'Report on the Economic Impact of AMEX Headquarters on the City of Brighton & Hove'. Confidential report commissioned by American Express. B Sodagar and J McLoughlin, 31 December 2002

I worked with Jim McLoughlin and developed an in depth analysis of AMEX, the largest private sector employer in Brighton & Hove in regard to its direct economic contribution as well as the larger social impact it has on the city. The work involved the study of the actual city context in using the latest available statistics as well as both qualitative and quantitative perspectives to research and develop an accurate picture of the cities workings.

We then carried out an in depth research into the specific working of AMEX in relation to its employment levels, patterns and enumerations as well as its corporate responsibility impact and its expenditure on suppliers local and other. Their quantitative out puts were placed within an adapted local economy model in order to derive quantitative assessment of the AMEX impact on the local economy. The work was a very interesting experience because of the richness of the material that was produced and the challenges in formulating the data into a usable format. These observations were from the wider Brighton and Hove community about the impact of AMEX on their work and lives.

The study found that American Express accounted for 5% of the output of the economy of Brighton & Hove.