luke is also actively involved in ongoing project work, conducting – and recruiting for – a range of quantitative and qualitive interviews. 

Project Examples

Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme evaluation (PSDS) - BEIS 
National European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) - DLUHC 
Non-Domestic Building Survey (NDBS) - BEIS 

Luke has a strong track record in conducting economic analysis and evaluation commissions. His experience includes large-scale data analysis to profile local economies and sectors, helping improve clients’ grasp of the issues facing people, places and businesses. 
 
Alongside this, Luke is equally passionate about measuring the value of publicly funded activities through survey, interviews and data analytics. He has successfully deployed this evaluation skillset to assess numerous programmes, regularly carrying out interviews with beneficiaries and capturing the benefits that clients are generating. 
 
Luke has recently begun to incorporate QGIS software into his range of support. 

Project Examples

Bridging the Gap Evaluation – University of Manchester 

HOME Annual Socio-Economic Impact Assessment 2021-22 – HOME  

Good Jobs Project CRF Evaluation – The Growth Company 

Lydia has strong project management skills within economic development, business support and the commercial sector, with several years’ experience of leading projects from ideation stage, through to full delivery and evaluation.

She has played a key role in multiple initiatives to stimulate growth in sectors, places and businesses through specialised programmes to deliver change – supporting the development of strategic priorities, measurement of performance and impact assessment.

A passionate communicator, Lydia is driven by a collaborative approach to ensuring clients are best-placed to deliver their priorities and enhance their impact on the world around us.

Project Examples:

Situational Report – Stoke and Staffordshire LEP

Start-up and Step-up Programmes Insight & Strategy Report - Staffordshire County Council

Review of ERDF Business Support Programmes – South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority

Maddison is an experienced project manager who possesses proven skills in delivering multiple programmes and managing both public and private sector projects.  
 
With a background in the SME community, Maddison demonstrates a clear understanding of the challenges they face and draws on her know-how to ensure projects deliver the optimal return for the companies engaged.   
 
Maddison exhibits exemplary engagement with all stakeholders and ensures meticulous record keeping. She is confident and diligent in her approach, yet friendly and approachable to all.  
 
PRINCE2 qualified, she is currently working towards a Level 7 Degree in Senior Leadership in Business plus MBA. 

Project Examples

SME digital support programme and Digital Transformation in Advanced Manufacturing project – Worcestershire Elevate  

SME Digital Adoption – Digital Cheshire  

Supply Chain Resilience programme pilot – InterTrade Ireland  

Margaret has over 20 years of professional experience working for both private and public sector clients. She specialises in managing large scale research studies including economic impact studies, strategies, masterplans, sector studies and broader economic development research as well as evaluation projects.

Margaret works extensively with the private sector, providing economic advice to support development and influence delivery. She regularly helps to make the case for planning approvals, working on economic and social impact assessments, social and community infrastructure assessments, employment land studies and health impact assessments. She has often acted as an expert witness in this regard.

Project Examples

Inclusive Economy Strategy, Royal Borough of Greenwich

Economic and Social Impact Assessment, Oxford United Football Club (OUFC)

London Docks Socio-economic ES Chapter and Health Impact Assessment (HIA)

Mark is an experienced business consultant, having played a variety of roles in the development of Winning Moves since leaving the world of finance in 1999.  

As Director of Performance Improvement Services, Mark’s work has included developing and managing numerous best practice, innovation and enterprise development programmes in the UK and overseas, including driving the creation of more than 40 benchmark centres around the world.  

He also has a passion for working directly with businesses, particularly on strategy development, and has enjoyed engagements with organisations from a broad variety of sectors over the years.  

Project Examples

Digital Maturity Assessment – BEIS, Innovate UK, Kingston Upon Hull City Council, Allerdale District Council 

Scale Up Benchmarking & Diagnostic Tool – Cork Institute of Technology 

National Evaluation of English ERDF Programme 2014-20 – Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities 

Michelle has 20 years’ experience of research and evaluation of government programmes. She has acted as lead consultant on 150+ research and evaluation projects for the governments of England (both central departments and their agencies), Wales and Australia, as well as regional government and EU funded programmes.  

Having gained vast knowledge of different policy and programme delivery models, she is highly skilled at breaking down complex and wide-ranging requirements into an actionable approach.

 
Michelle leads large, multi-disciplinary teams to work towards a common set of projects aims and outcomes, and is passionate about drilling down into clients’ needs, seeking opportunities to add additional insight.   

