Crewe

Crewe faced a significant challenge. Despite its rich industrial heritage, skilled workforce and strategic location, years of economic decline had eroded local confidence. High street vacancy rates exceeded 26%, public perception was poor, and many residents struggled to identify positive qualities about their town. The challenge was not simply to create a new place brand, but to help Crewe rediscover its identity and build a shared vision for the future.

Working once again with our friends HemingwayDesign, CTConsults engaged with more than 1,400 residents alongside businesses, community organisations, young people, cultural partners, faith groups and local stakeholders. Combining community insight with economic evidence, the process uncovered a different story: a town defined by resilience, technical excellence, ambition and spirit.

The brand was embedded through a Place Brand Filter, powering major regeneration, investment and development projects that reflect the town's identity and long-term ambitions. The framework has helped shape more than £1.9bn of inward investment, including a new Business Improvement District, a £3m Market Hall refurbishment, an £8.3m Youth Zone, an Archives Centre, new business innovation space, and significant investment in active travel and sports infrastructure.