Steve is a Professor of Place Management at Manchester Metropolitan University. Steve guides the Institute's work on placemaking He is currently the academic lead for research impact for the Faculty of Business and Law. Outside the university he is a Trustee of the Manchester Geographical Society. Steve has conducted academic research on lighting and public space, place and creativity, and placemaking and football. He has edited two books including Rethinking the Cultural Economy. Between 2019-2024 Steve was appointed as a High Streets Task Force Expert, a role in which he designed and delivered a national placemaking programme in 40 locations across England. In addition to leading the IPM's Vital and Viable Neighbourhoods work, Steve's current research involves supports an ESRC Project on Circular Society innovations and place-based living.