Overview
Rushmoor’s economic landscape is diverse, with significant activity across several sectors. The data indicates a robust presence in professional, scientific, technical activities, and retail trade, alongside a notable growth in sectors like security services and software-as-a-service (SaaS). This variety suggests a dynamic and evolving business environment.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 92,327. The region shows a healthy employment rate with a significant workforce.
- Employee Growth: 8.32% growth. This positive trend indicates an expanding job market, possibly driven by new companies and sector dynamism.
- Company Raisers: 179 companies increased their employee count, reflecting a thriving business climate.
- Scaleups: 45. This number of businesses scaling up signifies economic vitality and entrepreneurial success.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors: The leading sector is ‘Professional, scientific and technical activities’ with 977 companies, showing a strong knowledge-based economy. Retail trade and support services also hold significant portions, indicating a balanced sectoral spread.
- Emerging Sectors: Sectors like ‘Security services’ and ‘SaaS’ are on the rise, suggesting a shift towards tech and service-oriented industries.
Company Trends
- Number of Companies: 6,214. A substantial number of companies, indicating a vibrant and diverse business ecosystem.
- New Companies in 2 Years: 1,476. This figure represents strong entrepreneurial activity and business formation.
- SMEs: 4,397. Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of Rushmoor’s economy.
- Exporters: 238. This number, though modest, shows international business engagement.
- Companies with Foreign Parentage: 296. This indicates a level of international investment and global connectivity.
Innovation and Funding
- Patent Owners: 7. A relatively low figure, which might suggest a need for enhanced innovation and R&D activities.
- Grantees: Data not provided. Information on grant recipients could offer insights into R&D and innovation support.
- Fundraisings: 9. Indicates some level of investment activity and external funding for businesses.
Diversity and Leadership
- Founders’ Gender: 9.72% female founders, reflecting a gender gap in entrepreneurship.
- Directors’ Gender: 25.27% female directors. While better than the founders’ statistics, it still indicates room for improved gender balance in leadership.
- Age Distribution of Directors: A wide range in directors’ ages, with a higher concentration in the 50-60 age group, suggesting experienced leadership.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 597. This number could reflect natural business lifecycle or specific challenges in the economy.
Conclusion
Rushmoor’s economy is characterised by a diverse sector presence, growing employment, and active business formation. The rise in tech and service sectors, alongside traditional industries, suggests a dynamic and evolving economy. However, there are areas like innovation, funding, and gender diversity in entrepreneurship that could be improved.