Nicol Economics provides a number of core services for its clients.
Please contact us if you are interested in any of these or related services.
Economic and social impact assessments
We carry out robust assessments of the economic and social impact of a wide range of developments: housing, commercial, infrastructure, tourism, cultural etc. Our assessments are used in case making for planning, accessing funding or simply public awareness.
Objectively assessed housing needs
We are able to delve deeply into the components of overall housing need in a housing market area, critique housing numbers or produce alternative OANs for an area. Our work has been tested at many Public Inquiries.
Employment land assessments
We fully understand the links between economic change and land use and the implications for future demand for land. This is a complex area where we regularly review and critique evidence bases produced by local authorities.
Project appraisal
We produce rigorous appraisals following government best practice, drawing on past experience from the government economics service. We produce HM Treasury Green Book compliant economic appraisals and Strategic and Outline Business Cases. We have appraised cultural, tourism, business support, environmental and property projects.
Case making
As well as producing the key numbers for case making, we are experts in writing compelling bidding documents for funding or supporting documents for planning applications.
Economic strategies
Analysing key issues at a local level and then developing the right ingredients to attract investment and effect change is not an easy task. We produce economic strategies for local authority areas, LEP areas and beyond. Our work is used to make important decisions about priorities such as which sectors to target for promotion and support.
Critical reviews
Using our considerable experience we can carry out focussed critiques of the evidence basis used in Local Plans or act as a critical friend for your bidding document or strategy.
Expert witness
Stephen Nicol is a highly experienced expert witness and has appeared at over 25 Public Inquiries on matters ranging from economic impact, employment land need, economic and social need and housing need working with some of the country’s top QCs
Bespoke services
This is by no means an exhaustive list of the services we can offer, so for advice based on your individual project needs, please don’t hesitate to contact us to discuss what we can do for you.
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