Bicester Motion: Measuring Economic Momentum

The primary aim for Bicester Motion was to quantify its economic value and use the resulting insights to inform strategic investment decisions, strengthen stakeholder engagement, and support communications with partners, investors, and local authorities. Specifically:

• A robust baseline of economic activity generated across its four operational entities and five key on-site partners.
• Forward-looking forecasts to evaluate the impact of Phase 1 and 2 growth plans, including developments such as Lakeside Lodges.
• Detailed insights into visitor spending patterns and the contribution of ancillary activities like film hire.
• A technical benchmark to facilitate ongoing impact monitoring over time.

Oxford Brookes Business School approached the project with a proven methodology, refined through nearly a decade of experience in economic impact analysis. Led by Dr Sara le Roux, an expert in applied economics and decision-making, and by Dr Robert van der Veen, a specialist in tourism marketing and quantitative research methods, the team applied a structured and phased process.

Key elements of the methodology included:

1. Scoping and Stakeholder Alignment
   Initial engagement clarified scope, timelines, and data needs. OBBS provided a detailed action list to support Bicester Motion’s internal data gathering and designated a single point of contact to streamline communication.
2. Data Collection and Integration
   OBBS gathered data from Bicester Motion and its third-party partners, including financial and visitor information. Where necessary, assumptions were made based on industry benchmarks to supplement missing datasets.
3. Modelling and Analysis
   The team used a custom-built impact model to quantify direct, indirect, and induced effects. This included analysis of operational income, visitor expenditure, employment, and capital investment. Forecasting tools extended the assessment to cover projected impacts of growth phases and new offerings like the Lakeside Lodges.
4. Visitor Survey
   A bespoke visitor survey—offered as an additional service—was designed to enhance accuracy in assessing on-site consumer behaviour and economic ripple effects.
5. Reporting and Benchmarking
   Findings were synthesised into a technical report, enabling Bicester Motion to benchmark progress over time and present robust evidence of value to external stakeholders.

By delivering a fresh baseline of economic contribution and strategic foresight into future growth, OBBS equipped Bicester Motion with a compelling evidence base that underpins planning, engagement, and ambition.