Practical Strategy. Human Insight. Public Impact.

Making Public Sense

At Blackwood Analytics, we exist to help public bodies make better decisions with greater confidence. Our work is grounded in one simple idea: the best outcomes start with the clearest insights.

We know the pressure public bodies face—tight budgets, complex mandates, and high public scrutiny. That’s why we combine deep analytical expertise with a practical understanding of how decisions are made in the real world. Whether you're navigating financial planning, policy development, or operational strategy, we provide the tools and clarity to move forward with purpose.

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What sets us apart is our people. Our team brings experience from strategy consulting, investment banking, defence, and government. But more than credentials, we bring a mindset: collaborative, outcome-focused, and grounded in the realities our clients face.

We don’t do generic. Every engagement is bespoke, designed to meet your specific needs and deliver meaningful, usable results. We’re not here to overwhelm you with data—we’re here to help you act on it.

Clarity. Strategy. Results.

Meet the Team

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    Alirida Shugaa

    FOUNDER & DIRECTOR

    Alirida brings a background in strategy consulting and investment banking, with a track record of delivering insight-driven support across complex sectors. His experience includes financial & commercial due diligence and market research for private equity clients, with a focus on defence, industrials, oil & gas, and aggregates

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    Abdalrahman Shugaa

    PRINCIPAL CONSULTANT

    Abdalrahman brings operational expertise from roles at JPMorgan and Man Group, where he focused on process optimisation and systems analysis. He currently works as an Operational Associate at Capricorn Private Investments, supporting investment operations and internal improvements. At Blackwood Analytics, Abdalrahman contributes on a volunteer basis, offering analytical support and operational insight to projects with public sector impact.

  • Tom Calder

    ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

    Tom supports research and analysis across Blackwood Analytics' public sector programmes. He joined the team after completing an MSc in Public Policy and Management, where he focused on local government reform and data use in frontline services. Prior to that, Tom worked as a research assistant at a think tank, contributing to briefings on adult social care and workforce policy.

  • Daniel Awan

    ASSOCIATE CONSULTANT

    Daniel joined Blackwood Analytics after several years in the Civil Service Fast Stream, where he held policy and strategy roles across DLUHC and the Department for Education. His work included supporting local authority funding reviews and contributing to briefings for ministerial decisions on children’s services reform.

  • Rafi Khan

    RESEARCH ANALYST

    Rafi supports research, analysis, and insight development across Blackwood’s advisory projects. He joined the team after completing a BA in Politics, Philosophy and Economics, where he developed a strong grounding in data interpretation and public decision-making. While at university, he worked as a part-time research assistant on projects exploring workforce trends and digital inclusion.

  • Ana Alzain

    OFFICE MANAGER

    Ana keeps the day-to-day operations of Blackwood Analytics running smoothly. She manages scheduling, office systems, and internal coordination, making sure the team has what they need to work efficiently. Before joining Blackwood, Ana held a range of administrative and HR support roles across companies including Carrier HVAC, Bank of America, and Reckitt.