Examples of our insights
Latest reports
- January 2013 - Country risk premia quarterly update
The Eurozone crisis, the Arab Spring and the US fiscal crisis are just a few of the events that have defined the business environment over the past few years. These all highlight the need for organisations to pay much greater attention to the economic and political risks of the countries in which they operate in. Our country risk service can help companies to quantify and manage such risks in order to make better business decisions. - October 2012 - Global Consumer Index
Growth in global consumer spending has been slowing – but the latest value of our new Global Consumer Index (GCI) suggests that the slowdown may have eased in October. This may lead to a gradual recovery in 2013. The Index is a leading indicator of trends in the global consumer cycle. It combines dozens of economic series into a single index, which historically has tracked global consumer spending closely. - September 2012 - The Competition Commission's Investigation into the UK statutory audit market
In the UK, the Competition Commission (the “CC”) is currently carrying out a detailed investigation of the market into the supply of audit services to large companies in the UK. Alongside other interested parties, we have made submissions to the CC setting out our views on how the audit market operates.
PwC insights
Jul 2012 - Banking industry reform - a new equilibrium
Our paper discusses the recent reform and how the banking industry is responding − via recapitalisation, restructuring, reform, etc − as well as renewing their strategies with the investors, communities and customers they serve.
Jul 2012 - Strategic Options for Costing in the NHS
Our latest report for Monitor, Strategic Options for Costing, recommends that Monitor should collect patient-level costs from providers and use this to inform price regulation. In our evaluation of NHS reimbursement systems we found problems with Reference Costs - the main source of information underpinning prices.
Jul 2012 - Modelling Olympic Performance
As we get closer to the start of the 2012 Olympic Games in London at the end of July, so interest is rising in the likely medal tallies of different countries.
June 2012 - Turkey in 2041 - Looking to the future
Using our long term economic growth model this report looks at what could happen over the next 30 years to the Turkish economy. The report includes analysis of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth and developments in the following industry sectors: food and beverage processing (including food exports), agriculture, alternative energy, automobile production and tourism.
Apr 2012 - Projection rates for retail investments
The FSA commissioned us to review the rates of return that financial services companies must use to provide retail customers with projections, in light of the weak economic recovery.
Apr 2012 - An economic analysis of education exceptions in copyright
The Copyright Licensing Agency commissioned us to evaluate the economic contribution of the educational publishing industry to inform proposed Government reforms to educations copyright licensing.
Mar 2012 - Refresh your leadership
Leaders can transform their impact by putting behaviours at the heart of leadership. Written for leaders, this perspective sets out how we suggest you do it.
Feb 2012 - Evaluating the NHS reimbursement systems
We were commissioned by Monitor to undertake an evaluation of the current reimbursement system for NHS-funded care.
Feb 2012 - Valuing social impacts: Should government pay for results?
An approach to measuring and valuing social impacts and practical steps to achieve wider adoption of Payment by Results schemes by Departments.
Feb 2012 - Water White Paper - Summary and issues
The new Water White Paper describes the UK government’s vision for future water management. We give our views on key issues arising from the White Paper.
Nov 2011 - R&D tax relief reform – an economic study
We were commissioned by the Engineering Employers Federation and the Society of Motor Manufacturers to help them understand the economic impact of R&D tax relief.
Nov 2011 - Delivering a vertically integrated rail concession
One of the key recommendations from the Rail Value for Money study is to have vertically integrated contracts - but how would these be delivered?
Nov 2011 - Competition and choice in the UK audit market
Opening response to the Competition Commission inquiry into the UK audit market.
Nov 2011 - Achieving efficient carbon reduction
In this video, Paul Dawson, RWE talks about the impact of a carbon price floor in the UK and his views on supporting investment in low carbon technology.
Nov 2011 - Delivering a vertically integrated rail concession
One of the key recommendations from the Rail Value for Money study is to have vertically integrated contracts – but how would these be delivered?
Oct 2011 - Spending Review: One Year On
One year ago the Coalition announced unprecedented levels of public spending cuts. Since then Government has focused on dealing with the deficit and implementing the spending cuts programme. Our report reviews public sector progress to date and sets out the outstanding challenges for government in continuing to deal with the deficit.
Oct 2011 - Regulating water resources
This paper discusses some of the key issues that will need to be addressed by Ofwat and the water companies, in managing competition in the water sector.
Oct 2011 - How will the wealth of the baby bust generation compare with that of the baby boomers?
This report compares the economic fortunes of two people with similar career paths and life histories but from different generations: a ‘baby boomer’ born in 1963 and a ‘baby buster’ born in 1993.
Oct 2011 - Get well soon - providing better health outcomes
This short article analyses healthcare provider performance data to compare health improvements across NHS and foundation trusts, with independent sector providers.
Oct 2011 - Sovereign Wealth Funds - the key to economic success?
Despite the prominent role of Sovereign Wealth Funds during the financial crisis, the Fund’s effect on the economy where it is established is an area where little economic research has focussed. This report looks at whether a Fund has a material impact on the national which sets it up.
Oct 2011 - Where next? The Independent Commission on banking report
This paper outlines the recommendations and implications of the ICB report and the impact these will have on banks.
