Introduction
The following report provides a comprehensive analysis of the business landscape across various councils in the region of Wales. Utilising aggregated data from the year 2022, this report aims to offer insights into employment trends, sector performance, and economic activities within the region. By examining metrics such as the number of employees, industry growth, and business dynamics, we aim to highlight areas of strength and opportunities for improvement across the councils.
Population and Employment Overview
| Council | Number of Employees | Population | Employees per 1000 Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cardiff | 167393 | 362400 | 462 |
| Flintshire | 95979 | 155000 | 619 |
| Swansea | 55582 | 238500 | 233 |
| Wrexham | 41077 | 135100 | 304 |
| Caerphilly | 33786 | 175900 | 192 |
| Carmarthenshire | 35858 | 187900 | 191 |
| Rhondda Cynon Taf | 46865 | 237700 | 197 |
| Newport | 46750 | 159600 | 293 |
| Bridgend | 29267 | 145500 | 201 |
| Neath Port Talbot | 23517 | 142300 | 165 |
| Denbighshire | 23325 | 95800 | 243 |
| Monmouthshire | 20256 | 93000 | 218 |
| Powys | 25719 | 133200 | 193 |
| Conwy | 21006 | 114800 | 183 |
| Pembrokeshire | 21985 | 123400 | 178 |
| Vale of Glamorgan | 21452 | 131800 | 163 |
| Torfaen | 17336 | 92300 | 188 |
| Gwynedd | 18768 | 117400 | 160 |
| Isle of Anglesey | 14637 | 68900 | 212 |
| Merthyr Tydfil | 7180 | 58800 | 122 |
| Ceredigion | 10380 | 71500 | 145 |
| Blaenau Gwent | 8909 | 66900 | 133 |
Business Dynamics and Sector Analysis
Across the councils, the sectors showing significant activity vary, reflecting the diverse economic bases of the regions. Cardiff, with its large population, leads in sectors such as wholesale and retail trade, but also shows a burgeoning interest in mobile apps, reflecting its urban and technologically inclined demographic. In contrast, areas like Ceredigion and Isle of Anglesey, with smaller populations, show a focus on professional, scientific, and technical services, indicating a niche in specialized industries.
Significant differences are also observed in the sectors that attracted funding in 2022. Rhondda Cynon Taf, a council with a substantial number of employees in construction, saw considerable activity in healthcare products, highlighting a shift towards high-demand sectors. Meanwhile, Flintshire and Wrexham, with their strong industrial bases, attracted attention in manufacturing and engineering, underscoring their role as critical players in Wales’ industrial strategy.
Investment and Innovation
Investment activities, as indicated by the number of fundraisings and IPOs, were notably varied across the councils. Cardiff, being a major economic hub, reported the highest number of attendance in accelerator programs, which is indicative of a dynamic startup ecosystem. On the other hand, councils like Blaenau Gwent and Merthyr Tydfil, despite their smaller size, showed activities in sectors that suggest a potential for niche market development and innovation.
The presence of patent owners and companies receiving grants in 2022 also varied significantly. For instance, Rhondda Cynon Taf, with a strong showing in healthcare products, also reported a high number of patent owners, suggesting a robust innovation landscape. This contrasts with areas like Pembrokeshire and Torfaen, where fewer such activities were recorded, pointing to different economic focuses and opportunities for targeted development initiatives.
Conclusion and Recommendations
This report has highlighted the diverse and dynamic nature of the business landscape across the councils of Wales. Each council exhibits unique strengths and opportunities, from Cardiff’s technology-oriented sectors to Flintshire’s industrial activities. It is recommended that councils leverage their unique economic characteristics to attract investment, foster innovation, and encourage sustainable growth. Continued support for sectors showing growth potential, along with initiatives to boost underrepresented industries, could further enhance the economic well-being of the region.
Future outlooks should consider the evolving global economic conditions and the increasing importance of digital infrastructure and sustainability in business operations. By focusing on these areas, Welsh councils can enhance their competitiveness and resilience in the face of future challenges.