Gillian's interest is regional food branding with particular emphasis on brand development for regional meats, such as herdwick lamb and salt marsh lamb. She is also interested in the sustainability of agriculture and food sytems.
Gillian started her career at the University of Hull International Fisheries Institute where in addition to postgraduate teaching in business and marketing she participated in international fisheries development projects. These ranged from identifying market opportunities for resources in Sarawak to research on consumption habits for Nile perch from Lake Victoria, to female fish trading practices in The Gambia. On transferring to the University of Central Lancashire she commenced her Ph.D. study at the University of Newcastle on the Manifestation of Place as a Brand Component for Regional Meats.
