About Us

We are economic consultants specialising in forecasting, business development and industrial location. The company was formed in 1977, following completion of a major research project for the UK Department of Industry carried out at Cambridge University Department of Applied Economics.

Emphasis is given to econometric time series analysis, with real-world validation. Econometric time series analysis is a powerful basis for providing forecasts for industrial markets. It is in sharp contrast to the ‘benchmark’ method adopted by many consultants, whereby market size is estimated in a base year and then projections are made without reference to underlying economic trends or the impact of the trade cycle. The econometric methods we use capture both trend and cycle effects in a forecasting model, and also allow us to test the reliability of the model using past data.

Real-world validation is an important complement to industrial forecasting models based on historical data. This is because forecasts based entirely on past history may not take proper account of significant structural changes. Real world validation involves a number of processes. The most important are interviews with end users, distributors and equipment suppliers to identify recent and expected future changes in technology or patterns of demand.

We provide published reports, which are available to all, and also consultancy for individual companies, results of which are normally confidential.