TimVG Research is the website of UK-based journalist and analyst Timothy van Gardingen. Tim is a skilled, multilingual researcher with extensive international experience in East Asia (China, Japan) and Europe (UK, Germany)
I was formerly a reporter at Argus media covering commodity and energy markets, and an analyst for the British Council in Beijing covering the international higher education market globally.
Today I am a freelance journalist and analyst on both the higher education and green energy beats. You can find me published in PIE News, CBBC Focus, and Argus Media.
Why work with me?
International understanding and outlook
When working in an international environment you need an internationally minded team. I worked in China and Japan, studied in the UK, China and Germany, and have carried out research on over 30 countries; working with me guarantees you get the nuanced multicultural insights you need.
Data-driven research
Strong research is quantifiable. Stronger research digs deeper than the numbers. My work uses solid data analysis as a foundation for understanding the bigger picture. Whether dealing with demographic, economic or financial data, my analytical skills are at your service.
Multilingual research
Sometimes the best sources are not available in English. As an avid polyglot, I can help you find the key information only available in German, Mandarin Chinese or Japanese. I can also help with materials in Dutch, Swedish and Cantonese.
A human-first approach to content
AI has taken the world by storm and many editorial teams have embraced the technology. I experimented heavily with AI early on and decided that, while useful, LLMs must be used sparingly. They produce lifeless copy, spurt out worryingly inaccurate research, and drain resources in the process.
No doubt at some point there will be no avoiding AI, but if you want human-first content and research, I’m here to help. If you want your writers to use AI, be safe in the knowledge that I understand the tech well and can be flexible on negotiation.
Experience and education overview
Former reporter at Argus Media, covering bitumen, base oil and petrochemical markets. I focussed on green angles to the not so green world of oil products and derivatives.
Former researcher, editor and designer for the British Council in Beijing: I was responsible for a portfolio of country reports focussed on the international education industry. My work covered over 30 countries on 5 continents.
Former editor of EAST magazine: EAST was a student-led journal at the University of Leeds, covering current affairs in East- and Southeast Asia. Additionally to maintaining the quality the magazine, I also contributed content covering topics on China and Malaysia.
I graduated from the University of Leeds with a BA in German and Chinese, receiving an award for spoken Mandarin Chinese. I also hold an MA in International Political Economy from King’s College London.
You can read about what services I offer here.