Building sector and cluster strengths has an important role to play in economic development. Strong clusters that provide economies of scale and integrate the available resources, including know-how, skills, capital assets, suppliers, business support and training agencies are better able to compete and economic benefits.

Key Issues

• Identification of clusters and competitive advantage
• Census of firms, cluster structure, and market leaders
• Profiling linkages and supply chains
• Profiling networks, collaboration and lobbying
• Reviewing strengths and integration
• Weaknesses and business constraints
• Area and cluster visibility
• Identifying customised business support and training initiatives
• Developing strategies and action plans

Examples

• Greater Cambridge Partnership: The Cambridge High Tech Phenomenon - Fulfilling the Future Potential.
• BIS: Employment clustering in Great Britain. Part of the national team which identified the main clusters in all English Regions.
• ONE NorthEast: Review and impact of chemicals sector in Teesside.
• LDA: Thames Gateway.. Development Framework. Sector/cluster development in Bexley and Greenwich: Manufacturing, printing, food, creative industries, ICT, construction and environmental management.
• Greenwich Council: Growth and Inward Investment Clusters, The Olympics, creative/cultural, ICT, specialist food.
• Black Country LSC: Review of skills needs in key sections: retail, hospitality, engineering, food processing and construction.
• West London Consortum: A review of the tourism and hospitality sector in the light of the redevelopment of Wembley Stadium and adjoining areas.

PACEC has carried out sector and cluster studies in the following:

• High tech (ICT, R&D, HE, biosciences)
• Information and Communications
• Motor vehicles
• Engineering
• Electronics
• Design & creative industries
• Agriculture /horticulture
• Culture
• Fisheries
• Banking/financial service
• Research and development
• Software development
• Printing and publishing
• Retailing
• High-tech manufacturing
• Transport
• Health care
• Tourism and leisure
• Construction
• Biosciences
• Environmental technology
• Medical instruments
• Forestry
• Food & Drink
• Oil and Gas
• Textiles