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The information is accurate as of 31 December 2022.
Data courtesy of Beauhurst.

Analysis Report: Economic and Business Activity in Cheshire West and Chester

Overview

Cheshire West and Chester exhibit a diverse economic structure with significant activities in professional, scientific, technical, and retail sectors. The region has experienced a notable increase in employment and business growth, with a particular emphasis on sectors such as software-as-a-service (SaaS) and internet platforms.

Employment and Business Growth

  • Total Employees: Cheshire West and Chester boasts 147,734 employees, with an impressive growth of 380 employee raisers indicating a positive trend in job creation.
  • Top Sectors by Company Count: The leading sectors include professional, scientific and technical activities (3,990 companies), wholesale and retail trade/repair of motor vehicles and motorcycles (2,455 companies), and construction (2,087 companies). These sectors form the backbone of the local economy.
  • Top Sectors by Growth: Sectors showing the most growth are SaaS, internet platforms, and other business/professional services. This suggests a shift towards a more digital and service-oriented economy.
  • Percentage Employee Growth: The region has seen a 16.44% growth in employment, indicating a robust and expanding job market.

Business Continuity

  • Company Cessations: There are 26,649 companies that ceased operations, which might indicate market consolidation or competitive pressures in certain sectors.

Sector Dynamics

  • New Companies in Last 2 Years: The region has witnessed the inception of 4,993 new companies over the last two years, showing vibrant entrepreneurial activity.
  • Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs): With 16,190 SMEs, the region has a strong base of small and medium businesses, crucial for economic resilience and innovation.
  • Exporters and Foreign Parent Companies: There are 482 exporters and 559 companies with foreign parentage, indicating significant international business engagement.

Innovation and Investment

  • Fundraisings and Patent Owners: There have been 23 fund-raisings and 758 patent owners, showcasing the region’s focus on innovation and research & development.
  • Number of Scaleups: 129 scaleups reflect a dynamic business environment where companies are growing rapidly.

Diversity in Leadership

  • Gender Distribution Among Founders: 13.58% of founders are female, 84.57% male, highlighting a gender gap in entrepreneurship.
  • Gender Distribution Among Directors: 28.62% female directors and 66.75% male directors, indicating a similar trend in corporate leadership.

Conclusion

Cheshire West and Chester display a robust and diverse economy, with significant growth in employment and a dynamic entrepreneurial environment. The shift towards digital and service-oriented sectors, combined with the strong presence of SMEs and international businesses, positions the region well for future economic resilience and growth.

Company foundations and cessations over time

Active companies over time

The information is accurate as of 31 December 2022.
Data courtesy of Beauhurst.