About EKOS Consultants

Our History

Founded in 1993, EKOS has grown into one of the most respected independent consultancy firms, specializing in economic and social research. With decades of experience, we have established a strong reputation for delivering insightful analysis, strategic guidance, and evidence-based solutions that drive meaningful change.
Operating across a diverse range of sectors, we collaborate with businesses, public sector bodies, and community organisations to foster sustainable economic growth and enhance social well-being. Our work spans everything from policy evaluation and impact assessment to strategic planning and programme development, ensuring our clients have the knowledge and tools needed to make informed decisions.

At the heart of EKOS is a dedicated team of professionals who bring not only technical expertise but also a deep commitment to making a tangible difference. With a combination of analytical rigour, industry insight, and a passion for progress, we help shape policies, projects, and initiatives that create long-term value for individuals, communities, and the wider economy.

Who we work with

At EKOS Consultants, we collaborate with a diverse range of clients across the UK, delivering expert consultancy services tailored to their unique needs. Our extensive experience includes working with numerous local councils, particularly in central Scotland and the Highlands and Islands, supporting regional development and strategic initiatives. In addition to our public sector partnerships, we have established strong working relationships with leading academic institutions, including the University of Strathclyde and the University of Aberdeen, contributing to research projects and policy development. Our client portfolio reflects our commitment to fostering impactful collaborations that drive innovation and sustainable growth.

Meet our team

Our multidisciplinary team brings diverse skills, experience and knowledge from different backgrounds, including: academia, economic development agencies, community organisations and the private sector

Brian McLaren

Managing Director

Chris Kelly

Director

Nicola Graham

Principal Consultant

Alison Cairns

Principal Consultant

Mick McCart

Senior Consultant

Connor Bryant

Senior Consultant

Innes Armstrong

Senior Consultant

Michael Dunn

Consultant

Gemma Donnelly

Consultant

Alessia Biris

Research Consultant

Joseph Robinson

Research Consultant

Dianne O’Brien

Office Manager

Brian McLaren

Managing Director

Brian is Managing Director of EKOS, responsible for the ongoing development of the practice. He began his career in academic research before moving into public policy and research roles in culture and economic development and then into private consultancy. His research interests focus on creativity, innovation and public service development, and he has particular expertise in creative and digital industries, higher education, arts and culture, sport and leisure and innovation policy and practice.

Brian has high level skills in the design and delivery of a wide range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including financial and economic appraisal and impact assessment.

He advises clients across the UK including national and local government, development agencies, broadcasters and universities. Outside of work he has held various Board positions with leading arts organisations in Scotland

brian.mclaren@ekos.co.uk
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Chris Kelly

Director Emeritus​

Chris has been working within economic development since 2006 and works alongside the Managing Director to support the ongoing development of EKOS. His professional interests and areas of expertise lie within: regional/place development, innovation and business engagement, and infrastructure investment. He regularly works with the national enterprise agencies, universities and industry across these sectors.

Chris brings specialist technical skills and experience to clients across EKOS portfolio, including: quantitative and qualitative research, preparing Green Book Business Cases, options and feasibility appraisal, and economic / social impact scenario modelling.

He is an Affiliate of the RTPI and Vice Chair of the Economic Development Association of Scotland (EDAS) where he leads the Training and CPD sub-group.

chris.kelly@ekos.co.uk
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Nicola Graham

Principal Consultant

Nicola has 20+ years public and private sector experience. Prior to joining EKOS in 2010, Nicola’s background was primarily in social inclusion and community planning, where she held policy, monitoring and evaluation roles at a local and city-wide level in Glasgow. After that, she spent some time working in England as the Head of Performance Management for the former South East of England Regional Development Agency.

At EKOS, Nicola leads on our growing sport, leisure and physical activity work. This spans research, evaluations, reviews to help make efficiencies and increase income, stakeholder and community engagement, options appraisals, feasibility studies and business plans. Her recent clients include sportscotland, local authorities, sport and leisure trusts, and community groups. Nicola also has wider thematic experience in business and enterprise support, equalities, employability and skills, innovation and knowledge exchange, and key sectors (e.g. food and drink).

nicola.graham@ekos.co.uk
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Alison Cairns

Principal Consultant

Alison is a highly experienced social researcher with over 20 years’ experience in public policy and economic development at the Scottish, UK, and European levels. She has delivered research and evaluation for a wide range of clients, including the Scottish Government, local authorities, and third sector organisations across the UK.

