In the current economic climate it is more important than ever for the public sector to make investment decisions based on robust and compelling evidence.

Slims Consulting has extensive experience of carrying out economic impact assessments which help clients to:

• demonstrate value for money
• inform future decision-making and resource allocation
• demonstrate the actual or expected impact of a programme to secure future funding
• show a project is complying with planning legislation or other legal requirements

We have expertise in measuring the impact of mixed-use development and regeneration projects, commercial and office developments and assessing the impact of major sporting, cultural and entertainment events.

Economic impact assessment of Glasgow’s Summer Events Programme

Slims Consulting, in partnership with Ashbrook Research, was commissioned to evaluate the economic impact of a series of Glasgow events including the World Irish Dancing Championships, Piping Live! and the World Pipe Band Championships. The work estimated the net impact of visitor and organiser spend on the Glasgow economy and made recommendations on how this could be increased for future events.

Economic impact of higher education in Renfrewshire

Renfrewshire Council chose Slims Consulting to carry out a study into the local economic impact made by the University of the West of Scotland's (UWS) Paisley campus and Reid Kerr College.

The study considered the importance of:

• the institutions as employers and buyers in Renfrewshire
• levels of expenditure by students and staff in Paisley town centre.

The study gathered primary evidence through an online survey of 973 students and staff, focus groups with students and staff and consultation with senior management in UWS and Reid Kerr College.

Business case for the Olympia Theatre redevelopment, Bridgeton, Glasgow

Slims Consulting, in partnership with Haines Watt CA, was commissioned by Clyde Gateway Urban Regeneration Company (URC) to prepare a business case for the redevelopment of this derelict buidling into a community facility. We pulled together an economic appraisal of the anticipated economic, social and community benefits of the facility over the next 15 years for the client. The income and expenditure projections for the facility were also included to assess the financial sustainability of the facility. The findings were used by the URC Board in their final investment decision.

The category 'B' listed theatre will now be redeveloped as combined sport, office and café.

The project will:

• Bring 3,500 square meters of floor space into productive use
• Introduce sport and community training facilities, office space and ground-floor café
• Reduce the overall vacancy rates in retail premises in Bridgeton Town Centre

King Street Regeneration Project, Hammersmith, London

Slims Consulting assessed the potential socio-economic impact of the proposed redevelopment project in support of a planning application. The project considered its impact on the local and regional economy, as well as the likely social impacts on the wider community. The findings were reported in both quantitative and qualitative terms.

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