Entrepreneurial academic leads retail research
A YORKSHIRE professor turned entrepreneur is to lead a groundbreaking project which will see major UK retail groups working with academics to carry out research into the challenges they face from competition and changing consumer habits.
Professor Martin Clarke, who spun-out the successful GMAP from the University of Leeds, will head a team from the university’s geography school and the universities of Oxford, Southampton and Surrey for the £1.5m five-year project which is supported by a number of leading retailers including Asda, Tesco and the Post Office.
It will jointly research key issues including retail competition, marketing and the changing consumer and global supply chain management.
The Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC) has awarded the grant to help the retail sector – which is one of the largest in the UK economy employing around 10% of the working population – work more closely with the UK’s social science research base to address issues such as increased levels of competition, innovation, new sales channels and evolving consumer profiles and behaviour.
Retailers from a variety of sectors will be able to benefit from the knowledge of academic experts, through PhD studentships and placements, Knowledge Transfer Partnerships and consultancy for small to medium enterprises. The project already has the support of many of the UK’s leading retailers.
Leeds has a long tradition of working with retailers, particularly in the analysis of location issues, such as where new supermarkets should be located. Indeed, the four partner Universities have been responsible for much of the most innovative research in retailing over the last two decades.
Prof Clarke said: “ Leeds has had great success with developing one of the country’s most successful spin out companies, GMAP which has worked on retail location, market analysis and network planning research with major international retailers such as Sainsbury’s, Tesco, Wal Mart and IKEA. The Retail Industry Business Engagement Network will enable us to develop our existing links and to develop new ones. “
Prof Clarke hopes that the experience offered by the Retail Industry Business Engagement Network will also provide exciting opportunities for UK retailers of all sizes. He is particularly keen to engage with smaller retailers who would like to devote more time to their development activities.
