Introduction
This comprehensive performance report provides an in-depth analysis of the business environment across the councils in the Yorkshire and The Humber region. Utilising aggregated data from 2022, the report evaluates key metrics such as employment, industry growth, and economic activities to offer insights into the region’s economic health and developmental trajectory.
Population and Employment Overview
| Council | Number of Employees | Population | Employees per 1000 Residents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leeds | 1,038,440 | 516,054 | 2011.57 |
| Bradford | 535,365 | 330,964 | 1617.44 |
| Sheffield | 192,065 | 384,610 | 499.35 |
| Wakefield | 180,278 | 215,231 | 837.43 |
| North Yorkshire | 109,017 | 615,491 | 177.12 |
| Kirklees | 112,139 | 272,032 | 412.27 |
| Doncaster | 102,052 | 191,890 | 531.76 |
| East Riding of Yorkshire | 127,475 | 195,857 | 650.96 |
| Rotherham | 84,352 | 161,519 | 522.47 |
| Calderdale | 72,280 | 130,306 | 554.66 |
| York | 84,269 | 139,061 | 606.16 |
| Barnsley | 56,329 | 152,684 | 369.03 |
| Kingston upon Hull, City of | 99,517 | 168,216 | 591.57 |
| North Lincolnshire | 49,408 | 103,684 | 476.58 |
| North East Lincolnshire | 48,667 | 95,657 | 508.64 |
Business Dynamics and Sector Analysis
The region shows a diverse range of leading sectors. Leeds, with its significant employee base, leads in professional, scientific, and technical activities, while Bradford’s wholesale and retail trade sector is notably robust. Calderdale and Sheffield also show strong performance in the wholesale and retail sectors. The construction sector is particularly strong in Doncaster and North East Lincolnshire, indicating a focus on infrastructure development.
Scaleups and Growth
Leeds stands out with the highest number of employees in companies that raised funds in 2022, indicating a dynamic business environment conducive to growth. In contrast, Kirklees and North East Lincolnshire show minimal activity in this area. Sheffield and Doncaster each recorded an IPO in 2022, highlighting their potential for significant business expansions.
International and Export Dynamics
Leeds and Sheffield exhibit a strong presence of companies with non-UK ultimate parents, suggesting robust international ties. Export activities are notably high in Leeds, Bradford, and Sheffield, aligning with their large economic bases and diverse industries.
Investment and Innovation
2022 was a significant year for fundraising activities, with Leeds leading in the number of fundraisings. Patent ownership is highest in Leeds, indicating a strong focus on innovation. Rotherham and Sheffield also show considerable activity in securing grants, which supports their research and development efforts.
Conclusion and Recommendations
The analysis reveals a region with vibrant economic activity and potential for further growth. It is recommended that councils with lower business activities, such as Kirklees and North East Lincolnshire, adopt more aggressive economic development strategies to boost their local economies. Continued support for innovation and international trade in high-performing areas like Leeds and Sheffield will also be crucial for sustaining their growth trajectories.