Rob Branston

Research interests

I am a Senior Lecturer in Business Economics at the University of Bath School of Management. My primary research interests surround the governance and regulation of organisations, with a particular focus on the provision of public utilities and other key sectors, most notably the global tobacco industry. I have researched the conduct, performance, and market impact of transnational companies, and appropriate regulatory measures that might be applied to such companies in order to secure the public interest. More recently I have developed an interest in the conduct and performance of micro-firms, especially in the area of regulation.

I have worked with and have been funded by Action on Smoking and Health (ASH), The Irish Cancer Society, The Irish Heart Foundaction, The Royal Economics society, the National Insitute for Health Research, and Cancer Research UK. I have shared my expertise with the Houses of Parliament, HM Treasury, and the Department for Health in the UK, and the Ministry of Finance in the Republic of Ireland, and I and my work have been featured in various national media outlets.

Willing to supervise PhD

I am interested in hearing from potential PhD students who wish to explore topics in the area the Regulation and Governance of organisations. I would particularly welcome contract from those wanting to explore any aspect of Tobacco companies behaviour or regulation, and the the governance of ''third sector'' organisations, such as companies governed by Trusts (e.g. Companies Limited by Guarantee such as Network Rail).