About
Thrive Economics is a specialist economic development consultancy helping public, private and third sector clients make better investment decisions, secure funding and demonstrate impact.
We were formed in 2010 and work across the UK on strategies, business cases, economic impact assessments, Green Book appraisals and independent evaluations. Our work supports schemes that strengthen local economies, improve places, protect the environment and create lasting social value.
Our clients work directly with experienced consultants who stay close to the detail, understand the policy context, and take responsibility for producing meaningul work.
What makes us different
Senior expertise throughout:
Our directors and core consultants are actively involved in delivery. Clients get direct access to the people shaping the analysis, testing the evidence and writing the conclusions.
Clear thinking on complex projects:
Economic development, regeneration, funding and evaluation projects are often complex. We help clients cut through uncertainty, structure the evidence and make persuasive, practical cases for action.
Robust, proportionate analysis:
We are experienced in HM Treasury Green Book appraisal, impact assessment, business case development and evaluation. We focus on analysis that is technically sound, clearly explained and proportionate to the decision being made.
Close working relationships:
We take time to understand each client, each place and each project. Our approach is collaborative, responsive and grounded in the realities of delivery.
A trusted network when scale is needed:
For larger or more complex commissions, we draw on a long-established group of associates with complementary expertise in research, evaluation, inclusive growth, regeneration, property, strategy and stakeholder engagement.
Our core team:
Chris Maunder
Director
Chris founded Thrive Economics in 2010 following over a decade working for organisations distributing Government funding. He is regularly commissioned to develop business cases, appraise programmes and projects and complete independent evaluations. He holds a Masters in Business Administration and BSc Geography Degree, and is a PRINCE2 qualified Project Manager.
Dom Chapman
Director
Dom joined Thrive Economics in 2023 having previously been an Associate Director with GENECON leading on its economic impact and research service. Dom is an experienced economic geographer, adept in Economic Modelling, Appraisal and Impact Assessment. He is proficient in primary and secondary research and detailed statistical data review and he has advised on and appraised business cases for more than 200 planned investments nationally
Sam Maunder
Research Consultant
Sam formally joined Thrive Economics in 2026 and supports our work with data analysis including a focus on data gathered through our bespoke surveys and interviews. He assists in the development of business cases, completion of appraisals and the delivery of independent evaluations.
Peter Ide
Consultant
Peter joined Thrive Economics in 2011 and over the past ten years has completed a wide range of commissions including writing business cases, completing independent appraisals and interviewing service users and stakeholders to inform evaluations.
Associates:
In addition to the core team members we frequently engage our Associates on larger, or more complex, commissions.
We are a value-driven company and our work is guided by the following principles:
Quality
we complete every assignment to the highest standard and deliver results.
Simplicity
we find simple, effective solutions to complex problems.
Care
we work for, and with, our clients and immerse ourselves in each assignment.
Partners:
We regularly partner with the following organisations:
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