Nigel is Professor of Local Economic Development and an Institute Director at Coventry University. He was Associate Dean for Research in the Faculty of Business and Law between 2015 and 2021. Nigel has over 30 years’ experience, designing, managing and disseminating research, and in leading research centres. Nigel’s focus is on economic development research designed to shape, influence and inform policy and debate, completing projects for the EU, national and regional government agencies, local authorities, third and private sector organisations. Current research concerns sustainability of the transport sector and in particular the role of electric vehicles in stimulating a transition to green automobility. Nigel’s research has uniquely explored the economic opportunities arising from this transition, whilst also informing debates through an exploration of barriers, and critique of the underpinning policy framework.

Nigel has presented widely on his research at international conferences, including keynote presentations to business and government, published extensively in academic and practitioner journals, provided comment to the written and broadcast media, and presented evidence to the UK House of Commons Transport Select Committee.

Nigel has supervised 27 doctoral students to completion and continues to supervise postgraduate researchers undertaking PhDs, PhD by Publication and Professional Doctorates.

Recent research has been inspired by participation in the consortium that delivered the UK’s largest public trial of low carbon vehicles; in particular through an exploration of the real world difference that can be made by low carbon automobility in sustaining our cities and strategically important economic sectors. Research has uniquely explored the economic opportunities arising from a transformative shift to low carbon, whilst also informing policy debates through critique of the underpinning policy framework. By continuing to attract attention from academic and business conferences, the government and the media, the ultimate aim of the research is in achieving lasting impact, influencing policy that successfully stimulates real demand for low carbon transport.