Perth and Kinross Council; Economic Impact Assessment of the UK City of Culture Bid, 2017
Because of our work: The local authority could bid for UK City of Culture 2021 with a clear view of the city’s current economy and how the bidding process could strengthen it.
Perth and Kinross Council was one of the local authorities to bid for UK City of Culture Status for 2021. Its bid required an assessment of the likely economic impact of the bidding process and of a successful outcome.
We were asked to assess Perth’s current baseline economy with a particular focus on its Creative Industries and Visitor Economy sectors.
Stage one: desk research. We conducted in-depth research into current economic indicators, planned developments and potential future initiatives. We also reviewed a wide range of impact assessments and evaluations of other City of Culture designations in the UK and Europe.
Stage two: consultation. We carried out focused consultations with key stakeholders, a survey of businesses, and a workshop with local partners and stakeholders, all of which engaged them in the bidding process.
Stage three: reporting. We were able to set out the baseline situation for Perth’s Economy and to estimate the growth in Perth’s GVA in the event of several scenarios.
Although Perth was not shortlisted UK City of Culture, the bidding process - and the work it involved- has significantly raised the city’s tourism and cultural profile.
“All your input throughout, and particularly just before the deadline, was hugely appreciated.”