Oct 2011 - Regulating water resources
This paper discusses some of the key issues that will need to be addressed by Ofwat and the water companies, in managing competition in the water sector.
Oct 2011 - How will the wealth of the baby bust generation compare with that of the baby boomers?
This report compares the economic fortunes of two people with similar career paths and life histories but from different generations: a ‘baby boomer’ born in 1963 and a ‘baby buster’ born in 1993.
Sept 2011 - Out in the open: Delivering Public Service Reform
This book sets out our views on the practical steps needs to reform public services. How should public services be opened up? How can public services be made more accountable to citizens? How can we best finance the public services of the future? And should government consider charging for more?
Aug 2011 - UK nuclear and wind investment hold-ups
Blog posting details investment delays in EU programme
July 2011 - Selling HS2 - Delivering a return on Government's investment
Analysis of the potential proceeds from a sale of High Speed 2 rail.
Oct 2010 - Ofcom Pension Review
Ofcom launched its Pension Review in December 2009 to consider its regulatory approach in the context of the increased deficit payments and capital market scrutiny of BT’s pension scheme (BTPS).
Sep 2010 - The future media organisation
Exploring how media organisations need to adapt to these changing consumer demands in order to be successful.
Mar 2010 - Power deals 2009
Power Deals 2009 reviews deal activity in the power and gas utilities industry. The report is the latest annual review edition in our annual series on deal-making, examining activity in all parts of the sector.
Mar 2010 - 100% renewable electricity
100% Renewable Electricity examines the potential for powering Europe and North Africa with renewable electricity exclusively by 2050 and the opportunities this transformation to the power sector presents.
Feb 2010 - Vision 2050
Estimating the order of magnitude of additional sustainability-related business opportunities in key sectors.
Dec 2009 - Strategic partnerships: the real deal?
The most common issues and pitfalls in Technology, Media and Telecommunications and a framework for making your strategic partnerships successful.
Dec 2009 - Low Carbon Economy Index
Converting the low carbon economy framework into an ambitious global deal, with the appropriate mechanism and adequate funding to deliver it.
Examples of insights to clients
Apr 2012 - Projection rates for retail investments
The FSA commissioned us to review the rates of return that financial services companies must use to provide retail customers with projections, in light of the weak economic recovery.
Apr 2012 - An economic analysis of education exceptions in copyright
The Copyright Licensing Agency commissioned us to evaluate the economic contribution of the educational publishing industry to inform proposed Government reforms to educations copyright licensing.
Feb 2012 - Evaluating the NHS reimbursement systems
We were commissioned by Monitor to undertake an evaluation of the current reimbursement system for NHS-funded care.
Nov 2011 - R&D tax relief reform – an economic study
We were commissioned by the Engineering Employers Federation and the Society of Motor Manufacturers to help them understand the economic impact of R&D tax relief.
Jul 2011 - Selling HS2 - Delivering a return on Government's investment
Analysis of the potential proceeds from a sale of High Speed 2 rail.
Jul 2011 - Cost of Service Inquiry for Community Pharmacy
This report identifies and quantifies the various NHS costs involved in delivering community pharmacy services.
Jul 2011 - British Land - measuring their economic contribution
British Land’s measurement of the economic, socio-economic and tax effects of their business as part of their overall performance.
Apr 2011 - Consumer Understanding and management of internet cookies
Our report looks into consumer understanding and management of internet cookies and the potential impact of the EU Electronic Communications Framework
Mar 2011 - Investigating the Pay-TV movie market
PwC was commissioned by British Sky Broadcasting Plc (BSkyB) to provide an independent response to the Competition Commission’s (CC) treatment of Sky’s aggregate profitability.
Mar 2011 - Launch of BBC Radioplayer
Radioplayer is an online audio player which gives access to live, on demand and podcast radio from hundreds of radio stations in the UK. Radioplayer is a not-for-profit company. The founding partners are the BBC, Global Radio, GMG Radio, Absolute Radio and RadioCentre. PwC provided advice to the BBC on policy issues, and market modelling.
Mar 2011 - Commissioning and competition in the public sector
This report for the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) highlights the need for a change in behaviour of commissioners and suppliers in order to ensure successful commissioning and competition in the public sector.
Mar 2011 - An economic analysis of copyright licensing
We consider how policy options and secondary copyright in general affect the economic value generated through the production of “creative content”.
Oct 2010 - Ofcom Pension Review
Ofcom launched its Pension Review in December 2009 to consider its regulatory approach in the context of the increased deficit payments and capital market scrutiny of BT’s pension scheme (BTPS).
Jun 2010 - The Economics of Ecosystems and Biodiversity
A study focused on the global economic benefit of biological diversity, the costs of the loss of biodiversity and the failure to take protective measures versus the costs of effective conservation.
Feb 2009 - Ofcom - Cost benefit analysis of digital radio migration
A cost benefit analysis of the digital migration of radio services for DAB to replace FM as the primary platform for national, regional and large local radio stations
Jan 2009 - Advertising payback
Economic research into UK consumers' willingness to pay for brands shows a significant fall through the early stages of the downturn.
2009 - The effectiveness of advertising in international media
Increased advertising in international media leads to stronger brand preference, more brand recommendations, and, crucially, more product sales.
