I welcome the formation of Lateral Economics. Nicholas Gruen – who advised me on economic policy and wrote speeches for me during my terms as Minister for Employment, Education and Training and as Treasurer – is one of the most capable, innovative and rigorous policy thinkers I know. As his work on the car industry and fiscal policy illustrates, he knows how to ‘work’ Canberra to represent positions with interest groups, officials, and politicians of all political persuasions.

A versatile consultancy with a difference: Lateral Economics crunched the numbers on our greenhouse exposures, and was instrumental in our making critical breakthroughs in our thinking. Having assisted us in clarifying our objectives, Lateral Economics helped us articulate our case to government and other opinion leaders, both in discussions with officials, and by drafting several persuasive and well received speeches.

Mike Waller, Chief Economist, BHP

We already had the experience and skills to make a quality contribution to the Productivity Commission’s inquiry into airport prices surveillance. Lateral Economics provided the right blend of economic expertise, practical policy experience and sheer creativity to take our contribution to a new level.

Contracted as a ‘coach’ for the inquiry, Lateral Economics walked cold into the situation, immediately related to our people and helped us articulate what our goals should be, and how to achieve them.

They vastly exceeded our expectations. Instead of ending up with a submission which looked like it had been ‘bought in’, Lateral Economics essentially became part of our team: bringing an economic perspective and their policy experience to our company’s goals and assisting us to effectively synthesise and articulate our interests.

We can recommend Lateral Economics’ unique and highly cost effective service to all comers.

Geoffrey Conaghan Manager, Corporate Affairs, Melbourne Airport