Project Examples

National Evaluation of English ERDF Programme 2014-20 – Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities 

Evaluation of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme - Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 

Growth Hub evaluation & customer satisfaction monitoring – Greater Birmingham & Solihull Local Enterprise Partnership 

Monika is an experienced marketing and communications specialist, who combines creativity and storytelling with data analysis to deliver impactful marketing campaigns.  

She brings a wide perspective and skillset to projects at Winning Moves, having earned a Master's in Social Research (Social Policy) and served as a journalist and television producer in the US and France.  

Monika covered federal regulatory agencies, with an emphasis on public health, for ABC News in the US and has won several journalism awards, including two Emmys and a Peabody. She leads GC Insight's marketing strategy, as well as lending her expertise to project work. 

Project Examples

Elevate Worcestershire, Worcestershire Country Council

Digital Catalyst and Grow My SME, HEY Growth Hub  

National Buildings Database, Department for Energy Security and Net Zero

Nathan joined the ekosgen and GC Insight team in 2023, having previously worked for Lancashire Local Enterprise Partnership during his studies at Lancaster University. Nathan’s experience in economic development includes building clusters for emerging economic sectors including Cyber, Space and Nuclear; mapping ecosystems; and case-making for nationally-significant investment projects.  

Nathan has a strong track record of delivering meaningful and understandable analyses of data and government policy to help better inform strategic interventions. As well as working on social, economic development and regeneration projects for ekosgen, Nathan is supporting projects within the wider GC family with a particular focus on transformational uses of data and insight tools to enhance economic growth.

Olivia joined GC Insight after graduating from Newcastle University with a BA in Geography. Before her degree, she did a variety of placements with various consultancies in Manchester, producing a research paper on Intergenerational Living in Preston. During her studies, she was  involved in research projects  to be used in student campaigns supporting survivors of domestic violence.  
 
Olivia’s workload in her first few months has been varied and has included exposure to different types of jobs, mainly the Droylsden Town Centre Masterplan and the Chester Tourism BID. Olivia has worked on strategic / policy reviews, producing visuals (maps, infographics, diagrams) and data analysis using NOMIS, excel and Power BI. 

Oliver is an economist with 17 years’ experience working in regional and local economic development.  He specialises in the evaluation of public policies and programmes, with expertise spanning a wide range of subject areas including land and property, research and innovation, digital infrastructure, and labour markets and skills.   

Oliver is experienced in a range of impact evaluation techniques, including theory based and quasi-experimental methods. He has a strong track record of designing and delivering evaluations for large, complex programmes on behalf of central government departments and devolved administrations.  He prides himself on his ability to approach problems critically, propose innovative solutions and write clear, concise reports.  

Pamela Reid is a Director with ekosgen, leading our Scottish-based team. She has worked in economic and social research and consultancy for almost 30 years across the UK. Pam joined ekosgen in 2007 and her experience spans a wide range of subject areas including health and social care, digital tech and skills, employability, skills planning and workforce development, clean growth, and sector and place-based development.   

She is skilled at undertaking evaluations and strategic reviews, preparing evidence bases, guiding policy development, options appraisals, impact assessments, and supporting organisational development and service planning.  

Pam leads some of our largest and highest-profile commissions, working collaboratively with clients and multi-agency groups to ensure stakeholder buy-in.   

She is a confident presenter and skilled facilitator. Pam designs and applies bespoke methodologies for every commission to ensure that they deliver against study objectives and client expectations.  

Paul joined the team in 2019, having previously worked as a Researcher at the Solicitor’s Regulation Authority (SRA).

He has more than 15 years of experience in designing, managing and reporting on strategically important research and evaluation projects for government departments, local authorities, charitable organisations and regulators.

Highly skilled in survey design and writing publishable outputs – including evaluation reports, press releases and blogs – Paul has worked on projects in numerous topic areas: most recently, sustainable plastics, education and skills, and renewable energy.

Project Examples

National Evaluation of English ERDF Programme 2014-20 – Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities

Mid-Term Evaluation of the Smart Sustainable Packaging Plastics Challenge   - UKRI

Evaluation of Adult Education Budget (AEB) – West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

Rebecca has extensive experience in economic development gained from working in both strategy and direct delivery roles. This has given her a deep understanding of local and national government ecosystems, as well as the business support landscape.  

Her specialism lies in the internationalisation of cities, including the formulation of trade and investment plans. Rebecca also has in-depth knowledge of the low-carbon sector, offering insights on growing the green economy.  

