Kada Research Limited

Kada visit the National Composite Centre On Tuesday, as part of Kada Research’s evaluation of the Digital Engineering Technology & Innovation (DETI) programme, Director Samuel Nair and Senior Consultant Patrick Coupar visited the National Composite Centre in South Gloucestershire, near Bristol. Visiting project sites is an important part of Kada’s evaluations as seeing activity first hand adds a depth of understanding and insight desk-based work cannot. A tour of the innovation facility that comprises part of the High Value Manufacturing Catapult, helped us see how DETI fitted into the wider ecosystem and view innovation activity using capabilities DETI created. Companies were identified for evaluation case studies and Sam and Pat came away with a much stronger narrative of the programme delivery model, strengths and weaknesses. Sam and Pat were also able to supplement their knowledge of emerging digital and lean manufacturing process innovation in key sectors, which will benefit Kada’s work around the UK. The research projects they saw in action at the NCC focus on improving productivity of manufacturing, developing and testing new composite materials, and creating whole life cycle sustainability improvements. Our evaluation of DETI follows on from our previous evaluations across in the south west of England in recent years. These include two evaluations for the SETsquared Partnership, an evaluation of Invest in Gloucestershire, and a review of the West of England Combined Authority’s Productivity Challenge programme. Sam had previous visited the National Composite Centre to film a beneficiary case study interview for InnovateUK. To speak more about our work with Catapults around the UK and our projects in the South West contact Sam Nair at [email protected] or Pat Coupar at [email protected]. We are an economic development consultancy, working with clients across the UK. To find out more about Kada Research and the work we do, visit our website at: https://lnkd.in/dY5r9i4H #digitaltechnology #innovation #research

Next in our meet the team series, meet Cassie Houlden. Cassie has over 25 years of experience in economic development. Cassie started her career in the Research Team at Sheffield Training and Enterprise Council before moving to Sheffield Hallam University’s Business School. She then joined the economic development consultancy ekosgen, where she first worked with Karl, our Managing Director. Cassie was later seconded to Sheffield City Council as Head of Economic Strategy and Marketing, before taking up an Associate Director role at AMION Consulting. In September 2022, Cassie joined Kada as a Director. Cassie was born and raised in Sheffield and has extensive experience working in the city. She is passionate about Sheffield’s development and has worked on numerous projects in the city and across South Yorkshire. In recent years, this has focused on economic case-making and funding bids (including the Fargate Future High Street Fund programme, Levelling Up bids for Castlegate, Attercliffe and Parkwood Springs, and bids to the National Lottery Heritage Fund and Arts Council England to support the Harmony Works project). She has also evaluated business support and employment programmes, undertaken qualitative and quantitative research and developed strategies and action plans. Cassie brings expertise in economic data analysis and the development and evaluation of economic development strategies and projects at a local, sub-regional and regional level. She specialises in economic impact modelling, recently directing Kada’s economic impact assessment of the University of Sheffield’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Centre Training Centre. Since joining Kada, Cassie has gone back to her Training and Enterprise Council roots and worked on projects relating to employment, graduate retention, economic inactivity and skills development. She’s also been working to formalise career progression pathways for the Kada team and ensure newer team members have access to a training programme which will accelerate their progression in economic development consultancy. Outside of work Cassie spends her time walking the dog, chauffeuring her daughters to football matches, and pottering about the house and garden. Find out more about Cassie and the rest of our Kada team see: https://lnkd.in/eHWtkRJk To find out more about our UK and international economic development consultancy and the work we do, visit: https://lnkd.in/dY5r9i4H or get in touch via: [email protected]. #kadaresearch #team #sheffield

Evaluation of the Low Carbon Business Support Programme for Sheffield City Council Kada Research were commissioned to evaluate the Low Carbon Business Support Programme led by Sheffield City Council and part funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF). The aim of the Low Carbon Business Support Programme was to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy in SMEs in South Yorkshire. It provided support to help identify, fund, and implement energy efficiency improvements for SMEs and help reduce the barriers to decreasing their energy consumption and carbon emissions. The summative assessment process aimed to provide an evidence-based evaluation of the Programme, assessing the project against its objectives and highlighting any lessons learnt for the future. To read the case study in full, visit: https://lnkd.in/emvvfysy If you are thinking about commissioning an evaluation study or if you would like to talk through an idea or hear about this work, you can contact us at [email protected]. We are an economic development consultancy company based in Sheffield delivering high quality research reports for our clients. Our principal areas of work are: People, Place and Business. #lowcarbon #evaluation #SMEs

Yorkshire Sport Foundation: Sport and Physical Activity Matters Kada Research were commissioned by the Yorkshire Sport Foundation to explore the social and economic benefits of sport, movement and physical activity in South and West Yorkshire. This included how sport and physical activity can help to meet sub-regional priorities. The place-based advocacy documents highlight the importance of investment in sport and physical activity initiatives at both a regional and community level. The report concluded that sport and physical activity have tangible health and wellbeing benefits, such as a reduction in loneliness and mental ill health, a reduction in disease and age-related decline, and an improvement in social cohesion and trust. Sport and physical activity was also found to have a significant positive impact on local economies’, providing upwards of £380m GVA in South Yorkshire and £830m GVA in West Yorkshire. To find out more about the study see our case study on our website here: https://lnkd.in/eS-nf2T4 If you are thinking about commissioning a health and wellbeing study or if you would like to talk through an idea or to hear more about this work, you can contact us at [email protected] #sport #wellbeing #yorkshire #research

