We have a national reputation for lively, thought-provoking and insightful writing in a wide variety of forms.
We have written groundbreaking research reports, analysis and commentary, feature articles and news for a very wide range of audiences – from senior executives and policymakers to residents of council estates in Sheffield. Julian’s academic work can be seen at Orcid or Researchgate.
The following examples give a flavour of the breadth of work we have done. We like challenging and innovative projects!
Research
Our research for Local Trust on neighbourhood self-help in an age of austerity examined the prospects for community development in a context of increasing pressures on public services. Julian’s essay, New Seeds Beneath the Snow?, puts the scheme in a wider historical context.
Our research report for ResPublica, Responsible Recovery, sets out a people-centred agenda for regeneration policy. It examines the failures of previous approaches to neighbourhood renewal and welfare reform and argues that successful policy needs to draw on the idea of ‘sustainable livelihoods’, strengthening the local assets and capacities that enable households and communities to function well.
Julian’s work on parks and green spaces includes submission of evidence to a parliamentary inquiry and ongoing work with the Improving Wellbeing through Urban Nature project. We completed a major report on the future of urban parks and green spaces for Groundwork UK, examining the evidence for the social benefits of green space and putting forward options for their future care and management, drawing on the principles of the historic commons. Grey Places Need Green Spaces, can be downloaded here.
We worked with the Bill Sargent Trust on achieving community benefits from the sale of surplus military land. The final policy white paper, Forces for Good, is available here. Our original research report brings together a literature review and recommendations to improve the disposal of military land in future.
In 2011 we submitted evidence to the UK Parliament’s inquiry into regeneration, which can be read on the Communities and Local Government Select Committee’s website or downloaded here. The committee’s report cited our evidence on numerous occasions.
Writing
Julian’s writing is nationally known through his work in founding New Start magazine and leading its editorial team. He continues to write for a wide variety of publications and websites, as well as producing the occasional blog at Beyond Babel.
For inquiries about writing commissions, case studies or reports please contact us.