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An investigation into the viability, sustainability and future developments of farmers’ markets in North West England was carried out in 2001. For this purpose, the attitudes of consumers, traders and organisers were surveyed. A primary research study was developed specifically to study North West farmers’ markets and to survey consumer attitudes to other direct selling initiatives. Both qualitative and quantitative methods were used for data collection. A total of 34 farmers’ markets were active in the North West .The highest density was found in Cumbria. Over half of the markets in the North West were thriving or developing. However, more than 60 per cent of those in Lancashire were classified as surviving. Findings showed that customer loyalty was a key factor. A lack of funding for promotion and low produce diversity were identified as major problems. The study concluded that there appears to be a potential for growing and sustainable farmers’ markets, provided that the problems identified by this study are addressed.

The North of England characteristically has higher levels of alcohol‐related harm and higher levels of mental illness compared with the South. The purpose of this paper is to present observations on the use of services by people who have both alcohol and mental health problems to explore the equality and economic impact of services.

Inpatient hospital datasets as well as other NHS service datasets were examined to gather intelligence on alcohol and co‐occurring mental and behavioural disorders.

The study finds that there are high levels of dual diagnosis (DD) of alcohol and mental health in the North West with significantly higher rates in the more socially deprived areas and gap in access to services.

These health inequalities in relation to DD can only be demonstrated robustly for hospital inpatient admissions because other datasets currently provide intelligence only at larger geographies – such as Primary Care Trust – or by service provider.

Population surveys are useful to generate estimates of the prevalence of mental health issues in alcohol users which then reveal that there are greater inequalities in access to services in more deprived populations. Such valuable intelligence should be generated at the local level so that the most appropriate and the most cost effective services can be commissioned for the local population.

This is the first time that the economic cost of DD in the various services has been estimated.

The purpose of this case was to help verify and support consumer direct initiatives in line with strategic priority, market development of the North West Food Alliance (NWFA) agri‐food sector strategy for the North West. To achieve this, a study was made into the viability, sustainability and future development of farmers’ markets in North West England and also a consumer attitude survey into direct selling initiatives such as farm outlets. There was a correlation in the type of consumer frequenting farmers’ markets and farm outlets. Most people purchasing were female, aged 55+ and retired. A total of 36 per cent of people heard of the farm outlet by word of mouth or just drove past the outlet. Therefore, convenience of parking was important to most consumers along with the presentation of the shop. Consumers’ perceptions of purchasing at a farm outlet were that they were purchasing fresh, quality, tasty and healthy produce that was often from a local source but not necessarily. Consumers did not always expect the produce to be cheaper. Many expressed an interest in the availability of refreshments – café facilities.

This article describes in some detail reader development project work targeting 16‐25 year old young people carried out in 18 library authorities in the North West of England during 2000‐2002. The context of the project is set, focusing on the aim of increasing library use by young people. Key national reading agencies are briefly described, as well as the regional Time To Read partnership. The project description is detailed, including aims and objectives, delivery, training, new partnerships and the impact of the work locally and nationally. Some key conclusions are of significant practical value for future reader centred projects. The article concludes by describing a new co‐ordinator’s post which is taking reader development work forward in the region and offers a model for future cross‐authority working.

The purpose of this paper is to address both the measurement of affordability and variations in affordability between local housing market areas (HMAs).

The practical data issues that arise from measuring local affordability are reviewed by reference to studies in the UK. The paper argues that local measures should relate to a functional geography of HMAs rather than simply local authority boundaries. This approach is shown to be more theoretically sound but faces data constraints. An empirical case study of the North West of England then follows as a demonstration based on a tiered geography of HMAs. It addresses the constraints on local income data by measuring affordability by reference to a particular household type and associated income.

Local UK affordability indicators are shown to be primarily about access to home ownership rather than a wider view of local house price structures on affordability. The paper also draws out the importance of affordability measures linked to functional market areas. The results of the analysis presented highlight that there are local differences in house price structures and hence associated differential affordability of house types between local HMAs.

This is the first study that examines affordability at the local level based on functional areas rather than local authority administrative boundaries. This approach gives a truer picture of the variability in local affordability. The applied analysis tackles the data constraints of functional areas and has the potential to be adapted and extended.

The purpose of the research was to extend on previous research by studying latent consumers’ attitude to farmers’ markets. Findings will be used to improve the marketing and publicity of farmers’ markets in order to attract other consumers groups. The people surveyed were not always aware of the term farmers’ market. Some think it is a place where farmers go to buy what they need. Around 94 per cent of people who have already been to a farmers’ market will return because they enjoy the food which is fresh, different, local, etc. and to support farmers. Latent consumers think that farmers’ markets sell fresh, quality, locally produced, tastier, healthier and seasonal food. However they do not expect the food to be cheaper. The most important criteria are quality, freshness and the fact that food is produced locally. Latent consumers would enjoy supporting local producers, information about the products and how to prepare them.

The paper reports on a research project undertaken for the North West Tourism Skills Network.

The project explored the provision of information technology within hospitality and tourism programmes in educational institutions in the region. Researchers conducted telephone interviews with key specialist staff in 80 per cent of the schools, colleges and universities delivering programmes for introductory, operational and managerial programmes.

Findings suggest that IT provision occurs in all programmes and can now be considered as a core basic skill along with literacy and numeracy. Provision was generally applied to the industry and the specific requirements of the programme. There were several examples of excellent educational practice. However, some smaller colleges and sixth‐form college providers found the high purchase price of industry software a barrier to on‐site resources. That said, many ensured familiarity with industry software through industry partnerships and industrial visits.

While research gathered responses from 85 per cent of hospitality and tourism providers in the North West region, the study needs to be replicated nationally because these interviews suggest that information technology skill development is a key requirement for those destined to work in hospitality and tourism occupations.

Highlights the importance of information technology in the curriculum.

Western societies have been shaken by the economic crisis brought on by ‘casino capitalism’ and the recklessness of the financial institutions. Once esteemed financial institutions, like Lehman Brothers, are now shown to have used dubious accounting methods to cover losses; and accountants, regulators and governments have come under scrutiny. In public life, the scandal of MPs' expenses at Westminster and the blockages in legislative assemblies in the US are compounded in England by reports of deficient and degrading care in acute hospitals, where organisational considerations appear to have taken over from the prime mission of patient care. At this time, a new, or perhaps rediscovered, form of leadership is required. One that taps into the spirit, the animating and motivating force within individuals and groups, and uses values to create a better public service for all.