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

• 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.
• Innovation Centre / Science Park Feasibility Studies:
  
  • Nortampton Innovation Centre
  • 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