Her expertise covers a broad range of public policy areas, including the rural economy, skills, and the design and implementation of monitoring and evaluation frameworks. Prior to joining EKOS, Alison held senior roles in both government and the third sector, with a focus on skills planning, evidence and impact, and rural economic development. She also has a strong background in EU regional and interregional committees, European funding programmes, and civil society networks and engagement.

alison.cairns​@ekos.co.uk
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Mick McCart

Senior Consultant

Mick is a professional economic consultant with seven years’ experience at EKOS. He has particular expertise in property and place development, programme evaluation, event evaluation and economic impact assessment and appraisal.

He has experience operating across a wide variety of sectors, with particular knowledge and expertise in the marine economy, renewable energy, business support and the food & drink sector.

Having started his career as a researcher, Mick has experience in delivering mix-method fieldwork and engagement programmes, including: large-scale telephone and online surveys, and stakeholder and community consultations.

mick.mccart@ekos.co.uk
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Connor Bryant

Consultant

Connor is a professional economist with experience spanning academia and private consulting. Prior to joining EKOS, Connor worked in academia where his research focused on econometric modelling across diverse topics including economic inequality and tourism. He is skilled both in quantitative and qualitative analysis and in working with large volumes of data across a variety of sources.

At EKOS, Connor contributes to a wide range of projects with particular experience and expertise in project appraisal and evaluation, economic impact assessments and economic modelling. Much of his work has focused on innovation and technology, academic and industry collaboration, business support and physical regeneration.

connor.bryant@ekos.co.uk
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Innes Armstrong

Consultant

Prior to joining EKOS in 2022, Innes worked in London with an environmental economic consultancy. He has experience operating across a multitude of sectors including renewable energy, pharmaceuticals, and recycling as well as experience working with Scottish and UK policy makers.

As a consultant, he works across all of EKOS’ sectors providing a variety of support on economic impact assessments, socio-economic baselines, outline businesses cases, survey design and analysis, and policy reviews. He has experience in carrying out literature reviews, engaging with stakeholders, as well as collating and analysing data from a variety of datasets.

innes.armstrong@ekos.co.uk
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Michael Dunn

Consultant

Following his graduation from University of Glasgow and gaining experience as a Graduate Researcher with West Lothian Council (Economic Development), Michael joined EKOS in 2018.

As a research consultant, he works across all of EKOS’ sectors providing a range of valuable research support such as: socio-economic baselines, survey design and analysis, policy and strategy reviews, financial and performance data analysis, and place audits. He has experience in collating, manipulating and analysing data from a wide range of socio-economic datasets including; NOMIS, NRS, SIMD and Scottish Government statistics.

michael.dunn@ekos.co.uk
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Gemma Donnelly

Researcher

Gemma joined EKOS as a Research Consultant in 2022 following completion of her post-graduate studies in public policy.

With a strong research background, Gemma has experience across EKOS’ portfolios, providing a range of research support to colleagues and clients including policy and strategic reviews, survey design and analysis (including the use of online software tool, SNAP), and qualitative and quantitative data analysis. Further, she has experience in socio-economic analyses, drawing out key intelligence using a variety of data sources such as: NOMIS, ONS and Scottish Government statistics.

gemma.donnelly@ekos.co.uk
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Dianne O’Brien

Office Manager

Dianne is the Office Manager and joined EKOS in 2019 having previously worked in accounting and administration roles across a range of business sectors including: finance, data management, IT and sport.

Dianne is a qualified bookkeeper and Member of the Institute of Certified Bookkeepers. She provides financial and administrative management support to the EKOS team.

dianne.obrien@ekos.co.uk

John Kelly

Director Emeritus​

EKOS Consultants operates across a diverse range of sectors, partnering with clients of all sizes—from national government bodies to grassroots community organizations. Our expertise spans multiple industries, enabling us to deliver tailored solutions that drive growth and innovation.

We regularly collaborate with key players in space development, the creative economy, sports and leisure, skills and education, as well as business and innovation. Whether supporting large-scale policy initiatives or working on targeted local projects, we are committed to fostering sustainable development and long-term success across these dynamic fields.

john.kelly@ekos.co.uk
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