Industrial and Sectoral Analysis

A B Associates Ltd has carried out a variety of projects covering a range of industry and sectoral areas.  Our specialism has particularly related to labour market and economic trends.  We have worked in several industry sectors including; primary e.g. fisheries and agriculture and manufacturing industries e.g. food processing and textiles, as well as the service sector e.g. tourism and retailing.

We provide the following services in this field:

• Industry and Service Sector Analysis
  Assessing the current situation and prospects for industrial and service sectors is valuable to all levels of national and local government, industry representatives and businesses. It can shed light on strengths and weaknesses, result in realignment of policy, or lead to changes or improvements at industry or individual business level.

  We have substantial expertise in this type of analysis. From identifying and describing the characteristics and scale of a particular sector, to defining its impacts on social, economic and environmental situations and recommending key actions needed to positively influence policy and growth.

• Labour Market Assessment
  Accurate labour market data from reliable sources, coupled with well-defined analysis, is key to comprehending trends in unemployment and social exclusion issues. Unemployment trends in turn can be an indicator of underlying social and economic issues.

  The company can provide labour market analysis from national down to parish or ward level, or for individual projects, sectoral studies or EU related developments.

• Economic Reviews
  To grow and prosper, every area needs some form of economic development to help it adapt to change and meet new economic circumstances.

  The company has a good track record of analysing local and regional economies and the effects of new developments or of changes. Our experience means we have an excellent understanding of how local economies work. We also recognise the importance of thorough knowledge of the area being analysed through statistical analysis to be able to provide sound advice in order to achieve best value for money and ensure maximum benefit.

• Input/Output Analysis
  We have undertaken Input/Output studies of local economies in conjunction with academic partners at the Fraser of Allander Institute and the Business School of the Aberdeen University and developed multipliers based on the interactions and flows between sectors. These have been invaluable in providing another tool for conducting impact assessments at local level.
• Tourism Satelite Accounts
  We have developed one of the first, if not the first, model for analysing the impact of the tourism sector at a local level. This was based on the tables developed at national level; modified and adapted to local circumstances and the results from local Input/Output tables. This provides a much more comprehensive and accurate assessment of the value of tourism in a local economy than the other more simplistic methods used.

Click here to see some examples of work we have done in this area.