Kada attends Pathways to Work launch On Tuesday, Principal Consultant Sophie Negus attended the launch of the Pathways to Work Commission report in Barnsley. This important and timely report (https://lnkd.in/gn9wbrbT) highlights the need for more devolved, local solutions to support people who want to enter paid employment but cannot be due to their health and/or caring responsibilities. It also recognises the need to better integrate health services and employment support, a sentiment echoed by the Work and Pensions Secretary Liz Kendall at the launch who said: “We will give local places the responsibility and resources to design a joined-up work, health and skills offer that’s right for local people”. Kada were pleased to support the work led by the Pathways to Work Commission, Barnsley Council and the South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority, through carrying out in-depth qualitative research with Barnsley residents who are or were ‘economically inactive’ to listen to their experiences, challenges and aspirations for the future. To find out more about Kada Research and the work we do, visit our website at: https://lnkd.in/dY5r9i4H. We are an economic development consultancy based in Sheffield, delivering high quality research reports for our clients. To find out more about this piece of research, get in touch at [email protected]. #pathways #barnsley #skills #launch

Wellbeing Fridays at Kada Our team are what keeps the business running; they ensure we consistently produce high quality research and reports for our clients. At Kada, we promote flexible working practices and work within a hybrid model, to ensure we can get the best out of our staff whilst allowing them to manage their own work-life balance. Last summer, in an effort to reward our team for all their hard work, and allow some time for rest and relaxation, Kada built on existing flexible working practices and tried something new. A 4.5-day week through August 2023 was implemented to give our team some time to recharge and make the most of the summer while we had it. As you can imagine, this initiative went down very well. We were happier and more productive, therefore, following a busy first half of the year, we have re-established a 4.5-day week throughout the month of July (including a reduced week for those who work part-time). This will provide our team with the opportunity to make the most of the summer (despite the weather not being on our side) and enjoy some time out. As you can see in the pictures below, the Kada team have already been enjoying some longer summer days attending gigs across the country and holidays abroad, watching the election results unfold, spending time relaxing with family and friends and cheering on England in numerous sporting events (not so relaxing!). To find out more about Kada, including our team, visit our website at: https://lnkd.in/dY5r9i4H. We are an economic development consultancy based in Sheffield providing high quality, independent and incisive reports for an evidence informed future. If you would like to get in touch, please don’t hesitate to contact us at: [email protected]. #wellbeing #summer #recharge

Inclusive Productivity - Lessons from around the world Kada Research, in partnership with Ortus Economic Research Ltd, were commissioned by the North East Local Enterprise Partnership (now the The North East Combined Authority) to undertake a research study to contribute to Our Economy 2023, an annual report updating on progress and change in the North East’s economy. The theme for 2023 focused on ‘inclusive productivity’. The study findings highlighted the challenges that the North East faces such as lower productivity lower disposable income and a higher population living in relative poverty than global regions with similar historical economic performance. A key lesson from the case studies (West Midlands, New Zealand, Wisconsin, Saxony and the Basque Region) is the need to use new approaches to tackle health inequalities and remove barriers to work such as childcare through social and place-based interventions. The case studies also demonstrated several common themes aimed at addressing similar issues to those faced by the North East, such as increasing youth employment and growing employment in a range of important sectors. The case study regions also show that a different economic future – and a positive future for the North East – is possible. To see the case studies in full you can visit: https://lnkd.in/eGirQAfH To see the full report and wider body of work: https://lnkd.in/e5i2iqrH If you would like to find out more about our economic development consultancy, are thinking about commissioning a study or if you would like to talk through an idea you can contact us at [email protected] #inclusiveproductivity #NorthEast #international

Thank you for a great week! Kada Research Limited

Work Experience Week at Kada Last week, we welcomed three placement students to spend some time with the team finding out what working for Kada is really like. Beth, Kate and Toby are at different stages in education with a range of experience including geography, economics, maths, languages and engineering. All three were interested in gaining some experience within the consultancy sector and we were happy to oblige. In order to provide the best combination of learning opportunities and active project work, the Kada team incorporated a variety of training modules alongside project tasks. These included sessions on QGIS mapping, data analysis and Excel skills, a qualitative writing session and an introduction to economic impact assessments. For project work the placement students had the opportunity to engage in desk research, survey analysis, report writing and stakeholder consultations.   Hopefully participating in Kada activity allowed them to understand consultancy and learn new skills that will be helpful with their own career progression. If you are interested in finding our more about what we do at Kada and taking on some work experience, don’t hesitate to get in touch at [email protected] or visit our website at www.kadaresearch.co.uk #workexperience #training #skills

Kada develops company vision 2024-2028 A team is only as good as the sum of its parts and a company’s vision should be just that, incorporating the views of the whole company. With that in mind, last week the Kada team took a trip to the North East to shape our vision for the next 4 years. Reflecting back on our achievements to date and the rapid growth we have seen as a consultancy, we wanted to ensure that the thoughts and needs of our people are reflected the direction Kada will head through to 2028. A strong vision, that reflects Kada’s culture and expertise, will put us in the best position to continue to provide our clients with high-quality reports and routinely exceed their expectations. Following a good day of group ideas, we helped plot out a course to 2028. We took some well-earned time away from the desk to see the sights including the Grainger Market for lunch as well as dinner, drinks and good company down by the Quayside. We’re looking forward to continued growth both as a team and an organisation in the years to come and have some exciting announcements to make in the coming months. To find out more about our economic development consultancy and the variety of work we do such as strategy development, business support evaluations and impact assessments you can find us at https://lnkd.in/eqhBJ2F5 or you can contact us via [email protected] #vision #economicdevelopment #newcastle #gateshead