GC Insight

The Final Evaluation of the National ERDF (European Regional Development Fund) Programme 2014 to 2020 has been published by the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). Winning Moves was part of a consortium, led by Wavehill: social and economic research, that evaluated the impacts of the programme. Building on work undertaken in two earlier phases, the main goals of this evaluation were to provide: 🔹an assessment of programme relevance, appropriateness, and consistency 🔹a review of performance against financial and output targets 🔹an evaluation of delivery and process 🔹an evaluation of impacts arising from the programme 🔹an economic evaluation and assessment of value for money. Winning Moves’ main role was to inform the evaluation by gathering primary research evidence and feedback from a large enough sample of the several thousands of businesses receiving support, to draw meaningful conclusions. Using a mixed-method, multi-mode approach, we were successful in securing responses from more than 4,000 businesses with response rates for individual surveys between 22%-29% - providing robust, representative samples for analysis. The report produced by Winning Moves, in conjunction with wider evaluation outputs by CAG Consultants and Hatch, have enabled the Department to understand (a) the process of implementation and delivery of the projects funded through the programme and (b) whether and how this resulted in the intended outcomes and impact. Whilst the national evaluation of the ERDF programme was commissioned to meet a regulatory requirement, MHCLG is using the findings of this and earlier rounds of the evaluation in the development and delivery of successor domestic funds. You can find the full evaluation report on the https://ow.ly/xV1L50V67Sq website here: https://ow.ly/uy8w50V6yHS Winning Moves, part of GC Insight, design and deliver evaluations that draw from the full range of methods described in the Magenta Book guidance on evaluations in government. Our trusted team of researchers and evaluators create actionable insight using a broad spectrum of methodologies, tailored to each client’s needs. This includes survey services, with extensive capabilities in designing, delivering and reporting in surveys. You can find out more about how we support evaluations and our survey services on GC Insight’s website, here: https://ow.ly/3Bso50V67Sp

When the Liverpool City Region needed to develop a five-year Destination Management Plan (DMP) to realise its potential as a key visitor destination, they commissioned GC Insight to develop it. Our Destination team: • Reviewed and researched relevant policy, data and strategy to produce an Evidence Base Summary Report • Created a strategic framework with a vision, three missions and strategic priorities • Worked with stakeholders to develop a prioritised action plan • Developed of a set of comparator case studies • Consulted with stakeholder and held thematic workshops to gain insights into the key strengths and opportunities for the region as a key visitor destination. The recently-published DMP outlines the strategic direction and the steps and actions required to grow the sector and build resilience, realising tourism’s potential to be a key engine room of the Liverpool region’s economy and as a catalyst for socio-economic and environmental transformation. With innovation at its heart, it will weave in sustainability, inclusivity, and accessibility throughout as underpinning objectives. “This framework sets out a clear and ambitious roadmap for our shared journey. It aligns local strategies with national aspirations, ensuring a coordinated approach to managing and growing the visitor economy in Liverpool City Region.” - Lord Tony Hall, Baron Hall of Birkenhead, Chair of Liverpool City Region Local Visitor Economy Partnership You can read the full report here: https://ow.ly/kpZf50V29WS GC Insight provides analysis, insight and deep experience to help our clients create thriving destinations. Our expert Destination team who worked on this commission includes Sheona Southern, @Carolyn Turnbull, Chris Fox and Olivia Wilson. You can find out more about their work on GC Insight’s website: https://ow.ly/6pz450V2an5

We have created a new Workforce Planning Tool designed to help businesses place the right people with the right skills in the right positions at the right time. Based on feedback from local employers, the platform gives Worcestershire businesses the tools, knowledge and means to plan for their current and future workforce development needs. ➡️Key Benefits • Strengthen Workforce: Address skills gaps and build a resilient team • Improve Practices: Enhance recruitment and retention strategies • Prepare for the Future: Anticipate industry trends and plan strategically • Optimise Resources: Ensure the right resources for innovation and growth Worcester businesses can register anytime, create workforce plans at their own pace, and monitor progress - for free. The tool provides data-driven insights and real-time monitoring, helping businesses build resilience and agility. ➡️Key Features • Step-by-Step Guidance: Assess company culture, evaluate workforce capabilities, and create effective plans. • Practical Advice: Access resources and support documents with industry best practices. • Flexibility: User-friendly design with an assessment tool to tailor plans to specific business needs. Worcestershire businesses can access the tool on the Growth Hub’s website here: https://ow.ly/S7nZ50UX1FX The Workforce Planning Tool was Commissioned by Worcestershire County Council, alongside Worcestershire Growth Hub and Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership, to address the needs of local businesses. #worcestershire #workforceplanning #Growth

The Net Zero Business Tracker, which was launched today, provides practical help to businesses and supply chains looking to improve their sustainability performance, save costs, generate new commercial opportunities and drive growth. As Chris Fry says, "It's all about turning value sustainability from a challenge into a competitive advantage for your business ecosystem." To learn more about this new online tool, visit https://lnkd.in/e8PWPYjc The Net Zero Business Tracker was created by Accelar Limited in collaboration with GC Insight. #sustainability #netzero #businessgrowth

