Overview
Brighton and Hove’s economic landscape shows a dynamic mix of sectors, with a significant presence in information and communication, professional, scientific and technical activities, and real estate. The city’s total employment stands at 155,197, with recent data indicating 760 employee raisers, suggesting a healthy trend in job growth. Notably, the city has not experienced any IPOs recently, but there is a noticeable growth in employee numbers, marked by a 7.15% increase. The presence of 99 scaleups and a substantial number of new companies (6,315 in the last two years) highlight an environment conducive to business growth and entrepreneurial activity.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 155,197 – Brighton and Hove demonstrate a robust employment landscape with a notable increase in the number of employees, indicative of economic vitality.
- Employee Raisers: 760 – This figure suggests a positive trend in job creation, likely driven by the city’s diverse economic sectors.
- Employee Growth Percentage: 7.15% – A significant uptick in employment numbers, pointing towards an expanding job market and possibly improved economic conditions.
- Scaleups: 99 – The presence of nearly a hundred scaleups signals a healthy startup ecosystem with potential for future economic contributions.
Sector Analysis
- Top Sectors: Information and communication (18.29%), Professional, scientific and technical activities (17.78%), and Real estate (9.39%). These sectors dominate the city’s economic landscape, indicating a strong presence in knowledge-based and service-oriented industries.
- Rising Sectors: Software-as-a-service (SaaS), Internet platforms, and Mobile apps are among the top sectors experiencing growth. This suggests a shift towards digital and technology-driven industries, aligning with global economic trends.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 3,368 – This number, while significant, needs to be viewed in the context of the number of new companies and overall business dynamics in the city.
- New Companies in 2 Years: 6,315 – A substantial figure, showcasing vibrant entrepreneurial activity and a conducive environment for new business ventures.
Company Demographics
- SMEs: 27,203 – Small and medium-sized enterprises form the backbone of the city’s economy, contributing significantly to employment and economic diversity.
- Exporters: 386 – The presence of a notable number of exporters indicates the city’s integration into the global market.
- Companies with Foreign Parent: 359 – This reflects the city’s attractiveness to foreign investment and its global business connections.
Innovation and Funding
- Fundraisings: 159 – Demonstrates active investment and funding activities, essential for business growth and innovation.
- Patent Owners: 14 – While modest, this number suggests some degree of innovation, especially in specific sectors.
- Grantees: Not available in the data provided.
Diversity in Leadership
- Founders’ Gender: 24% female, 74.48% male – Indicates a gender gap in entrepreneurship which could be an area for development.
- Directors’ Gender: 29.98% female, 65.38% male – Similar to founders, there’s a notable gender disparity in leadership roles.
Conclusion
Brighton and Hove exhibit a vibrant and diverse economic environment with significant growth in employment and business activities. The city’s strong performance in sectors like information and communication, alongside the rise of tech-focused industries, positions it well for future economic prosperity. However, there are areas for improvement, such as addressing gender disparities in business leadership and fostering innovation.