Overview
Amber Valley’s economic landscape is characterised by a diverse range of sectors, with a significant presence in construction, professional services, and retail trade. With 37,089 employees and a notable 5.67% employee growth, the region shows signs of dynamic business development. The presence of 47 scaleups and a substantial number of new companies (846 in 2 years) highlights an environment conducive to business growth and innovation. However, the gender disparity in leadership roles, with a lower percentage of female founders and directors, suggests an area for improvement in diversity and inclusion.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 37,089. The region has witnessed a healthy growth in employment, with a 5.67% increase. This growth is indicative of a robust local economy and an expanding job market.
- Employee Growth: 403 businesses reported growth, reflecting a positive trend in business expansion and potentially increased job opportunities.
- Top Sectors by Employment Growth: Sectors with significant growth include “Other manufacturing and engineering”, “Clothing”, “Other live events”, “Toys, games and sports equipment”, and “E-commerce”. These sectors indicate diversification and innovation in the local economy.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors by Number of Companies: Construction (984 companies), Professional services (876), Retail trade (815), Administrative services (661), and Real estate (597) are the leading sectors. This diversity suggests a balanced economic structure, reducing dependence on any single industry.
- Scaleups: The presence of 47 scaleups is a strong indicator of a dynamic business environment where companies are scaling operations and contributing significantly to economic growth.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 504 companies ceased operations. This figure needs to be contextualized against the number of new companies and overall economic conditions to assess business sustainability in the region.
- New Companies: 846 new companies in the past two years show a thriving entrepreneurial environment. However, continuous support and favorable policies are essential to sustain this growth.
Diversity and Inclusion
- Gender Representation: Founders: 15.79% female, 73.68% male. Directors: 29.13% female, 67.83% male. These figures reveal a gender gap in leadership roles, highlighting the need for initiatives to promote gender diversity in the business landscape.
Conclusion
Amber Valley exhibits a healthy and diversified economy with notable growth in employment and new businesses. The presence of scaleups and a variety of growing sectors indicate a dynamic business environment. However, the region faces challenges in business continuity and gender diversity in leadership roles. Addressing these challenges could further strengthen the economic fabric of Amber Valley.