About our location research services

 

All about the location

 

We provide clients with advisory services that cover:

  • Location assessment (economic structure, trends, competitiveness)

  • Analysis of foreign direct investment (source markets, sectors, activities, trends, impacts)

  • Location and investment decisions (requirements, and intelligence gathering)

  • Industry, sector and cluster analysis

Illustrations of our location research services

Investor representation

Ultraspeed Australia and Hyperloop One (Australia)

We represented and promoted Hyperloop One in Australia.

We identified projects in Australia that can be taken to the next stage of development and supported Hyperloop One with its proposed US$650mn Proof of Operations Facility (POF).

We presented evidence to the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Infrastructure, Transport and Cities.

We held discussions with local sponsors, investors, and collaborators and stakeholders to identify and obtain support for a PSS and the POF, both government and commercial, and secured support for a Project Scoping Study (PSS or initial feasibility assessment) for a Hyperloop project.

Property development

Port operator (UK)

We provided competitive intelligence for a major port operator.

We investigated the extent to which port operators in the UK have benefited from government grants or subsidies to develop their port-related properties.

Our assessment allowed the port operator to respond better to concerns raised about it securing grant funding from the UK Government Regional Growth Fund.  The grant helped finance a £300 million deep water container development to accommodate the new generation of post-Panamax size container ships.

Location decsions

Transport infrastructure developer (UK)

We provided input to the feasibility of a proposed maglev based 300mph transport link between Manchester and Leeds.

We considered of the role of transport location success (economic performance) and the potential of the proposed link to transform connectivity and access across the Northern Powerhouse region.

We examined the role and importance of transport for investment location decisions and assessed and modelled the impact of the transport project on the location of foreign direct investment in the Northern Powerhouse and in Manchester-Leeds.

Property development

Local Authority (UK)

We advised on the development of a proposed tower (>40 storey) development in London.

We examined the role and availability of property in maintaining London’s position as a world city, and the role and importance of London’s business clusters as a source of competitiveness.  We also assessed the implications of the proposed building on the city’s future economic position.

Our findings were used to support the Authority's submission to a public inquiry to approve the development.  The development subsequently received approval to proceed. 

Location development

State-owned urban renewal corporation (Australia)

We provided inputs to the Transformation Plan for the Bays Precinct, comprising 5.5kms of harbour front and 95 ha of largely government owned land in Sydney Harbour.

We identified the relative economic competitiveness of industries/sectors in Bays Precinct (and its “economic hinterland”), by examining their structure and performance (using data relating to ten performance indicators, including employment, value-added, output, etc.

We also examined the capabilities of universities within the immediate and wider hinterland of Sydney.

We used our findings to Indicated the attractiveness of Bay Precinct for specific industries/sectors.

Investment location decsions

Multi-national transportation systems company (UK)

We provided an independent assessment of the potential response from international investors to the introduction of UK Ultraspeed's proposed £30bn, high speed (500kmh), maglev-based, ground transportation system in the UK..

We examined foreign investment flows within the UK and Europe.  This included in depth discussions with existing and potential investors and third-party corporate location decision advisers.

Our  assessment also included scenario analysis showing potential switching of internationally mobile investment within the UK and from Europe to UK, as a result of the proposed transportation system.

Our findings were included in a Factbook to support the case for the proposed development.