Sheffield research company bolsters team and Board with latest hires
Kada Research, a UK and International economic consultancy based in South Yorkshire, has expanded its team with the appointment of experienced economic consultant, Cassie Houlden, who joins as a Director, and a member of the Board, as well as placement student, Khumo Mokae.
A highly experienced economic development practitioner with nearly twenty-five years’ experience in research, strategy and management roles across the private, public and academic sectors, Cassie began her career at Sheffield Training and Enterprise Council before moving onto Sheffield Hallam University’s Business School.
She is the former interim Head of Economic Strategy and Marketing for Sheffield City Council, and has also spent some time at the economic development consultancy, ekosgen.
Boasting extensive analytical and technical skills, and specialising in economic analysis, business cases and funding bids, strategy development, impact assessment and evaluation, she has led commissions on behalf of Local Authorities, Local Enterprise Partnerships, Universities and the private sector and others.
Joining from Liverpool-based AMION Consulting, Cassie graduated from the University of Sheffield with a degree in economics and holds an MSc in Economic Development and Policy from the University of Birmingham.
She has delivered a diverse range of projects across themes including inclusive economic growth; R&D, innovation and sectoral growth; labour markets and skills; employability and inclusion; business growth; and the economic benefits of investment in transport infrastructure.
Her appointment follows a period of impressive growth for Kada Research, which has recently completed on a number of high profile regional and national projects, including the Kirklees Skills Hub Feasibility Study, and a South Yorkshire Health and Wellbeing Assets Study.
The company has also been busy on new funding bids as part of the Government’s commitment to Levelling Up.
Commenting on her appointment Karl Dalgleish, Kada Company Director, said:
“We are so pleased with Cassie’s appointment and welcome her to the team. Her experience speaks for itself, and I have no doubt that she will be a huge asset to both new and existing clients.
“Her wealth of knowledge across economic development will complement and deepen the existing expertise of the team and reinforce our commitment to high quality, independent, incisive, evidence-based reports and recommendations.
“I have worked with Cassie previously, and her professionalism and passion for the work that she does really shines through. I am therefore very excited to have her on board not only as a Director, but also as a member of our Board so that she can help shape the future direction of the business.”
Commenting on her new role Cassie added:
“I am delighted to be working with the KADA team. Collectively they are highly experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic, and I look forward to working alongside them on a wide range of economic development projects.
I am particularly pleased to be working alongside Karl again, having previously worked with him at ekosgen, and I am also looking forward to being back in the office, and working in such a vibrant and exciting part of the City after three years of being based at home.”
Last month Kada Research also welcomed Khumo Mokae to the team as part of an industry placement year taken with the University of Sheffield, where she is currently doing a degree in Politics and International Studies.
Having completed A-levels in Politics, History and Economics, as well as a virtual internship on business and human rights with esteemed law firm Clifford Chance, Khumo has a keen interest in matters relating to environmental sustainability and social affairs.
She was drawn to KADA Research by the company belief of helping benefit social and environmental change through research, with an interest in climate change, and is now working alongside the team to help with strategy development and implementation.
