What Re:State does

Re:State (formerly Reform) is an independent, non-party UK public services think tank founded in 2002 and headquartered in London. It operates as a registered charity (no. 1103739) and company limited by guarantee under the legal entity Reform Research Trust / Re:State Trust Ltd, employing approximately 14 staff. Its core activity is producing evidence-led policy research and convening cross-party stakeholders to advance public service reform in the UK.

The organisation's product set spans four flagship research programmes — Re:Imagining the State (overarching framework), Re:Imagining Whitehall, Re:Imagining Health, and Re:Imagining the Local State — plus a Plan for Government programme that produces implementation-ready draft legislation, codes, frameworks, and management plans. Content is distributed through a publications archive of 180+ reports (freely available as PDFs), the Re:Think blog, Re:Act snap-analysis pieces, and a weekly Substack newsletter (The Re:View). Events include the annual 'Remaking the State' conference, roundtables, and panels at all three major UK party conferences. Complementary network programmes — the Re:State Scholars academic network (six UK universities) and the Devo Next Initiative (eight Combined Authorities) — extend research reach without proportional headcount cost.

Revenue is generated through three streams: individual charitable donations, a Corporate Partnership Programme (~13 named partners including Big 4, major pharma, tech, and telecoms firms), and event sponsorship. Pricing for corporate membership tiers is not publicly disclosed. Research outputs are free to access, consistent with its charitable mission. The go-to-market motion is event-driven and content-led, leveraging earned media coverage (FT, BBC, Guardian, Times) and digital channels (X, LinkedIn, Bluesky, YouTube, Substack) to reach policymakers, public-sector leaders, corporate partners, and academics.

Name

Re:State

Legal name

Reform Research Trust

Website

https://re-state.co.uk

Company type

Private

Founded year

2002

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Re:State is an independent UK public services think tank producing cross-party policy research, events, and implementation-ready policy products on Whitehall reform, the NHS, and devolution for government, public-sector leaders, and corporate partners.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Think Tank Services

NAICS

Public Administration (92)

akta.pro primary industry

Think Tanks, Policy Research & Public Policy Institutes (BPAGAFAO)

akta.pro secondary industries

Democratic Governance & Public Administration Reform (BPADAGAJ), Government, Public Policy & Regulatory Congresses (THAHAJAF)

Keywords

• Public policy research
• Think tank services
• Policy advisory services
• Public service reform
• Policy events

Headquarters

HQ city

London

HQ country

United Kingdom

HQ region

Europe

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Others

Revenue model

1. Individual Donations: Philanthropic donations from individuals supporting the general funds of the charity. Donors receive regular updates on work and invitations to events.
2. Corporate Partnership Programme: Corporate membership providing access to policy events, partner-only events, close engagement with senior management team, and regular updates on research. Sponsorship of individual events or research also available.
3. Event Sponsorship: Sponsors support policy events which enable the charity's mission while bringing expertise to discussions. Re:State retains independence and control over events.

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels11 records

Core offering

Re:State is a UK think tank that produces independent, non-partisan policy research and analysis focused on reforming public services, alongside high-quality convening events for policymakers. Its outputs span publications, newsletters, blogs, and conferences organized around thematic programmes on the State, Whitehall, Health, the Local State, and Plan for Government.

Product overview

Re:State is a think tank (formerly Reform) that operates as a unified research and policy organization offering publications, events, and content platforms. Its core offerings include research publications spanning devolution, health, digital government, and public service reform; events and conferences including its flagship annual conference; newsletters (The Re:View, Re:Act, Re:Think blog); and specialized programs like Re:State Scholars and the Devo Next Initiative. The organization structures its work around five major research programs: Re:Imagining the State (overarching framework), Re:Imagining Whitehall, Re:Imagining Health, Re:Imagining the Local State, and Plan for Government. Re:State does not offer a software product or SaaS platform.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Research Publications Policy papers, reports, and analysis covering public service reform topics including devolution, digital transformation, health and care, education, justice, housing, and public finances. Over 180 publications freely available as PDF downloads.
• Policy Events and Conferences High-quality policy events bringing together government, opposition, parliamentarians, public sector leaders, media, and businesses. Includes the annual 'Remaking the State' conference, roundtables (some under Chatham House Rule), and party conference events at Liberal Democrat, Conservative, and Labour conferences.
• Re:Think Blog Short-form analysis and insight from Re:State team members and external guest bloggers on developments in UK policy.
• Re:Act Snap Analysis Snap analysis of major UK policy announcements, fiscal events, and data releases.
• The Re:View Newsletter Weekly round-up newsletter delivering the latest thinking, analysis, and updates from Re:State via Substack.
• Re:State Scholars Programme Network for early-to-mid career academics whose research fits within Re:State's mission. Scholars produce policy papers with Re:State support and participate in roundtables and workshops, hosted at partner universities.
• Devo Next Initiative Partnership programme with multiple English Combined Authorities (West Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, East Midlands, West Midlands, North East, Liverpool City Region, South Yorkshire, and West of England) to shape the future of UK devolution policy.
• Re:Imagining the State Research Programme Overarching analytical lens and philosophy for Re:State's work, exploring the future role and shape of the State; produces publication series and thought leadership.
• Re:Imagining Whitehall Research Programme Research programme developing the playbook for rebuilding Whitehall to make it fit for the future, focusing on talent, technology, policies, processes, and delivery structures.
• Re:Imagining Health Research Programme Research programme focusing on transforming England's approach to health and care, moving from a treatment-oriented model to a health creation model.
• Re:Imagining the Local State Research Programme Research programme developing policy ideas for the future of devolution, the role of communities, and structures and leadership of local government.
• Plan for Government Research Programme Programme producing ready-to-implement products for government reform, including draft codes, guidance, legislation, rules, frameworks, and management plans.
• Corporate Partnership Programme Organisational membership providing access to policy events, partner-only events, close engagement with senior management team, regular updates on research, and sponsorship of individual events or research.

