Simon Hooton

Office: Manchester
Education: MSc. Public Policy & Administration, London School of Economics, BA. Manufacturing Engineering & Economics, University of Birmingham
Areas of Expertise: Economic Impact and effectiveness. Digital, innovation and business support

Simon leads our work on business competitiveness, sectors, digital and innovation. He has directed a large number of evaluation and appraisal projects to assess the impact of interventions and regularly provides practical advice on their design and delivery. Simon’s sector work has involved reviews looking at innovative manufacturing, aerospace, cyber security and creative/digital sectors.

Simon has extensive experience of developing economic strategy and investment plans to boost local economic growth and competitiveness in priority sectors. He works with local enterprise partnerships and local authorities to assess local conditions, identify priorities and challenges, develop shared visions and assemble action plans for change. Simon also works with investors and applicants to appraise the value and potential impact of schemes across the full breadth of the economic development spectrum which includes skills, tourism/culture and transport, as well as business support.

Simon has also assembled a strong body of work in the economic impact of digital, broadband and ICT initiatives. He has helped local, regional and national clients to ensure their plans are commercially attractive and strategically aligned with local priorities and needs. He has evaluated new broadband provision and ICT support services to understand their impact on local economies and businesses.

Simon also enjoys working with partnership to facilitate workshops and board priority setting. He has worked with LEP boards, regional partnerships and local teams to jointly explore issues and agree priorities.

Simon rides bikes, runs and sometimes he swims. He is always able to find time for debate on issues of the day and to advise car drivers on how they can help cyclists get around more safely. He has recently reached a new balance in his life after coming to terms with not being able to stay on top of switching off the lights his kids leave on around the house.