Economic benefits of expansion of Manchester Metrolink
Recent work for Manchester Enterprises on the economic benefits of the proposed expansion to the Manchester Metrolink was widely covered in the regional media, including the Manchester Evening News earlier this month. The work showed that the improvements in accessibility to central Manchester enabled by the Metrolink expansion will create significant benefits – increasing property prices and facilitating higher value, more productive jobs. For more information visit Manchester Enterprises or contact Ellie.

Volterra continues to grow with new additions to the team
The Volterra team are pleased to welcome onboard Paul Diggle and Anna Montvai, both of whom took up their new posts as Consultants earlier this month. Paul is currently working on the diverse aspects of Manchester’s economy as well as the economic impact of the proposed expansion of Stansted Airport, whilst Anna is developing techniques for stress testing according to Basel II regulations. Find out more about Anna and Paul.

Binge drinking study gets published in Nature
Nature, a well respected scientific journal and a significantly important publication to the Volterra team, published an article entitled ‘Booze binges are catching’, in June on Volterra's recent study into the role of social networks in the spread of anti-social binge drinking. The study was part of a wider project in conjunction with market research firm FDS, its main findings were that social networks are enough by themselves to explain the rise in binge drinking amongst 18 to 24 year olds. This makes intuitive sense as people can be influenced though their relationships with friends to replicate their behaviour, just to have that one extra drink each time. The work was recently presented to the Department of Health and the European Parliament has now picked up on the study. For further information view the Nature News article or the conference paper.

Bridget Rosewell leaves the GLA after six years of achievements
On 31st July Bridget ended her six year stint as Consultant Chief Economist to the Greater London Authority. Six years ago, there was only one member of staff and she has been responsible over these years for creating an Economics Unit which has a strong reputation for high quality and independent analysis. The highlight of her time has undoubtedly been the successful case for Crossrail, which has led to a revision of how transport appraisals are considered as well as to the Crossrail Bill, now nearly through Parliament. It has been a wrench to leave and so she had a party for friends, staff and everyone who has helped make the unit such a success. View some images of the event here.

Paul Ormerod presents at the Work Foundation
Paul gave a presentation to the Work Foundation’s conference on ‘Managing Risk and Complexity’. Building on his 2006 US Business Week Business Book of the year, entitled Why Most Things Fail, Paul spoke on why complex projects fail. Paul argued that the main reason why so many of the current government’s policies have failed is because they are rooted intellectually in the past, in a world where they believe central planning works – not that it ever did. For more information view Paul’s presentation.