Richard Linington is the head of research and has some 12 years of commercial experience in the tourism, regeneration and design sectors. Richard has experience of working on complex projects where he has carried out research to identify and assess the most appropriate development solutions.

He carries out feasibility studies, prepares option appraisals, development strategies and business plans for a range of clients from the Forestry Commission through to Tourism South East, Wildlife Trusts and Regional Development Agencies.

Richard also manages the marketing strategy for Conkers, a £16 million visitor attraction in the Heart of the National Forest.

He has also been responsible for raising Planning Solution Consulting’s profile in the market place and attracting new clients.

Richard has a strong background in both primary and secondary research. Prior to joining Planning Solutions, he worked as a User Researcher and Usability Analyst at Razorfish, one of the UK’s leading digital consultancies and BMP DDB Needham, the multi-national advertising agency.

He writes a successful blog on Research Methods (www.researchmethods.co.uk) and carries out design and social research please see (www.design-research.org.uk)

Richard has a master’s degree in the sociology and anthropology of travel and tourism.