Development Economics
Practical, innovative solutions for complex problems
Our development economics consultants deliver practical, insight-driven support to help clients unlock strategic opportunities for growth and regeneration. Through clear and comprehensive analysis, we identify economic potential, build socio-economic cases for development within the statutory planning process, and secure funding through compelling business case making.
Whether it’s shaping investment zones, supporting levelling-up bids, or enabling regeneration in areas of weaker market demand, our team brings deep expertise and a collaborative approach to every project. We work closely with local authorities, developers, and stakeholders to turn vision into implementation—helping create better places and stronger communities.
Unlocking community potential
Beyond identifying opportunity and securing investment, our development economics consultants play a vital role in shaping place-based strategies that respond to local needs. Their work often involves deep engagement with communities, evidence-led modelling, and tailored business case development. In Argyll and Bute, this approach helped unlock funding for housing, skills, and infrastructure projects as part of the £70 million Rural Growth Deal—supporting regeneration across some of Scotland’s most remote island economies. Read MoreIntegrated economic planning
With a global presence, our economics consultancy teams combine local insight with cross-sector expertise to help places reach their full economic potential. We work across scales—from individual schemes to regional strategies—providing tailored support in economic analysis, policy design, impact assessment, innovation planning, and funding delivery. Whether it's building business cases, shaping industry clusters, or enabling inclusive growth, we focus on generating shared outcomes for communities, economies, and the environment. Read More
Casemaking with high-quality and focused economic advice
Economic criteria are often foremost in decision making, whether by government, planning authorities or funding bodies. By clearly demonstrating the rationale and economic effects of development, our team strengthens planning applications and environmental statements. We establish the economic basis for development, regeneration and master planning projects. We support major infrastructure, regeneration and development projects and funding bids across the UK.Securing investment in our communities
Stantec has worked with local authorities on a number of submissions securing almost £200m in funding through the Levelling Up Fund. Read MoreData centres and net zero communities
What value can data centres bring to their host communities—economic growth, jobs, and sustainability? James Donagh, development economics director, joins The SCOPE podcast to share his ideas on how the industry is evolving. Explore the importance of closer collaboration between data centre developers, local authorities, and other interested parties on local development plans. Read More
Our People
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Stephen Cox
Director of Economics and Regeneration
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Debbie Mayes
Development Economics Associate Director
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Robert Beauchamp
Development Economics Associate
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James Donagh
Development Economics Director
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Natalie Lillis
Development Economics Associate
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Gareth Brown
Senior Associate Economist
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Rachel Lever
Development Economics Consultant
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George Whalley
Senior Associate, Economist
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Steven Findlay
Senior Associate, Economist
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Simon Donlon
Associate Economist
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Bren Walters
Graduate Economist
We’re better together
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Become a client
Partner with us today to change how tomorrow looks. You’re exactly what’s needed to help us make it happen in your community.
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Design your career
Work with passionate people who are experts in their field. Our teams love what they do and are driven by how their work makes an impact on the communities they serve.