

Image Credit: Kal Visuals
Jonathan Todd
Chief Economist
Jonathan is an economist with over a decade’s experience in impact assessment and evaluation, and high-level policy experience, particularly within the cultural and creative sectors.
Planning a new project?
If you are interested to learn more about our work or if you have a project you would like to discuss, get in touch.
We worked with Secret Cinema to identify the impacts of its residency at a huge former printworks in South London.
Secret Cinema invested £8m to stage three spectacular productions there: Star Wars, Dr. Strangelove and 28 Days Later. In total 140,000 visitors attended.
Our research included a visitor survey; interviews with local stakeholders; analysis of financial data; and economic modelling. We revealed that staging a spectacular production in a disused building awaiting regeneration, demonstrates the viability of future cultural and entertainment uses. It raises the area’s visibility, and can influence the future use of the building itself.
The local economy benefits from millions of pounds of visitor spending, and the local community’s aspirations for the future of their neighbourhood are raised.
Secret Cinema is now using our report to secure other exciting locations in London, and overseas.

Project Report
ABOUT US
EXPERTISE
A global research and consulting practice for culture and the creative economy
Building on our contribution to the second edition of the report in 2018, BOP has led as the Data and Research partner on this report to help find out how policies can protect people working in the creative and cultural sectors.
UNESCO's Re|Shaping Policies for Creativity Report – Addressing culture as a global public good
UNESCO
Our strategy will guide the creation of a new digital service aiming at supporting and developing the creative scene in Downtown Kingston.
Leveraging the creative potential of Downtown Kingston through technology
Inter-American Development Bank - IDB
Our research into the UK's high streets found that 69% of people think culture on their high street makes their area a better place to live.
Culture: The cornerstone of the UK’s high streets
Arts Council England
BOP’s updated Handbook for the Inter-American Development Bank sets out strategies for sustainability and urban resilience
Creative and Cultural Industries and Urban Revitalisation in the post-COVID era
Inter-American Development Bank - IDB
We investigated the potential impact of AI on the cultural and creative industries.
Opportunities and Challenges of AI for the Cultural and Creative Industries
European Commission
Published today: ‘Design for Good: 90 Years of the RSA Student Design Awards’, a new publication from the RSA, co-authored by BOP
A History of Bright Ideas: 90 Years of the RSA Student Design Awards
The Royal Society for Arts (RSA)
New skills research in the Gulf Co-operation Council States
An evidence-base for the growing Gulf festivals sector
British Council
Our research into the museum workforce is launched
Conscientiousness, optimism, and curiosity
Museums Galleries Scotland
BOP’s report for Nanjing City Government demonstrates the importance of cross-cutting policies with a compelling cultural offer at the core
Creating Healthy Night-time Economies in World Cities
Nanjing Creative Center
Findings from our work at Great Ormond Street Hospital
Creativity in health settings
GOSH Arts
How is China influencing the future of Cultural Tourism?
Cultural Infrastructure for the 21st Century
Chengdu Media Group
Based on our impact analysis we estimate $750 billion in lost GVA for the CCI as a result of the pandemic so far.
Economic impact of COVID-19 on the Cultural and Creative Industries
UNESCO
Our analysis of the strengths & challenges of music in the Midlands is published
Hitting the right notes in the Midlands
Arts Council England
New handbook published for city leaders
How can cities make space for culture?
World Cities Culture Forum (WCCF)
Our report sheds new light on how building the capacity of the heritage sector can assist working internationally
International working builds stronger heritage sector at home
National Lottery Heritage Fund
Our new report with Nesta published
Opportunities for China-UK Cooperation through Equity Crowdfunding
Nesta
Our new research report for the National Trust
Protect urban heritage to prevent growth in inequality
National Trust
Our latest research for the Reading Agency shows we should read year-round
Reading is for life, not just for August
The Reading Agency
Our review of the Scottish Animation Sector, commissioned by Creative Scotland, has just been published
Review of the Scottish Animation Sector
Creative Scotland
UK-wide study of visitor experience practice provides new benchmarks for cultural and visitor attractions
Sharing Operations and Visitor Experience insight
VE:Forum