Business
Our research delivers impactful, data-driven solutions to help businesses and organisations thrive, while contributing to a resilient Welsh economy.
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By focusing on areas such as health and well-being, equality, and climate action, we aim to create prosperity in Wales and beyond.
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EXPERTISE AND MEMBERS
We collaborate with industry partners to address business challenges, supporting innovation, responsible production, and sustainable growth. Our work aligns with Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act and the UN Sustainable Development Goals, and by focusing on areas such as health and well-being, equality, and climate action, we aim to create prosperity in Wales and beyond.
IMPACT
We address pressing business and societal challenges through three key research areas, aligning with Wales’ Well-being of Future Generations Act and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Research publications and outputs
Exploring the growth of the second-hand wedding dress market.
Achievements
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KEY PROJECTS
Building a Sustainable Wedding Dress Hub
A multi-university research group is exploring the role of second-hand wedding dresses in promoting sustainable fashion, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production.Gender Equity in Welsh Workplaces Industry Roundtables
A research team is investigating the barriers women face in advancing into leadership roles across industries, via a series of roundtables with senior industry members in the Cardiff Capital Region. aligning with SDG 5: Gender Equality.Women’s Leadership in Wales
A research team is investigating the barriers women face in advancing into and through leadership roles across various industries, aligning with SDG 5: Gender Equality. Their work explores psychological, organisational and cultural challenges, such as biases, policy gaps, and workplace practices that reinforce inequality.Telling the Story of Business
‘Telling the Story of Business’ is a yearly symposium which celebrates and furthers story-driven research in entrepreneurship, business and marketing. The symposia provide researchers with a forum in which to discuss how storytelling can be used to generate insights that do not emanate from quantitative research.Exploring Sustainable Fashion Business Models
A researcher is working with local business to enhance sustainability, stock management, and resale processes, aligning with SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Their research investigates business challenges and innovations that support circular fashion models.Exploring the Living Wage in Newport City Dates
This study, funded through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund, explores the feasibility of Newport becoming an accredited Living Wage City, aligning with SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth. It assesses current wage levels and employer engagement, identifying key sectors—such as hospitality, retail, and social care -where wage improvements could have the most significant impact.COLLABORATIONS AND PARTNERSHIPS
Our research is designed to shape industry practices and inform policy development. Our researchers aim to address key challenges in economic resilience and community well-being.
By collaborating with industry partners, we foster sustainable growth and contribute to lasting change for both local and global economies. Key partnerships include:
- The Confederation of British Industry
- Newport City Council
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Work with us
We welcome collaboration with industry, government, and academic partners to drive innovation and tackle real-world challenges. Whether you’re interested in co-developing solutions, exploring funding opportunities, or partnering on research projects, we are open to discussing how we can work together to achieve impactful outcomes.
To learn more or discuss potential collaborations, please contact Dr Lauren Josie Thomas at [email protected].
POSTGRADUATE RESEARCH
Whether you’re pursuing a PhD, MPhil, or Masters by Research, you’ll be guided by passionate, leading experts, making a positive impact on individuals, communities, charities, businesses, and governments worldwide. We welcome UK and international applications for research degrees. Study full-time or part-time, on campus or remotely, depending on your area. Professionals with an existing body of work may also be eligible for a PhD by Portfolio.
Our research students are integral to our team. They benefit from excellent research facilities, dedicated study areas, and opportunities to present their work at national and international conferences.
Research-informed teaching
We integrate real-world insights into the learning experience, challenging students to apply theoretical models to authentic problems. By co-designing the curriculum with students, researchers, and industry partners, we ensure that it stays relevant and prepares students for the demands of modern business and society.
Our research on High-Growth Firms (HGFs) provides Business students with the opportunity to explore the complexities of fast growth and the challenges of sustaining business momentum in a safe environment where they can hear stories that connect theoretical concepts to real-world business management, giving them a deeper understanding of how strategic decisions impact long-term success.
Our research into sustainable fashion drives this project, offering Fashion Design students the chance to create with repurposed textiles and explore innovative approaches to sustainability. Marketing students apply research insights into consumer identity to understand purchasing decisions and shape sustainable business strategies. By integrating cutting-edge research with practical learning, this interdisciplinary project equips students to address complex challenges in the fashion and business sectors.
Our research on challenges faced by women leaders in Wales offers real-world insights into gender equality, leadership, and organisational strategy. Students engage with data on gender dynamics in business, developing skills to create inclusive strategies and foster equitable workplaces. This project also serves as a case study on diversity and the role of organisational culture in shaping leadership pathways.
Postgraduate Research DegreesResearch students
Omoboyede (John) Alalabiaye has told his story of studying at USW.
Omoboyede (John) Alalabiaye