Engagement

Data sources reviewed

Many data sources were researched and evaluated alongside previously commissioned data and reports provided by the council. Data points available from various sources such as ONS and other strategies and evaluation reports relating to the economy and accelerator impacts from DCMS and Beauhurst were also explicitly reviewed where they associated with the North West region. Together these reports and market research have enabled an overview of events post covid and forecasting for the future. This was then aligned to the authors own experience of the start up eco system from the last 12 years and experience with cowering and accelerators.

Primary data gathered

Over a period of two months, virtual calls were instigated with a varied cross-section of key identified influencers within the CWAC region. This included internal council teams to the local councillor and MP, representatives from the BID team, community groups and individual businesses from creative, digital and property teams, and Chamber of Commerce and University representatives. All provided open, honest feedback and shared thoughts anecdotally about the city in its current state, its future and how workplace and potential business growth could be enacted. This was then aligned with the author's experience with the startup ecosystem over the last 12 years and lived experience within co-working and accelerators.

City visits

Chester was visited numerous times, and some discussions with those mentioned were held face to face when visiting, gaining insight and overview of the location and context of the city in line with the brief of this report.

What would workspace/accelerator bring to the

What type of businesses would this workspace appeal to?