Case study · Residents and communities
Understanding the foundational economy across Greater Manchester
Qualitative research with business owners, managers, and employees explored the challenges facing Greater Manchester’s foundational economy and potential gaps in support.
AudienceBusiness owners, managers, and employees across Greater Manchester
ApproachSix online focus groups and two depth interviews
Value to Greater Manchester Combined AuthorityEvidence to help GMCA identify additional support measures for local businesses
The brief
- Greater Manchester Combined Authority was developing support for the foundational economy, including social care and early years, retail, hospitality, and leisure.
- Before designing activity, it wanted to understand the issues affecting businesses, self-employed people, and employees and identify gaps in existing support.
The approach
- Enventure Research moderated six online focus groups, four with owners and managers and two with employees.
- Two additional depth interviews were conducted with business owners.
- A co-designed topic guide was used with participants from a range of sectors across Greater Manchester.
The outcome
- Enventure Research analysed the qualitative feedback and produced a comprehensive report drawing out common themes.
- The evidence was intended to help GMCA identify additional support measures for businesses in the foundational economy.