A report prepared by our Scottish-based team found that the Loch na Cathrach pumped storage hydropower project on Loch Ness will create 500 construction jobs and 126 administrative jobs, as well as develop a skilled workforce in the region during the construction and operation of the plant. The research, commissioned by the University of the Highlands and Islands, focused on the workforce and skills required to build the plant and highlighted the challenges and opportunities for the developer, STATKRAFT UK LTD and the renewables industry as a whole, as an increasing number of projects in the Highlands and Scotland enter construction over the next decade. The job numbers are significant and high quality, in a region that has a lower-than-average median wage and employment rate. The approved project provides a vital step towards a sustainable energy future by providing a clean energy source that will reduce carbon emissions and significantly support the UK’s net zero goals. By harnessing the waters of Loch Ness to store and generate electricity, the plant will help to balance supply and demand - which is crucial as the country transitions to more renewable energy sources like wind and solar, which can be intermittent - and enhance grid reliability and stability by storing excess energy when production is high and releasing it when demand peaks. You can read the full report here: https://ow.ly/4WQ450UWhfv GC Insight works with clients who support people to learn, access work, improve health and well-being and increase their life chances. We have a strong track-record in plotting demographic change, assessing migration trends, analysing deprivation, exploring labour market data and testing skills demand. We also help clients develop plans to ensure there is an adequate and sustained supply of skills to help drive growth in specific geographies and sectors. Find out more on our website or contact Pamela Reid to discuss your needs: https://ow.ly/i4ML50UX35A #skills #employment #netzero

Perth & Kinross was found to have the Strongest Business Growth Potential for 2025, by our Growth Flag data. Megan Barker explains why here ⬇️

We ❤️ SMEs - the backbone of our economy and drivers of economic growth. GC Insight provides targeted, high-impact support to businesses across the country to help them become more productive, more efficient and more profitable. The programmes are funded by the government and offered at no cost to businesses – participation is all upside. Liz Crutchley, who recently attended one of our workshops, found it inspirational: “Today, I attended the most incredible business course, thanks to Worcestershire Local Enterprise Partnership. The course, "Funding Innovation Masterclass", was an absolute game-changer. While I'm not quite ready for Angel or VC investment, I'm feeling motivated to create a strong business plan and pitch deck.” Here's a brief look at what we have coming up: Today, we're holding a Business Bootcamp in Lancashire to help business leaders identify growth opportunities and develop actionable strategies to address their challenges and goals (see below). The next Lancashire Boost workshop is 13th February, at AMRC (North West), Salmesbury. 🚀 https://lnkd.in/eAfaEmN5 Next week in #Worcestershire, we are holding an innovation masterclass that helps businesses turn ideas into a successful product or service and uncover the untapped potential of R&D tax credits.  🚀 https://lnkd.in/etBVSfFR And on Feb 12, we’re in #EastStaffordshire to help businesses review their business strategy and create a Business Model Canvas to set them up for success. 🚀 https://lnkd.in/epjehNuT Growth is happening all around us.

Congratulations to Nathan Shoesmith who has been invited to give a TEDxLancasterU talk on an important and timely topic: transforming ideas into impact in a confusing, changing world. Nathan's day job is as Research Consultant for GC Insight, where he works on social, economic development and regeneration projects. Last week, he presented the findings of the Growth Flag Annual Report 2025, which identifies business growth potential throughout the UK. Nathan continues to do good outside of work. He is Co-Founder and Director of The Speaker, a youth-led digital media non-profit, and is an advisor to Young Minds, a mental health charity for young people. He has authored two books: 'Brain Injuries: Our Hidden Journeys' and '2020 As It Happened.' He also manages to run a lot. In his TEDx talk, Nathan will reflect on how we can tell impactful stories, drawing from his experiences with young changemakers, campaigners, and leaders. Tickets are available here: https://lnkd.in/gdagxdGd #impact #tedx

You can access the Growth Flag Annual Report 2025 here:

"This looks like a massive and crucial piece of work. The optimism is well-placed, especially given the opportunities highlighted in the report. There's plenty to be excited about and so much work to do; well done so far." - Andy Hall The Growth Flag Annual Report was "positive and genuinely useful. It is about data, not rhetoric." - Jane Dalton MBA FRSA "The Growth Flag Annual report was both a myth buster and an eye opener - fair to say I took more than one hard copy to share with others." - Sarie Mairs Slee "Heard great things about this event. Definitely time to consider how growth support across foundational economy and growth sectors can be better delivered hyperlocal, not sure we're quite there yet." - Dan Knowles Growth Flag instantly generates enhanced insights on users' entire business base, enabling them to develop and deliver strategic interventions to grow local economies across the UK. Our user-friendly platform and comprehensive datasets offer 97% accuracy in forecasting which businesses will achieve 20% growth in the next year. You can download the 2025 report, which sets out our latest insights on growth potential across the UK, here: https://lnkd.in/eais9HEK #growth