Friday 20 January 2012
Experts to strengthen retail sector research
Experts to strengthen retail sector research
A team of experts from Nottingham Business School has been appointed by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) to forge stronger links between the social science community and the retail sector.
Forming the ‘Retail Navigator Team’ are Professor Kim Cassidy, Dr Sheilagh Resnick and Professor Paul Whysall. As part of their role they will facilitate the development of research opportunities, investigate potential collaborations and joint-funding, and link existing ESRC retail work with new activities.
Professor Kim Cassidy, Professor of Services Marketing at Nottingham Business School, part of Nottingham Trent University, said: “The aim of the Navigator project is to talk to retailers, identify the key research issues facing them and see where the ESRC could help shape and inform those agendas. We will be exploring joint research projects of social and economic benefit that fit in with the objectives of the ESRC and support and assist the retail industry.”
As well the potential development of databases and think tanks, it is also hoped that a retail research forum will be established to provide valuable information to retailers on relevant research being undertaken, as well as identifying opportunities for them to become involved in future projects.
Working with the retail sector is a key priority for the ESRC and the team from Nottingham Business School were appointed due to the strength of their bid proposal and the credentials of the three academics.
Professor Cassidy has been teaching and researching in the field of retail and services marketing for over 20 years and boasts extensive experience in the retail sector, holding management positions at Pedigree Petfoods, Marks and Spencer PLC and Stats MR.
Dr Resnick has 20 years retail experience working for one of the UK’s largest retailers, Alliance Boots, in a series of retail marketing and senior management positions. She has been teaching at Nottingham Business School for seven years across a range of retail and services marketing courses, and is an active researcher in the field of retail and small business marketing.
Professor Whysall has extensive retail consultancy experience with companies such as Alliance Boots and Tesco and previously served on the National Retail Planning Forum. He has a long established academic career in retail marketing and is a prominent member of many key retail academic networks.
Professor Paul Boyle, ESRC chief executive, comments: “Engaging with the business retail community is a key priority for the ESRC and I am pleased to appoint Nottingham Business School as our Retail Knowledge Navigator. Their complementary skills and experience make them ideal candidates for this role. By working closely with retail organisations we will see benefits for academic research, the sector itself and ultimately for society at large.”
