THE University of Chester generated an estimated £193.2m in economic value across Cheshire and Warrington during the 2024/25 academic year, according to a new independent assessment.
The figure rises to £371.8m when the estimated longer-term economic benefits of graduates are included, underlining the contribution made by the university’s Warrington presence to the local economy.
The findings come from a new Socio-Economic Impact of the University of Chester* report produced by independent consultants Mickledore.
Across the UK as a whole, the university generated an estimated £893m in Gross Value Added (GVA) during the year when both its current-year activities and the longer-term contribution of graduates are taken into account.
The assessment found that for every £1 spent by the University of Chester, £6.30 of economic value was generated, while its overall UK economic impact has increased by 10 per cent since the previous assessment two years ago.
Warrington part of university’s regional impact
The university has a significant presence in Warrington through its Warrington University Centre, alongside its main campus in Chester and centres in Birkenhead and at Reaseheath.
The report identifies Cheshire and Warrington as a significant beneficiary of the university’s economic activity, with its impact generated through employment, supply chains, student and staff spending, visitors and the contribution of graduates entering the regional workforce.
It says the university plays an important role in the local labour market, with thousands of jobs in Cheshire and Warrington linked to its role as an employer and through the addition of students and graduates to the workforce.
The university also supplies highly skilled workers to sectors which are vital to the Warrington and wider North West economy, including **nursing, social work, teaching and policing**.
The £193.2m figure represents the university’s estimated GVA contribution within Cheshire and Warrington during the year, while the longer-term graduate contribution takes the figure to £371.8m.
When Wirral is included, the university’s current-year contribution rises to £198.5m, with the estimated career-long graduate benefit reaching £484.8m.
The report also found that the university’s economic contribution to Cheshire West and Chester has increased by 32 per cent compared with the previous assessment covering 2022/23.
The assessment argues that the university’s impact extends well beyond the economic value generated by its direct operations.
Its activities include work placements, higher and degree apprenticeships, continuing professional development and employer engagement – all designed to help connect students with the region’s workforce needs.
Students are drawn from more than 120 countries, while the university’s Citizen Student Strategy incorporates employability, volunteering and civic contribution into the student experience.
Its cultural and civic activities are also identified as contributing to the region’s wider profile.
The report describes the University of Chester as:
“One of the largest universities in the North West of England and an important strategic asset in the sub-regional and wider economies.”
It adds that its contribution includes public-sector workforce development, social mobility and the cultural life and development of the areas in which it operates.
University of Chester Vice-Chancellor Professor Eunice Simmons said the report demonstrated the university’s contribution not only through education and research but as a driver of economic growth and opportunity.
“We are proud that our work supports opportunities, jobs, skills development and prosperity in our region and beyond.”
She said the university was equipping students with the knowledge, skills and confidence to succeed while creating benefits for individuals, employers and communities.
“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, said universities played a pivotal role in regional prosperity through talent, employment and collaboration with industry.
He described the University of Chester as a particularly important institutional anchor for the sub-region’s long-term economic strategy and growth.
For Warrington, the findings highlight the economic significance of having a University of Chester presence in the town – providing access to higher education while helping supply the skilled workforce required by employers across the region.
The report’s figures also suggest that the economic impact of universities cannot simply be measured by the number of students enrolled or the money spent on their campuses.
The longer-term contribution of graduates – through their careers, earnings and skills – forms a substantial part of the university’s reported economic impact.
With Warrington positioned at the heart of the Cheshire and wider North West economy, the university says its Warrington centre forms an important part of its commitment to supporting local skills, employment, businesses and communities.