Having graduated from the University of Manchester with a BA (Hons) in Chinese and Business Management, she will complete a Masters in Management at the Alliance Manchester Business School in mid-2023. 

Project Examples

Greater Manchester International Strategy – Greater Manchester Combined Authority 

Identifying and Promoting Green Growth Opportunities – Local Government Association  

Richard has over 17 years’ experience in economic and social development across a range of areas. He has managed numerous in-depth and complex research studies and socio-economic assessments. 

His expertise spanning the breadth of quantitative and qualitative research, Richard is adept at working with a variety of data and multiple methods to deliver studies with real insight – to support investment and inform evidence-based approaches to local and regional economic development. 

Richard has worked across the UK with a range of public and private sector clients, consistently producing high-quality, engaging reports with insightful conclusions and recommendations. 

Project Examples:

Inner Moray Firth Energy Skills Report 

The Blue Economy in the Highlands and Islands

Optimising Carbon Sequestration Opportunities in Argyll & Bute

A skilled researcher, Ross has worked in economic consultancy since completing an MSc in Leadership for Sustainable Development at Queen’s University Belfast in 2019.

He specialises in delivering evaluations, wider evidence bases and projects that assist in the review and development of economic strategy for local authorities, enterprise agencies and other public bodies.

Ross has a firm grasp of quantitative and qualitative research techniques, including desk research on programme data; detailing strategic contexts; and analysis of survey, focus group and one-to-one interview findings.

He is currently building project management skills across a range of projects, having attained PRINCE2® Foundation accreditation.

Project Examples

Evaluation of the NHS Flying Start Newly Qualified Practitioner Programme (NHS Education for Scotland) 

Assessment of the Islands Growth Deal Baseline and Expected Impacts (Comhairle Nan Eilean Siar) 

Update to the Economic Development Strategy (Midlothian Council) 

Sadia has a proven record of managing large programmes of research and evaluation for central government departments and their agencies.  

The projects she manages often span several years and multiple research or evaluation methodologies, and require engagement with a wide range of stakeholders.  

Sadia demonstrates exemplary client engagement skills, acting as the first point of contact on projects and keeping clients informed of progress and any issues arising. She is calm and assured in her approach, with a professional and friendly manner.  

Project Examples

Evaluation of Public Sector Decarbonisation Scheme - Department for Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy 

Impact evaluation and Cost Benefit Analyses – WRAP (Waste and Resources Action Programme) 

Impact Evaluation of the Aurora Programme – UK Space Agency 

Samina is responsible for ensuring our projects are resourced and are being managed effectively by the teams, guaranteeing their delivery to agreed milestones and the overarching timetable.

As a highly experienced project manager, she is proficient at identifying and managing risk and critical path, and has an exemplary record of delivering on time and to budget.

Samina has worked on our large, complex or challenging projects for central government with multiple team members and stakeholders over the last seven years, including contracts for DLUHC, BEIS, HMRC and DCMS.

Project Examples

Evaluation of Adult Education Budget (AEB) – West Midlands Combined Authority (WMCA)

Evaluation of reforms to the Renewable Heat Incentive – Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Resource Efficient Scotland (RES) Impact Evaluation – Zero Waste Scotland

Sarah has an excellent theoretical understanding in quantitative, qualitative and mixed method social research methods, built across her academic career and time with us.  

She has developed substantial practical delivery experience in social research across all elements of the project lifecycle: developing methodologies, primary and secondary data collection, data analysis and report preparation.  

Sarah has strong primary data collection skills and is comfortable preparing and administering online surveys, leading teams of quantitative researchers, and undertaking in-depth interviews with programme beneficiaries and stakeholders. She works with a calm and assured approach that doesn’t waiver under challenging timescales. 

Project Examples

Evaluation of the Plastics Research and Innovation Fund – UKRI  

Resource Action Fund (RAF) Evaluation – Waste and Resources Action Programme 

Monitoring and Evaluation Framework Development - ReLondon 

Sheona is the Director of GC Destination Insight and has first-hand experience of developing successful destinations having led one of the UK’s most successful DMOs as well as expertise as a consultant advising and working with cities and regions across the UK. As Managing Director of Marketing Manchester, Sheona promoted Greater Manchester nationally and internationally targeting businesses conferences, major sporting events, inward investors, visitors and students.

