New report reveals University of Chester’s £893m contribution to the UK economy

The recently-published assessment by Mickledore examined the University’s impact in the 2024/25 academic year.

The Socio-Economic Impact of the University of Chester report calculates that the University’s total contribution to the UK economy was £893m Gross Value Added (GVA), including both current-year impacts and the longer-term contribution of its graduates.

GVA measures the value that an organisation (or industry, or region) adds to the economy through its activities; it is the value of what is produced minus the cost of the goods and services used to produce it. The assessment quantifies the GVA, employment and tax revenue generated through the University's operations, its supply chain, its role in the local labour market, the spending of staff, students and visitors, and the long-term earnings uplift generated by its graduates.

The analysis, commissioned by the University, found that for every £1 spent by the University, it generated £6.30 of economic value, while its overall UK economic impact rose by 10% since the previous assessment two years ago.

The report also presents an independent assessment of the economic contribution made by the University in its local areas, with sites in Chester and University Centres in Warrington, Birkenhead and at Reaseheath near Nantwich.

The findings show that:

• Across Cheshire and Warrington, the University generated £193.2m GVA within the year. Adding Wirral, the total increases to £198.5m GVA.
• The economic contribution to Cheshire West and Chester has increased by 32% since the previous assessment for 2022/23.
• The University has a significant role in the local labour market as an employer, and through the addition of students and graduates to the workforce, which totals thousands of jobs in Cheshire and Warrington.

The report states: “The University of Chester is one of the largest universities in the North West of England and is an important strategic asset in the sub-regional and wider economies.”

It adds: “Its contribution extends beyond the direct economic impact quantified in this report to public-sector workforce development, inclusive growth through social mobility, and the cultural life and development of place across the areas in which it operates.”

The results also highlight how:

• The University teaches students from more than 120 countries across a broad academic portfolio, and its provision is closely aligned with the workforce needs of the sub-region, being a significant supplier of nurses, social workers, teachers, and police officers serving communities across the North West.
• Employer engagement runs through work placements, experiential learning, higher and degree apprenticeships and continuing professional development.
• The University’s Citizen Student Strategy embeds employability, volunteering and civic contribution across the curriculum.
• The University’s cultural and civic programme contributes to the region’s international profile.

Professor Eunice Simmons, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Chester, said: “This report demonstrates the significant contribution the University of Chester makes, not only through education and research, but also as a major driver of economic growth and opportunity.

"We are proud that our work supports opportunities, jobs, skills development and prosperity in our region and beyond.

“As part of our commitment to providing an outstanding learning and wider experience, we are equipping our students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed and creating lasting benefits not only for individuals, but also for employers, our communities and the wider country.

“We remain committed to creating opportunities for individuals, businesses and the communities we serve, helping to shape a stronger future locally, in the North West and nationally.”

Nigel Wilcock, Director at Mickledore Ltd, added: “Higher Education Institutions play a pivotal role in driving regional prosperity through talent pipelines, direct employment, and industry collaboration. As the sole university headquartered within the Combined Authority area, the University of Chester represents perhaps the single most critical institutional anchor for the sub-region’s long-term economic strategy and growth trajectory.”