Bespoke Research and Consultancy Services

Bespoke Research and Consultancy Services

Organisations will often require a unique piece of research or consultancy, either as a stand-alone project or to complement a wider undertaking. We have learned that no two projects are ever the same and Southern Horizons (UK) Ltd pride ourselves on developing bespoke research and consultancy solutions for clients that are determined by their individual requirements, timescale and resources.

We have completed a wide range of bespoke projects for public, private and social purpose organisations, both large and small, using our toolbox of research techniques and combining our methods to produce the best results. Our outputs can be presented in a number of ways including through written reports, presentations and workshops.

Featured Case Studies:

Evidence Base Development

Project: Evidence Base for a Higher Education Strategy

Client: Swindon and Wiltshire Local Enterprise Partnership

In partnership with Buckman Associates Ltd we developed an evidence base to inform the development of a Higher Education Strategy for the SWLEP. This included the development of online surveys of employers and individuals (young people and adults), detailed analysis of secondary data including numerous publicly available data sources and bespoke analysis of Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA) data. The study clearly brought together supply side and demand side data, alongside local employer needs to develop a series of recommendations to develop the provision of Higher Education in the SWLEP area to benefit economic growth.

Bespoke Survey Design and Administration

Project: A Safer Keyham: Independent Academic Evaluation

Client: University of Plymouth

In the wake of a critical incident that took place in Keyham (Plymouth) in August 2021 the Home Office granted a package of funding to the Office of the Police and Crime Commissioner (OPCC), Devon & Cornwall Police, and Plymouth City Council for a programme of crime prevention and community activities to reassure residents of Keyham, Ford, and the surrounding areas that their neighbourhoods are safe places to live, work, and play. The University of Plymouth evaluated the impact of the funded activities on the recovery of the community on behalf of the OPCC and commissioned us to work with them to co-design, administer and analyse a community survey. The results fed into the final evaluation report. We are now working together to co-create a follow up survey for the community that will also have wider applicability and be of value for those evaluating the response to critical incidents elsewhere.

Stakeholder Consultation

Project: Understanding What Works

Client: Cornwall 365

In collaboration with Buckman Associates we assisted Cornwall 365 (which is a network of cultural players and tourism businesses designed to raise the region’s profile as a year-round destination for the arts, culture and heritage) with bespoke consultation to inform their activities. This included an on-line business survey, attendance at a Cultural Ambassadors Event and a series of qualitative telephone conversations with ten of C365’s Cultural Ambassadors. The consultation helped to identify what had been working well, the difference the programme had made and what participants would like it to focus on in the future.

Other Services Offered

Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Helping organisations to make informed decisions and providing evidence to improve services.ids.
Monitoring and Evaluation Services

Project and Bid Development Services

Using our research skills to support the developmental process from scoping studies to full funding bids.
Strategy Development Services

Strategy Development Services

Engaging effectively with key stakeholders throughout the process, ensuring their buy-in to the finished product.