Harlow Consulting Bolsters Growth with Strategic Hires

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Harlow Consulting Bolsters Growth with Strategic Hires

Jennifer Brennan • 1 November 2023

Harlow Consulting, a leading provider of research and consulting services based in Harrogate, has announced two new hires as the agency, founded in 2019, experiences rapid growth.

Harlow Consulting offers qualitative and quantitative research, evaluation, qualifications, and standards design. Harlow’s directors, Jennifer Brennan and Clare Vokes, are now delighted to welcome two new associate directors, James Legard and Carolyn Black.

James contributes a wealth of knowledge to the Harlow Consulting team, with specialisms in social research, construction, and heritage. An Oxford graduate with a PhD in architectural history from the University of York, he joins Harlow from Purcell Architecture, the UK’s largest conservation architecture practice. There he was a Senior Heritage Consultant and north region heritage consultancy lead. Previously, he worked as an Associate Heritage Consultant at Simpson and Brown in Edinburgh. In both roles he collaborated regularly with Harlow on a series of heritage-related research projects for Historic England and Historic Environment Scotland.

James has also worked at the National Gallery in London and at a market research agency specialising in vocational skills and training. He has taught at universities in the UK and Canada and contributed to numerous academic publications.

James said: “I’ve worked with both Clare and Jennifer in the research sector over many years, and have always been impressed by their commitment, passion and conscientious approach to their work and clients. Harlow Consulting is doing remarkable work that will have lasting impacts in sectors such as housing, healthcare, and heritage. I’m thrilled to be joining such an exciting, innovative team.”

Carolyn Black joins the team from the public sector in Scotland and brings an exceptional track record as a social researcher in the fields of public health, education and skills, and children and families.

Carolyn has a degree in psychology from the University of Edinburgh. She spent the majority of her career with the global market research leader, Ipsos, joining as a graduate trainee. She spent the last four of her twelve years there as an associate director before taking up a post in the Evaluation and Research team of Skills Development Scotland, Scotland’s national skills agency. A true all-rounder, Carolyn will build on her broad-ranging skills in both quantitative and qualitative research and analysis, and her extensive record of delivering high quality research for public sector clients to take the lead on developing Harlow’s growing portfolio of work in Scotland.

Carolyn said: “I saw Harlow Consulting as an exciting opportunity to be part of a fast growing, innovative team, as well as to work on projects where my skills in social research can have real impact. My experience in the public sector has given me real awareness of the social benefits that high-quality research can lead to, something that is really important to me. Crucially, Harlow really deliver on their values and work in a way other organisations don’t. It was also a big draw to work for a female-owned and operated agency.”

Jennifer Brennan said, “We are delighted that two such strong candidates have chosen to join our growing team. James is adept at interpreting complex information to produce clear, actionable recommendations. He’s also particularly skilled in the fields of construction and heritage, which are important and growing research areas for us. Carolyn is a great fit for us, in terms of both her experience and values. Her diverse and expert skill set in social research will greatly strengthen our ability to deliver for our Scottish clients. Her understanding of the needs of the public and third sectors will be especially valuable in forwarding our mission to undertake projects with positive social impacts.”

Jennifer continued: “Our team has grown from just two in 2019 to ten today. Investing in talent is a crucial part of our continued success and we plan to continue expanding our team at all levels over the coming months and years.”

Harlow Consulting clients include Home Building Skills Partnership, Historic England, Historic Environment Scotland and Skills Development Scotland.

ENDS

About Harlow Consulting

Research with Impact

Harlow Consulting is a full-service research and evaluation agency operating across the UK. Their directors have over 30 years’ combined research experience in a wide variety of sectors including construction, heritage and healthcare. They also work extensively in the education sector, and develop qualifications, standards and apprenticeship frameworks.

Harlow Consulting is passionate about delivering high-quality research that makes an impact.

https://www.harlowconsulting.co.uk

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