Expert Office Advice

Vital facts and key information for businesses considering relocation to or setting up an office in Chester.

Chester is the county town of Cheshire centrally located in North West England. It is situated on the River Dee close to the border with Wales. Chester is one of the best preserved ancient walled cities in England. It comprises the city of Chester and the towns and villages of Elton, Tarvin, Tattenhall, Malpas together with a large rural area specifically to the south of Chester.

Chester enjoys a diverse and dynamic economy as can be glimpsed from the wide range of administrative, commercial and industrial operations based in Chester. Chester offers a vibrant business centre and a conducive working environment and first class living with some of the best housing, education and recreational facilities in the UK.

Population
118,600 – Mid-2005 Population Estimate
Source: Office for National Statistics (ONS)

Migration, immigration, ethnic diversity, basic population demographics
• 98.0% of the population is white.
• 95.0% are born in the UK, 2.3% are born elsewhere in the EU and 2.7% are born outside of the EU.
• 78.1% are Christians and 13% have no religion.
Source: ONS Census 2001

Unemployment/employment rate
• 76.8% of the population is employed.
• 3.6% is unemployed.
Source: ONS Annual Population Survey (July 2005 – June 2006)

Average Income/salary
₤387.30 – gross weekly pay
Source: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings Workplace Analysis (2006)

Location within the UK
• Bordered by Wales to the west, the county of Shropshire to the south and the districts of Vate Royal, Crewe & Nantwich and Ellesmere & Port to the east and north, respectively
• Located 207 miles northwest of London, 19 miles south of Liverpool and 91 miles northwest of Birmingham

Transport options to and within
• Chester is at the heart of the national motorway network offering easy access to destinations around UK.
• Chester has rail links to London and all major cities throughout the UK.
• Chester is served by two major airports, Manchester and Liverpool, just 30 minutes drive from Chester city centre.

Closest airports with average distance from town/city centre
• Liverpool John Lennon Airport – 9.4 miles from city centre
• Manchester International Airport – 28.8 miles
• Bradford/Leeds Airport – 69.6 miles

Dominating sectors/industries
Chester has a strong services sector, particularly in commerce, retailing and tourism. The financial services sector has grown rapidly in the past years. Many national headquarters of major finance companies are based in Chester. The retail sector is well-established. Chester is one of the best shopping cities in the UK. It is known for its unique “Rows” – two-tiered levels of specialist shops, cafes, hotels and department stores which date back from medieval times. Millions of visitors are attracted to Chester making it a major international tourist centre. Another key sector is the expanding manufacturing industries which includes big companies. There is also an increasing number of research and development centres in Chester.

Large companies that have headquarters or major branches in the location
• Halifax Bank of Scotland, Marks and Spencer Financial Services
• The Milk Group, Meadow Foods (Chester) Ltd., Bristol Myers-Squibb
• Kemira, British Nuclear Fuels, Scottish Power

Areas that are considered to be prime business locations
• Chester West Business Park
• Sealand Industrial Estate
• Chester City Centre
• Chester Retail Park

Awards
• Chester was recently ranked “Best City in England to Visit”
• “Tenth Most Profitable” in a survey of English towns and cities

Restrictions
When the Gambling Act 2005 takes effect on September 2007, premises licenses including licenses for betting shops, gaming machine and prize gaming permits will be required.

Special business benefits/dispensations
• The Enterprise Grant Scheme assists small and medium-sized businesses to finance their growth and expansion in specific Enterprise Grant areas.
• The Processing and Marketing Grant is aimed at developing processing facilities for primary agricultural products in England. Grants are given for the construction of buildings or purchase of new equipment.

3 best things about the location
• Chester is one of North West England’s most desirable residential areas.
• Chester has excellent healthcare facilities.
• Chester has an extensive transport network – road, rail, air and sea.

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