Research Process
All Glenigan data is primarily researched by our team of over
100 web and phone researchers. To provide timely, reliable and
accurate data we use a robust methodology that combines electronic
information gathering, telephone and web research and stringent
quality control. Click on the links below to read more on the
key stages:
1. Information Gathering
Projects that need planning approval - We capture 100% of
planning applications and decisions from all 456 Local Authorities
across the UK. Over half a million applications per year are
captured, processed and available to clients within 24 hours of
appearing on Local Authorities websites.
Projects that do not need planning approval – Thousands of
projects are identified by our researchers using our extensive
network of industry contacts plus capital expenditure plans, press
and online sources.
We gather details about every new planning
application and decision from all 456 Local Authorities across the
UK. These projects account for 60% of projects we report on. Our
robust processes ensure we capture the complete details on hundreds
of thousands of applications and decisions every year to provide a
comprehensive register of planning activity.
Our researchers identify design and build
projects that do not need planning approval, refurbishment and
pre-planning projects from industry contacts, capital expenditure
plans, press and online sources. This accounts for 40% of projects
we report on.
We capture over 100% of large* projects to
provide comprehensive market coverage.
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2. Project Tracking
Projects undergo in-depth telephone research to track them from
the initial application through to full planning approval and on
through the procurement process until a Main Contractor is
appointed. Once start on site has been confirmed we identify who
the key specialist sub-contractors are and keep tracking the
project until we have confirmed completion. Our researchers speak
to decision makers on every project to track its progress through
its life cycle. We make over a million telephone calls and input
over 1.5 million updates to our database every year.
Projects are classified by value and type.
Large* projects are allocated for in-depth research. The
information on small projects is validated.
To turn our comprehensive register of planning
applications and decisions into powerful information our
researchers are in constant contact with the industry. Decision
makers on each large project are contacted as the project
progresses from pre-planning, through the tender and contract
stages to start on site to obtain comprehensive project details.
The full list of project details provided can be found here (link
to project details).
Every detail is recorded and validated using
strict classification codes so you can easily find the projects you
need. Glenigan.com is updated daily so that you see timely
information without delay.
We make over a million telephone calls and
input over a quarter of a million updates to our database every
year.
Large* =>£250k non residential, >10
units residential.
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3. Quality Control and Continuous Improvement
Our rigorous quality control processes ensure the integrity of
our database in terms of coverage; accuracy; completeness; and
timeliness. Our expert teams of researchers undergo months of
training and testing.
All addresses, phone numbers, emails and websites are
automatically validated to ensure accuracy and stringent internal
audits are carried out to test data from the users viewpoint.
Our quality control team apply extensive
checks at each stage of the research process to ensure you can rely
on the information we provide. We constantly strive to increase the
efficiency and accuracy of our work and identify how we can add
more value. We encourage customer feedback to help improve our
service.
The integrity of our database is our primary
concern. Our quality control processes are rigorous and extensive,
focusing on:
- Coverage - not missing any project or
update
- Accuracy – all information is correct and
precise
- Completeness - all important information has
been gathered
- Timeliness - minimum of delay in publishing
data
Every day hundreds of automated and manual
checks are applied to the database to deliver an unrivalled service
to our clients.
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4. Analysis and Forecasting
Our economics team, led by Allan Wilen, provide data driven
robust forecasts and expert interpretation to inform your strategic
decisions.
Glenigan worked with a business economics
consultancy, MMD, to develop a forecasting model using Glenigan
project data. The model uses robust data. It does not rely on
opinion. The method takes 'snapshots' of Glenigan data at different
points in time. A snapshot is a list of projects which, among other
things, indicates when projects are expected to start on site.
The forecasting methodology uses multiple
regression analysis, a statistical technique that predicts values
of one variable on the basis of two or more other variables. After
various iterations the most consistent patterns were identified by
separating projects into above and below £100 million categories
and when projects are less than 29 months from their expected start
on site.
MMD and Glenigan identified statistically
robust relationships between the Glenigan data at different times
based on the value, broad category and geographic region of
construction projects and the three-month periods during which they
start on site to feed into the model.
To help predict the flow of projects starting
on site our economists use time series for the value and number of
projects reaching stages in the pre-construction process, such as
detailed planning approval. Our economists analyse these time
series to assess the impact of changes in the economic and market
environment.
Our economists assess the potential impact of
emerging economic and market data on the industry’s current and
future performance. In particular, the impact upon the current and
future flow of projects progressing to start on site is
analysed.
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