GC Destination Insight offers services to formulate strategy, evaluate initiatives, secure investment and review service performance with a clear focus on place-promotion, tourism development (sector and attraction), inward investment and capital attraction. Sheona is experienced in managing complex networks of stakeholders and provides services and her expertise to public authorities and private partners 

Her areas of specialism include destination management, attraction, promotion and internationalisation strategies; benchmarking and evaluating destination performance and perceptions including peers comparison (analysis of functional characteristics, resources and delivery models); and securing commercial and public income.

Project Examples

Evaluation of Government's £10m Regional Tourism Growth Fund Marketing Programme

Audience Development Strategy for Lake District National Park & Marketing Strategy, Lake District Sustainable Travel Programme

Customer Insight Research & Analysis, England Forestry Commission

Shona is an experienced economic development professional with 15 years’ experience in the public and private sectors. In this time, she has delivered projects across a number of core economic development areas, with a particular focus on employability & skills, inward investment, green and circular economies and Community Wealth Building.

Shona has excellent research, consultation and reporting skills, is extremely skilled at workshop design and facilitation, and builds strong and effective stakeholder relationships. With significant experience of service delivery in a range of communities, Shona also has a thorough understanding of person-centred approaches to service design and delivery.

She is experienced at working on projects across all levels of government and government agencies, be this local, regional or national; and across public, private and third sectors. She has extensive expertise in supporting regional partnerships in economic development strategy and delivery, and has a sound understanding of the Scottish and UK Government policy landscape.

Project examples:

• Support for the development of the Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE) New Leadership and Entrepreneurship Programme
• Developing a SMART Action Plan for Digital Skills in Health and Social Care in the Edinburgh and South East Scotland City Region
• Review of the NHS 24 Practice Education Function
• Skills Development Scotland Retail Skills Action Plan
• Developing a World Class DMO for Glasgow City Region
• Borderlands Benefits Realisation Plan - development of an inclusive growth guide

Will’s core consultancy skills are focused around impact assessment, data analysis and compelling case-making to help clients secure investment to meet their strategic ambitions. He regularly advises on the relative strengths of competing investment priorities, using case making insights to help clients assess proposals for compliance and value for money.

An accomplished project manager, Will has delivered a range of placed-based economic and social impact assessments and holds extensive Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) experience.

Will’s capabilities extend the breadth of our service offer, being actively involved in a number of research, evaluation and labour market insight commissions.

Project Examples

Wonderlab and Learning Hub Impact Assessment (Science and Industry Museum, Manchester) 

Derby Learning Theatre Levelling Up Fund Support (Derby City Council) 

Barrow-in-Furness Investment Proposition (Cumbria County Council) 

Zoe has over 20 years of experience as an economic development and regeneration consultant.  
 
She works with public and private sector clients, providing robust evidence-based research and insights to inform strategic planning requirements and investment and development decisions, and advising on socio-economic and regeneration issues.  
 
Zoe works across all property market sectors and carries out research for large-scale mixed-use developments, as well as single-use, smaller-scale sites.  
Her areas of specialism include economic impact; social and economic case-making; human health impact assessments; EIA; social and community infrastructure assessments; strategic land use planning and masterplan support; workplace and affordable workplace strategies; and economic development needs assessments.  

Patrick is an experienced economic development professional and consultant with specialisms in business growth, productivity and innovation. He has previously led business support activity in Combined Authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships/Growth Hubs and local government and brings this direct experience of programme development and delivery into his role leading GC insight’s business support consultancy work.  
 
He brings in-depth knowledge of national, regional and local business support policy, funding and best practice alongside valuable first hand-experience of senior level delivery. 
 
Patrick is an experienced project manager who has led a wide range of consultancy projects including strategies, reviews, business case development and evaluations for a range of national, regional, local and private sector clients. He works closely with clients to understand their needs and brings strong analytical skills, rigour and experience of working with senior level stakeholders. 

As our Research and Project Officer, Patrick, or Paddy as he is known, supports the planning, management and implementation of internal strategic and external consultancy projects, including the coordination of The Growth Company Business plan.
 
For the past three years, Paddy has been working on a PhD from the University of Manchester,  specialising in spatial development policy, the Levelling Up agenda, governance strategies and post-political theory. He hopes to submit his final thesis in the coming months. Paddy delivered his first lecture at the university in 2021 on Levelling Up as spatial development policy and continues to deliver the lecture annually. 

Paddy read for a Master of Science degree in Urban and Regional Planning at the University of Amsterdam, completing the programme Cum Laude providing him with a broad expertise in international planning and policy.

Project Examples: 

Amazon Innovation Accelerator

West Yorkshire Business Support Ecosystem