National Entrepreneurship Observatory

Piers began working on the GEM project in the autumn of 2005. He is currently researching Small Business Finance and has a forthcoming publication with Speight, A. E. H. ‘Is Investment Time Irreversible? Some Empirical Evidence for Disaggregate UK Manufacturing Data’, Applied Economics.

Robbie began his work on the GEM project in 2006. With main interests in Micro and Small Business Development, he is currently researching small Welsh rural SMEs, including their relationship with support agencies, and investigation into the needs of small businesses. This research will influence future implications for Policy-makers in Wales, lead to the improvement in Owner/managers capabilities with the resultant benefits of a defined small business support delivery structure, enhancing their enterprises for the betterment of the Welsh economy. This interest led to a publication in 2002, The Social Aspects of the Impact of ICT on Agri-food SME’s in Wales. Outlook on Agriculture Journal Vol. 31, No1, 2002, pp35 – 41

Caleb began working with GEM in October 2005. Prior to this he studied for his PhD in Strategic Human Resource Management of Microfinance Institutions in China and Indonesia at the University of Leeds, which he is waiting to be awarded, and a taught Masters in Economic Development at the University of Glasgow. His dissertation is on the ‘Regional Policy in China 1978-1995 with Reference to Economic Growth and Regional Inequality’. During this time he also completed an internship with the United Nations at their headquarters in New York where he researched two chapters of a UN publication on the economic and social development of land-locked developing countries. His publications include Kwong C. 2004, ‘The Impact of Urban-Rural Migration in Indonesia: The case study of Bank Rakyat Indonesia’, Asian and Pacific Migration Journal Vol.13, No 4, pp.523-532; Kwong, C. 2004, ‘Human resource management of Chinese micro-finance institutions – The connection between organisational strategy and HRM’, Sheffield East Asian Studies Electronic Working Paper Series Vol.2, Number 6; Kwong, C. 2003, ‘Rural Finance and Poverty Alleviation in China – an Institutional Perspective’, Development Bulletin No. 61, May 2003.

Neil joined the GEM project and the Centre for Advanced Studies at Cardiff University in April 2007.  Using the expertise within NEO and the ‘Fast Growth 50’, he is looking at new ways to support business growth and entrepreneurial activity.

Undergraduate and post-graduate studies include Government, Public Policy and Entrepreneurial Practice.  Following graduation he developed an understanding of E-commerce strategies and supported growth within a Cardiff based SME.  Neil then joined the University of Wales Newport Business School, where he delivered KEF, ESF and ERDF research into ‘Enterprise Education’, ‘Welsh SME skill sets’ and supported a University and City Wide ‘Strategy for Enterprise’.  Neil built relationships and commercial consultancy for the University, while becoming involved in supporting the Creative Industries of Wales.  Through Newport and Gwent Enterprise, he delivered regional objectives by creating a ‘Business Support Centre of Art’ and ‘Business Start-up Incubators’.  His personal portfolio of consultancy has included training workshops, and reporting on ‘Broadband Efficiency Savings’ for Cardiff University and the Welsh Assembly Government.

Simon began working at GEM in April 2007 and is based at the Centre for Advanced Studies at Cardiff University.  His research interests include Development Studies, especially Third World debt, trade and the WTO, neo-liberalism and structural adjustment. Welsh Rural Studies, including homelessness, poverty, social inclusion, population change, European Social Funding and National Parks. 

If you have any queries regarding GEM or the NEO website please contact the GEM Administrator Tracy Wheeler on 01443 483572 or email