Overview
Cheshire East presents a dynamic economic profile, characterised by a strong presence in professional, scientific, and technical activities. The region boasts 243,086 employees, with significant growth observed in select sectors. Despite a lack of IPOs, the area shows healthy entrepreneurial activities with a considerable number of new companies and scaleups, indicating a vibrant business environment.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 243,086. This substantial workforce underpins Cheshire East’s robust economic structure.
- Employee Growth: 8.24%. This positive growth trend reflects the region’s capacity for business expansion and job creation.
- Top Sectors with Employee Growth: Key sectors showing growth include ‘Analytics, Insight, Tools’, ‘Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)’, ‘Mobile Apps’, ‘Pharmaceuticals’, and ‘Internet Platforms’. These sectors are likely driving innovation and attracting skilled labor.
- New Companies (Last 2 Years): 3,716. A high number of new companies indicate an entrepreneurial spirit and a conducive environment for startups.
- Scaleups: 194. The presence of scaleups suggests a supportive ecosystem for business maturity and expansion.
Sector Dynamics
- Leading Sectors: The leading sectors are Professional, Scientific and Technical Activities (21.29%), Wholesale and Retail Trade (11.46%), and Real Estate Activities (9.46%). These sectors form the backbone of Cheshire East’s economy.
- Patent Owners: 1,528. A significant number of patent owners demonstrate the region’s strength in innovation and research.
- Spinouts: 1. The presence of spinouts indicates a link between academic research and commercial ventures.
Company Trends
- Total Companies: 32,535. This number showcases the area’s extensive business landscape.
- SMEs: 24,289. Small and medium enterprises form the majority, highlighting the region’s reliance on smaller businesses.
- Exporters: 825. The number of exporters reflects the region’s engagement in international trade.
- Companies with Foreign Parentage: 595. This indicates a level of foreign investment and global integration.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 2,973. While a natural part of the business lifecycle, this number warrants monitoring for economic health implications.
- Young Companies with Young Directors: 956. This statistic underscores the youth-led entrepreneurial energy in the region.
Conclusion
Cheshire East’s economy is marked by a strong emphasis on professional and technical sectors, evident employee growth, and a substantial number of new and small-medium enterprises. The region’s innovation capability, as shown by the number of patent owners, along with its young and dynamic leadership, positions it well for future growth. However, the number of company cessations and the lack of IPOs suggest areas for further economic development and support.