Tom Matthew

Tom Matthew – Summary Profile

Over 25 years experience working in transport and economic development across Scotland and the UK, both in consultancy and with the public sector. Particular expertise in the economic impacts of transport infrastructure and services, and of regional aviation in particular, plus wider knowledge of key sectors of the economy, notably life sciences, renewables, tourism and professional services.

Recent Employment and Education 

2004-Present:         Reference Economic Consultants – Director and Associate of Northpoint Aviation Services

2001-2004:              Highlands & Islands Enterprise – Transport Development Manager

1993-2001:              EKOS Economic Consultants – Co-Founder and Director

1983-1987:              University of Glasgow – M.A. (Hons) Social Sciences – First Class

Key Skills and Knowledge

• High developed understanding of the wider economic contribution of airports and air services.
• Economic impact assessment – delivered a wide range of studies in Scotland through research frameworks since 2006, including recent major submission for the Inverness City Deal.
• Member of consortia on five other current Scottish public sector research frameworks-including aviation, sectoral studies, project evaluation, economic research and intelligence, transport.
• Up to date knowledge of the main sectors of the UK economy, including identified growth sectors.
• Options appraisal, including Scottish Transport Appraisal (STAG) studies.
• Designing, undertaking and analysing stakeholder consultations, including both quantitative and qualitative data.  Specialises in interviews with businesses about current and future use of air services.
• Sound understanding of surface modes, based on specific road, rail and sea studies, and how these complement air travel.
• Highly developed written and verbal communication.

Selected Consultancy Experience:

Airports and Air Services

Consultations with Businesses and Business Organisations Regarding Enhancements to UK Air Routes from Cardiff Airport Client: Welsh Government

Demand Forecasting, Economic Analysis and Exploring Extending the Aircraft Size and Operating Hours at Anglesey Airport Client: Welsh Government

Appraisal of Impact of Potential Changes to APD Client: Welsh Government

Costed and Legally Compliant Business and Economic Case for Extending Air Passenger Discount Scheme to Business Travellers Client: Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS)

Inverness Airport: Online Survey of Businesses and Households Client: Highlands and Islands Airports Limited (HIAL)

Inverness Airport: Depth Interviews with Business on Air Travel Needs Client: HIAL

Research Into Business Demand for an Inverness-Norway Air Service Client: HIAL

Isle of Skye Air Services Research Client: Highlands and Islands Enterprise (HIE)

Future Air Connectivity Requirements for Growth Sectors & Businesses Client: HIE

Research Into Potential International PSO Air Service Client: Confidential

Inverness Airport: Depth Survey of Business Air Travel Needs Client: HIAL

National Connectivity Task Force: Inbound Tourism Work Package Client: National Connectivity Task Force

Economic Impacts of Inverness Air Routes Client: HIAL

Aberdeen-Stornoway Air Service Research Client: HIE

Dundee Airport Scoping Study Client: Transport Scotland

Public Consultations on Future Development of Internal Air Services Clients: Orkney Islands Council/Shetland Islands Council

Regional Air Services Development Study Client: HITRANS

Inverness Airport Passenger Surveys Client: HIAL

Assessment of Potential Demand for Enhanced Glasgow-Campbeltown Air Services Client: Kintyre Development Limited

Potential Demand and Economic Impacts of New “Thin” Air Routes In the Highlands & Islands Client: HIE

Potential Development of MRO at Inverness Airport Business Park Client: HIE

Economic Impact of Inverness Airport Clients: HIAL/HIE

Air Freight Study and Options for Market Development Clients: HIAL/HITRANS

On-Site, Off-Site and Catalytic Impacts of Newquay Cornwall Airport Client: Cornwall County Council

Economic Inputs to Inverness Airport Masterplan Client: HIAL

Economic Inputs to Newquay Cornwall Airport Masterplan Client: Cornwall County Council

Economic Impacts of Newcastle and Durham Tees Valley Airports Client: One North East

Economic Impacts of Potential New Air Routes Client: One North East

London Air Services Economic Research Client: HIE

Inverness-Heathrow Air Service Economic Research Client: HIE

Economic Impact of Scottish Aerospace Sector Client: Scottish Enterprise nGrowth Sectors

Transport Options Appraisals

Western Isles Air Services-Review and Options Appraisal Client: Comhairle nan Eilean

Development of Oban Air Services Client: HITRANS

Longer Term Options for Kerrera Ferry Service Client: Transport Scotland

Development of Ferry Services out of Oban Client: HITRANS

North Uist and Harris Ferry Services Development Study Client: HITRANS