Overview
Barnsley’s economic landscape is characterised by a diverse range of sectors, with a notable presence in construction, wholesale and retail trade, and professional activities. The city has experienced a moderate growth in employment, reflecting its dynamic business environment. Key indicators such as the number of new companies, scale-ups, and the gender diversity in company leadership provide insights into the evolving economic profile of Barnsley.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 56,329. Barnsley’s employment scene has shown growth, with a 7.6% increase in the workforce, indicating a robust job market. The diversity of sectors contributing to employment suggests a balanced economic structure.
- Employment Growth Drivers: Among the top sectors, construction and retail trade are prominent, together with professional and technical activities. This diverse sectoral composition underlines the city’s multifaceted economic base.
- Number of Scale-ups: 63. This number signals an encouraging environment for business expansion, indicative of a supportive ecosystem for growing companies.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors by Number of Companies: Construction (1,672 companies), Retail Trade (1,416 companies), and Professional Activities (1,136 companies) are the leading sectors. This diversity suggests a balanced economic base, reducing reliance on a single industry.
- Sectors with the Most Growth: Consumer banking and mobile apps, although small in number, are showing signs of emerging as new growth areas.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 1,127 companies ceased operations, which could be a concern for economic stability. However, this should be weighed against the number of new companies and overall business dynamics.
- Number of New Companies (2 years): 2,791. This robust influx of new businesses indicates a dynamic entrepreneurial environment and potential for future growth.
Gender Diversity in Leadership
- Percentage of Female Founders: 12.77%. While there is a presence of female entrepreneurship, there is room for improvement in gender diversity at the founding level.
- Percentage of Female Directors: 26.18%. This shows a better representation of women in leadership roles compared to the founders’ level.
Conclusion
Barnsley’s economic environment is characterised by a diverse sectoral composition, steady employment growth, and a vibrant entrepreneurial scene. The city shows potential in emerging sectors like consumer banking and mobile apps. While there is a positive movement in gender diversity in leadership roles, efforts could be intensified to enhance female representation, especially at the founding level.