About Frontier
Evidence matters. Implementation matters too.
Frontier brings evidence, practical experience and lessons from elsewhere to questions of business, public policy and economic development.
Why Frontier exists
Public debate is rich in attractive ideas. The harder question is what works in practice. Frontier studies evidence and implementation together: what was attempted, what happened, which institutions and conditions mattered, and how far the lesson can travel.
Much of Frontier’s work is informed by the realities of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in both the private and third sectors. It examines how places create businesses and capability, how firms connect to the skills and markets they need, and how successful economies retain or recycle what they build.
How Frontier works
Frontier uses respected research, official evidence, implementation examples and international comparisons. It distinguishes between evidence that an intervention took place, evidence of an association with outcomes and evidence capable of supporting a causal claim.
International examples are assessed for transferability rather than presented as recipes. Where policy recommendations are made, Frontier considers which institutions can act and whether the necessary powers sit with devolved or UK institutions.
Founder
Shahbaz Husain
Shahbaz Husain has deep experience working with small and medium-sized enterprises across the private and third sectors. His work has included business and financial planning, accountancy, strategy, organisational development and advising businesses through periods of growth and change.
His wider career spans Fortune 100 companies, the public sector and owner-managed businesses. This combination gives him experience of large institutions alongside a practical understanding of the opportunities and constraints faced by smaller organisations.
Shahbaz is a Chartered Management Accountant and holds an MBA from HEC Paris. His first degree is a BEng (Hons) in Electronic & Software Engineering.
Support
Supported by MWR Accountants
Frontier is supported by MWR Accountants. The two remain distinct: Frontier undertakes research, policy and advisory work, while accountancy and associated services can be provided through MWR and other appropriate partners.