We are now accepting proposals for members of the High Streets Data Service (HSDS) to participate in our third High Streets Data Service Incubator Programme, taking place from 22 September – 4 December 2025!
Proposals are due by 5PM on Friday, 29 August, and must be submitted via the web form. Please read on for more information on the programme.
What is the High Streets Data Service ‘Incubator’ Programme? #
The HSDS Incubator is a 10-week guided programme for HSDS members to develop and test a specific hypothesis about their area of interest.
Participants will conduct independent research projects under the supervision of a GLA 'data mentor,' who will help teams navigate the data analysis process and develop project deliverables. The programme will culminate in a celebratory ‘Data Day’ where research teams will present their results and connect with each other.
Any level of data knowledge and confidence is welcome, and we particularly encourage those who are new to data science to take part.
Here’s what previous participants have said about their experience in the programme:
“The HSDS team were very positive - They were willing to give so much time and attention, and were all very friendly and approachable, as well as being passionate about the work.”
“I learnt a lot about the data, have increased confidence in accessing and applying it”
“The willingness of the GLA team to go the extra mile was 10 out of 10, and were the best I’ve worked with in terms of third party providers.”
“All 100% positive feelings, have learnt a lot and have seen the fruits of my labour”
Learning and development: Under the guidance of HSDS experts, participants will become more confident users of HSDS data offerings, and pick up useful data science concepts along the way;
A tangible end product: This is an opportunity to test a hypothesis that your organisation has been thinking about and produce a tangible case study (finally get that lingering project done!);
Opportunities to network and collaborate: Foster connections with the greater London data community and explore collaboration opportunities with other HSDS members with similar goals;
Maximise the value of your HSDS subscription: Many of our users rely solely on the Data Explorer, Map Explorer, and High Streets Hub to answer their questions and miss out on the insights that can be gained from our raw data offerings. This programme will help users explore what is possible with all data available via HSDS – and in turn, maximise the value of their organisation’s investment as a subscriber of the HSDS;
Toolkit for future projects: Participants will learn nimbleness in problem-solving, develop in-house tools, and take away a robust, hypothesis-driven roadmap for addressing future questions – resulting in more successful future projects.
Participants should expect to commit at least 4 person-hours per week and should seek approval for this time from a senior responsible officer. This would include:
At least 3 hours per week for independent work. Time required for independent work depends on multiple factors, including the size of your team, the complexity of your research question, your familiarity with HSDS data, and your level of confidence in analysing and interpreting data. It is best to factor in more time than you expect, especially if you are new to data science!
1 hour per week for a check-in with your data mentor
Participants must also be able to attend the following mandatory sessions:
Monday 22 September, 2-4:30: Introductory group session (in-person atCityHall)
Tuesday, 28 October, 1:30-4pm: Mid-point Check-in (in-person at Union Street)
As a first step, please submit an application via the Incubator Proposal Formby 5PM onFriday, 29 August, proposing a specific, well scoped research question to work on during the programme. If you are applying as a team, please only submit one form. Attached to this document is a word version of the form for your internal use.
Due to limited spaces on the programme, we unfortunately may not be able to accept all applications. A panel will conduct a desktop review of proposals submitted through the form, and shortlist applicants based on the following criteria:
1.Project scope: Proposals should present a specific, well-scoped research question.
a) What is the single problem or issue you will focus on? b) Who is the audience that your research question aims to address? c) What HSDS datasets will you use to answer your research question? A full list of HSDS datasets is attached to this announcement
Footfall counts
Spend
Visitor origins
Retail premises
Non-retail premises
Opening/closing hours
d) Is HSDS data alone sufficient, and if not, do you have access to additional data that can supplement HSDS data?
2. Project outcomes: We will give priority to proposals that are linked to tangible outcomes.
a) What decisions can your research question inform? Is it linked to specific investments or policies?
b) What is the tangible impact of the answer to your research question? What will change in the high street, town centre, or BID area?
3. Time commitment: Teams should be prepared to dedicate at least 4 person-hours per week to the project and must be able to attend all group sessions.
a) Have you reviewed the calendar and ensured you/your team can attend all the mandatory sessions?
b) Will you/your team be able to attend the in-person sessions?
c) Have you factored in ample time per week to complete your project, including buffer time to offset any unexpected circumstances?
d) Have you gotten approval from a senior responsible officer, to allocate 4 hours per week to this programme?
For inspiration, we invite you to explore the following resources:
South Bank BID explored international visitor patterns, comparing seasonal fluctuations with other areas in central London. Their data revealed a significant shift in international footfall between summer and winter, prompting reflections on how to better support year-round tourism.
City of London Corporation investigated the impact of cultural spaces, like the 22 Bishopsgate viewing gallery, on local footfall. Their findings showed a 30% increase in footfall post-opening, highlighting the value these spaces in attracting visitors.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council looked at the effect of events at the Hammersmith Apollo on town centre activity. While footfall around event days surged by nearly 80%, spending remained flat, raising questions about how to better capture economic benefits for local businesses.
Positively Putney BID examined the rapid growth of fast-food establishments and whether they were serving local demand. Their analysis revealed that while footfall and in-person spending have declined, delivery app usage has kept these businesses afloat.
Tower Hamlets Council tackled the borough’s waste emergency, finding a clear positive correlation between high footfall and street waste complaints. Their data model now supports more targeted, efficient waste management interventions.
Southwark Council explored patterns of anti-social behaviour (ASB) in Elephant and Castle’s nightlife. Their spatial analysis revealed that ASB hotspots are concentrated around transport hubs, rather than nightlife venues.
