Feasibility and Appraisal of Projects

A thorough appraisal of project options and funding is critical to success and sustainable benefits. PACEC has appraised initiatives across all areas of economic development: business development teams, start-up support and incubation services, training projects, and specific initiatives such as innovation centres, technology and business parks, business improvement, enterprise, and employment zones.

Key Issues

• Review of the needs and demand for projects
• Developing the project response
• Consideration of options
• Relative costs of options
• Impact assessment and benefits
• Stakeholder and partner involvement
• Governance and management
• Risk assessment and contingencies
• Sources of funding and bidding
• Implementation and action planning

Examples of Projects

• Brent Council. Feasibility and development of online services and support to stimulate business start-ups in deprived areas.
• BL4L. A review of business support network for start-ups and SMEs, and the development of an Action Plan for partners.
• Scottish Enterprise. The development of an Action Plan to stimulate commercialisation and academic spin out.
• Kent County Council. Review of a Business Action Team designed to identify and address the needs of businesses in key sectors including health, engineering, pharmaceuticals.
• Science/Technology Park Feasibility Studies
  • Wolfson College. Oxford Science Park
  • Ministry of Defence. RSRE, Malvern Science Park
  • Scottish Enterprise. Glasgow Medi Park
  • Bexley Innovation Centre
  • Enterprise Hubs in Bexhill and Eastbourne
  • Creative Industries Centres in Camden and Haringey