Overview
Darlington presents a dynamic economic landscape, characterised by a diverse range of sectors. The total number of employees in the city stands at 66,623. There has been a notable rise in employment, with 75 companies reporting an increase in their workforce. The city’s business environment is underpinned by a mix of traditional and emerging industries, with significant activity in sectors like professional services, construction, and retail trade. Notably, there are no recorded IPOs, but the presence of scale-ups and new companies indicates a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: Darlington employs 66,623 individuals. The city has witnessed an 8.39% growth in employee numbers, indicating robust economic activity and job creation.
- Employment Raisers: 75 companies in Darlington have reported an increase in employment, signaling business expansion and economic vitality.
- Top Sectors with Employment Growth: Key sectors contributing to employment growth include Florists, Gyms, Consumer Estate Agency Services, Internet Platforms, and Other Manufacturing and Engineering.
Sector Dynamics
- Dominant Sectors: The dominant sectors in Darlington are Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities (824 companies, 14.07% of total); Construction (767 companies, 13.1%); and Wholesale/Retail Trade (742 companies, 12.67%).
- Emerging Sectors: Florists, Gyms, Consumer Estate Agency Services, Internet Platforms, and Other Manufacturing and Engineering sectors are emerging, although they currently have a small number of companies.
Company Trends
- Total Companies: There are 5,856 registered companies in Darlington.
- New Companies (Last 2 Years): 1,434 new companies were established in the past two years, indicative of a growing entrepreneurial environment.
- Scaleups: Darlington has 31 scaleup companies, reflecting a supportive ecosystem for business growth.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: The number of ceased companies is 731, which is a vital indicator of the business turnover and the competitive nature of the market.
Gender Diversity in Leadership
- Founders Gender: 19.51% of founders are female, while 80.49% are male.
- Directors Gender: 27.94% of company directors are female, with a higher percentage of 68.93% being male.
Conclusion
Darlington’s economic landscape is marked by a blend of traditional and emerging sectors, with a significant workforce and a growing number of companies. The rise in employment and the diversity of sectors highlight the city’s dynamic business environment. However, the gender disparity in leadership positions indicates an area for potential improvement. The absence of IPOs suggests a focus on small to medium enterprises and local businesses, forming the backbone of Darlington’s economy.