Inflect logo

Mobile Navigation

Mobile Navigation

Chester – Secure Resilience for the Northwest Enterprise

Secure Resilience for the Northwest Enterprise

Chester serves as a specialized destination for organizations requiring high-security colocation and disaster recovery outside the primary Manchester and Liverpool metro zones. By utilizing purpose-built facilities, the market provides a level of physical protection that secures critical data assets and ensures operational continuity for high-stakes business requirements.

Chester: At A Glance

FactorRating / DataNotes
Global Connectivity GradeB. Solid regional performance.Efficient links to major UK digital hubs.
Direct Cloud On-Ramps0 – as of September 2025Manchester is the nearest major cloud hub.
Power CostIndustrial electricity: £0.17/kWh – as of September 2025Mix includes high renewable and gas percentages.
Disaster RiskLow (2.1/10) – as of September 2025One of the most stable UK regions.
Tax IncentivesNo – as of September 2025Standard UK corporate tax structures apply.
Sales Tax20% VAT – as of September 2025Standard UK Value Added Tax rate.

Network & Connectivity Ecosystem

The connectivity landscape in Chester focuses on reliability and secure transit rather than high-volume public peering.

Carrier Density & Carrier Neutrality: Carrier count: over 10, as of September 2025. While the number of facilities is limited, they maintain neutral access to major UK national fiber backbones.

Direct Cloud On-Ramps: Over 0, enabling access to 0 cloud regions as of September 2025. Organizations requiring direct access to AWS or Microsoft Azure typically utilize private leased lines or wave services to reach on-ramps in Manchester, which is less than an hour away.

Internet Exchange Points (IXPs): There are no major public IXPs located directly in Chester. Local traffic usually peers via IX Manchester or London-based exchanges to ensure efficient routing.

Bare Metal: Dedicated infrastructure and bare metal services are available through regional providers and national specialists like IONOS or Leaseweb as of September 2025.

Power Analysis

Power in Chester is characterized by a mature grid and a shifting focus toward sustainable generation.

Average Cost Of Power: Industrial electricity: £0.17/kWh, as of September 2025. This pricing aligns with UK industrial averages, providing a predictable cost model for regional deployments.

Power Grid Reliability: The local grid is well-engineered with redundant supply lines and supports high-availability data center operations. Facilities in the area benefit from consistent, multi-substation support common in the Cheshire industrial corridor.

Market Access, Business & Tax Climate

Chester provides a professional business environment with a focus on specialized industrial and financial services.

Proximity To Key Business Districts: Data centers here are positioned to serve the Chester Business Park and the nearby industrial zones, which house major players in the financial, pharmaceutical, and aerospace sectors.

Regional Market Reach: This location serves as a digital bridge between North Wales and the Northwest of England, offering a low-latency alternative to the more congested Manchester market.

Tax Advantage For Data Centers: While there are no specific tax breaks for data center operators, the stable UK regulatory environment supports long-term capital planning. Businesses benefit from a consistent tax framework that rewards permanent infrastructure investment in the region.

Natural Disaster Risk

The overall risk profile for Chester is Low (2.1/10), as of September 2025. The region is historically stable with very few significant natural threats to infrastructure.

  • Coastal Flood (8.3): This is a regional/indirect risk related to the proximity of the Dee and Mersey estuaries; however, local data centers are generally situated on higher ground to mitigate impact.
  • River Flood (5.7): Some localized risk exists near watercourses, though modern facility engineering and site selection keep this manageable.
  • Epidemic (2.4): In line with national UK averages.
  • Tsunami (1.9): Rated as a minor indirect regional risk with no material impact on inland infrastructure.
  • Drought (1.6): Minor risk with little impact on data center cooling operations.
  • Earthquake (0.1): Negligible seismic activity recorded in the region.
WHY CHOOSE US?Helping You Find Connectivity Solutions For Your Business
Inflect logo
Expert SupportGet help from industry pros. Free of charge
Best DealsAccess exclusive deals from top providers.
Seamless ExperienceResearch, compare and purchase, all in one place.
Fast ResponsesGet your questions answered within 24 hours.
Our Partners
EquinixZayoDigital RealtyAT&T BusinessLumenArelion