Plum carried out a study supporting the Cheshire and Warrington Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP) to assess barriers to connectivity and adoption of digital services in the Cheshire and Warrington area in the North-West of England.

The study analysed the availability and reach of digital infrastructure in the region. It also investigated demand-side barriers to take-up and usage of digital services. This analysis was complemented with primary research carried out in the region in partnership with i2 Media Research. We also carried out an evaluation of existing initiatives to address barriers to digital connectivity at the regional and national level.

Plum produced two reports for the study. The Phase 1 report is a Position Paper which provides a review of existing evidence around barriers to digital connectivity and adoption in Cheshire and Warrington, and a review of the policy landscape. The Phase 2 report offers strategy and policy recommendations to address barriers to connectivity and take-up within the region. Both reports can be accessed below.