What We Do
CUSTOM RESEARCH
We design and implement bespoke studies and develop answers to unique client questions.
We define requirements, develo approaches, collect and preserve evidence, generate grounded insights, and ensure decisions and arguments hold up under pressure.
We exercise robust quality assurance and quality control, and deliver tangible products and documents of record to satisfy audits, KPIs, and compliance requirements.
TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE
We review and optimise client capabilities through dual-track technical assistance.
We supplement our clients’ in-house expertise and conduct independent quality control and review, as external advisors, mentors and fractional CxOs.
We undertake technical reviews of client operations and performance, identify gaps or weaknesses, and suggest improvements.
CAPACITY BUILDING
We develop our clients’ competencies and ability to deliver at pace and at scale.
Every client will have unique needs. Our process typically involves a review of current training, skill and quality levels to pinpoint areas in need of improvement.
We follow up with custom curriculum design and skill-building workshops, exercises, and other techniques to build and sharpen in-house competencies.
Practice Areas
-
Defence
We have a well-developed track record covering strategic industries, geopolitics, and defence and security matters, for public and private sector clients.
-
Justice
We support rule of law programs and initiatives with legal research and analysis, pre-discovery needs assessment, evidence digitization, and independent review.
-
Business
We research the behavioural, cultural, and social conditions that enable market entry, business expansion, and economic and financial growth.
-
Technology
We study science and technology innovation in context, to equip developers and investors with the base of evidence and analysis that gets product to market.
Applications
-
01. Evidence-based Policy & Practice
When you need demonstrable, updated research to support strategic decisions, frames and direction.
-
06. New Market Entry & Risk Research
When exploring new markets or refining your position in existing ones, and you require tailored analysis and actionable insights.
-
02. Targeted Business Development
When building a new practice area, expanding your client base, strengthening partnerships, or unlocking new revenue opportunities.
-
07. R&D Concept Validation and Development
When developing a new product or service and you need to ensure it meets market demands and achieves a successful launch.
-
03. Supply Chain Risk Management
When you need to understand how new technologies, inefficiencies, or or other problems are disrupting your supply operations.
-
08. Compliance & Regulatory Navigation
When working through evolving regulatory landscapes and ensuring compliance with complex industry standards and innovations.
-
04. Performance & Impact Assessment
When it’s time to evaluate the success of your projects, measure their impacts and outcomes, and refine your approach.
-
09. Crisis Indicators & Early Warning
When facing uncertainty or crises and you require immediate, evidence-based advice to navigate challenges effectively.
-
05. Operational Process Tracing & Analysis
When optimizing workflows, reducing costs, or enhancing your operational processes is essential to achieving your goals.
-
10. Stakeholder & Reputation Management
When your brand’s good name and hard-earned reputation are at risk, or your competitor is crowding out the market.
Work Summaries
Case Analysis for Planning & Preparedness
“Senior government decisionmakers commissioned multiple rounds of in-depth and up-to-date research, which became the evidence-base for strategic reviews, policy planning, scenario development, and gaming exercises. We designed and produced structured, focused comparisons and causal process traces of large-n and small-n case cohorts, covering:
-Autonomous mobility applications in humanitarian relief and emergency response operations.
-Ideation and behavioural dynamics in separate studies of regime transition, aid acceptance, and workforce satisfaction.
-Social and cultural dynamics and innovative technology applications in licit and illicit financial networks.”
Data Collection for Evidence-based Engagements
“Western governments funded multiple evidence collection and processing efforts that contributed directly to intelligence-led diplomatic engagements and enhanced international criminal prosecutions.
-In Afghanistan, we digitized and translated 50000 pages of government records from the 1995-2001 period of Taliban rule.
-In Iraq, we managed a UN project to digitize 20m pages of unprocessed documentary evidence and judicial case files.
-In Ukraine, we mentored and advised federal police investigators on international standards of evidence handling.”
Doctrinal Study for Autonomous UAS Resupply
“In consortium with ESOX Aero, Thales UK, Bayes Consulting, and Avartek, we won joint defence and development funding, through a UK Defence and Security Accelerator (DASA) competition, for R&D on autonomous last-mile resupply using uncrewed aerial system (UAS).
We investigated government policy, inter-agency logistics doctrines, operating procedures, and the state of the art in public and private sector autonomous mobility applications. We produced a final analytical report establishing evidence-based context and rationale for advancing the project to second stage. This document of record was submitted to the funder as part of a larger consortium package, which was approved and accepted, triggering release of second-round funding.”
Network Mapping for Insurer Due Diligence
“A Lloyd’s insurer monitoring a politically unstable North African state required an updated understanding of political and commercial channels of influence in the area. Locally produced documentary evidence, including online, print and grey literature, were identified and collected.
These became the source data for network charts of social, political and commercial influence networks. The client was briefed, and a final report and data visualisation product were handed over. The client deployed the products to its in-house team to increase the effectiveness of real-time fraud detection and investigations.”
Market Intelligence for Business Expansion
“A British maritime security company founded by retired Royal Marines Commandos wanted to expand into a new geographical region. It needed to understand the regional regulatory regime, options for safe office set-up, and a local agent who could act on the company’s behalf.
All three points were investigated. Information was collected and compiled in an analytical report setting out regional context, legal constraints and opportunities, office basing and set-up options, and the names and contact details of potential local agents. The report was supplied as a document of record to the client, which used the information to win business and expand its business into the region.”