Quantifiable outcome

• Policies adopted and implemented by Government
• +1 more outcomes

Named customers4 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• West Yorkshire Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative to shape future of devolution policy, define end state, and build momentum for deeper devolution across England.
• Greater Manchester Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative working to shape devolution policy and future governance structures.
• East Midlands Combined County AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative focused on delivering real improvements for residents and businesses through devolution.
• West Midlands Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative to shape long-term vision for deeper devolution.
• North East Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative focused on channelling investment into green jobs, better transport, and creative industries.
• Liverpool City Region Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative working to shape future of devolution with fiscal freedom.
• South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative to help shape practical vision for next phase of devolution.
• West of England Combined AuthoritycoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2026Partner in Devo Next Initiative working on collective system-wide thinking for devolution.
• AbbVieminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPharmaceutical company listed as current corporate partner. Part of the Corporate Partnership Programme providing access to events and senior team.
• ABPI (Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerIndustry body listed as current corporate partner. Engages with policy discussions on health and pharmaceutical policy.
• AmazonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTechnology company listed as current corporate partner of the think tank.
• BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company)minorGTM or Marketing PartnerMedical technology company listed as current corporate partner.
• BT GroupminorGTM or Marketing PartnerTelecommunications company listed as current corporate partner. Also supported the Sovereignty by Design report.
• DeloitteminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional services firm listed as current corporate partner.
• KPMGminorGTM or Marketing PartnerProfessional services firm listed as current corporate partner.
• MaximusminorGTM or Marketing PartnerGovernment services company listed as current corporate partner.
• ModernaminorGTM or Marketing PartnerBiopharmaceutical company listed as current corporate partner.
• PA ConsultingminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConsulting firm listed as current corporate partner.
• PfizerminorGTM or Marketing PartnerPharmaceutical company listed as current corporate partner.
• NewtonminorGTM or Marketing PartnerConsulting firm that supported the Building the Preventative State paper and events series.
• WorkdayminorGTM or Marketing PartnerEnterprise software company listed as current corporate partner.
• University of YorkminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Re:State Scholars programme, specifically the Faculty of Social Sciences, supporting early-to-mid career academics to translate research into policy impact.
• King's College LondonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Re:State Scholars programme supporting academic engagement with policy.
• University of ManchesterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner in Re:State Scholars programme.
• University of SheffieldminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting Re:State Scholar Dr Stevienna de Saille.
• University of LeicesterminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting Re:State Scholar Dr Jennifer Creese.
• Loughborough UniversityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerAcademic partner hosting Re:State Scholar Kinga Morsanyi.
• Ark Data CentresminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupported the From Legacy to Leadership report on upgrading digital State infrastructure.
• UCB UK & IrelandminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupported the Counting the Cost report on women's health and economic impact.
• Balfour BeattyminorGTM or Marketing PartnerSupported roundtable on flood infrastructure and provided insights for Building in the Balance publication.
• Groundwork ResearchminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-produced the Devolution Revolution special publication with Re:State.

Scale indicators4 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Institute for Government: UK think tank focused on improving how government works, covering Whitehall capability, civil service reform and public service delivery; direct competitor in the public-services-reform and Whitehall-reform niche alongside Re:State's Re:Imagining Whitehall programme.
• Localis: UK think tank focused on local government, devolution and place-based public service reform; highly comparable to Re:State's Re:Imagining the Local State programme and Devo Next Initiative, with overlapping Combined Authority relationships.
• Centre for Policy Studies: UK centre-right think tank covering public services, the economy, NHS and government reform with similar charitable funding model and corporate partnerships; comparable in size and output cadence to Re:State.
• New Local: UK think tank focused on local government, community power and place-based public service reform; direct peer to Re:State's Re:Imagining the Local State programme with similar audience of combined authorities and council leaders.
• Policy Exchange: UK centre-right think tank producing policy on public services, health, housing and government reform; directly comparable in cross-party positioning of ideas (though right-leaning), output cadence, and reliance on corporate partnerships and donor events.
• Resolution Foundation: UK think tank focused on living standards, public services and economic reform; directly comparable in mission, scale and funding model (charitable think tank, ~30-50 staff, corporate partnerships, government and cross-party engagement).
• IPPR (Institute for Public Policy Research): UK's leading progressive think tank covering public services, the economy and society; directly comparable as a major UK policy-research organisation producing cross-cutting public-service reform analysis with a published reports archive and national events programme.

Emerging players

• Nuffield Trust: UK health-policy think tank producing independent research on NHS and social care; closely overlaps with Re:State's Re:Imagining Health programme though narrower in scope (health only).
• The King's Fund: Major independent UK health and care think tank; peer because of overlapping NHS-focused reform research and policy events, but focused specifically on health whereas Re:State is broader.

Broad incumbents

• Tony Blair Institute for Global Change: Larger, globally focused policy institute advising governments on public service reform; broader in scope and geography than Re:State but overlapping in mission on government modernisation and delivery.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xx.com/restate_thinks
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UC7KjGXThsG1HhYGy8WxNvlg
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/restate-think-tank

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles15 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Re:State