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Principal themes of researchs :

• The socio-economics of specialist regional foods ('produits de terroir'): their role in local rural development programmes; their significance to food and culinary culture; the impact of policy initiatives such as 'designation of origin' legislation (EU Regulation 2081/92). Investigation of the role of marketing in the achievement of policy objectives for such foods.
• Marketing in craft of artisan enterprises: the nature of the behaviour and mentality of such producers; characteristics of their marketing practices and enterprise ethos. Implications of findings for the development of marketing theory and education.
• Marketing of (food) products with social and environmental dimensions: welfare-friendly products; rare breed meats; organic producel countryside products. Examination of the development of promotional schemes and initiatives for these products.
• Marketing and market orientation as tools for the achievement of rural development objectives.

Current Research Projects

• 'Designation of Origin Labelled Products: Humanity, Innovation and Sustainability' ('DOLPHINS'). Participant in Concerted Action network funded under EU Fifth Framework Programme. Responsible for delivery of work package relating to consumer dimensions of origin labelled products. 36 months, from January 2001.
• The Development of Eat the View in the North East'. Member of 5 person team investigating and recommending on the implementation of the Countryside Agency's Eat the View programme in the North East. 12 months, commenced May 2001.
• 'The National Trust as an Agent for Rural Development in the North East'. Co-supervisor of PhD student investigating the expanding rural development agenda of the National Trust. 3 years commenced October 2000, part-funded by Northumbria National Trust.
• 'Regional Foods and Visitor Experiences in the North of England: an Exploratory Consumer Study'. Principal Investigator of 4 person team project, commissioned by a consotium of public agencies, including MAFF. January-September 1996.

Curriculm vitae :

• Qualifications
  • PhD, University of Newcastle, 2001
  • MPhil, University of Edinburgh, 1993
  • BA (Hons) Marketing and Modern Languages, University of Strathclyde, 1991; Certificate in Learning and Teaching in Higher Education, University of Newcastle, 1996
• Teaching Responsibilities
  • Module leader for final year courses in 'advanced' marketing (with particular emphasis on the topics of marketing theory, new product development and marketing communications), plus contribute teaching to intermediate module in food marketing.
  • Module leader and student group supervisor for honours level student projects.
  • Module leader for core postgraduate course in international marketing.
  • Postgraduate student dissertation supervisor.
• General Responsibilities
  • Degree Programme Director for BSc (Hons) Food Marketing.
  • Chair of Marketing and Management Teaching Group.
  • Undergraduate student tutor.