Overview
Elmbridge showcases a vibrant and diverse economic landscape, marked by a substantial workforce and a dynamic mix of sectors. The data indicates a healthy business environment, with notable growth in specific sectors and a significant number of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). However, the area also shows a gender imbalance in entrepreneurial and leadership roles, and a noteworthy number of company cessations.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: Elmbridge has a robust workforce of 149,926 employees. The 7.27% employee growth rate reflects a thriving job market.
- Sector Dynamics: The leading sector is ‘Professional, scientific and technical activities’ with 3,581 companies, constituting 22.26% of the business landscape. This is followed by ‘Real estate activities’ and ‘Information and communication’, indicating a diversified economic base.
- Company Trends: Elmbridge witnessed the emergence of new sectors such as ‘Internet platform’ and ‘Analytics, insight, tools’, each contributing significantly to the local economy.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: With 13,370 companies ceasing operations, there’s a notable challenge in sustaining business continuity in Elmbridge. This figure requires deeper analysis to understand the underlying causes and potential strategies for improvement.
Leadership and Entrepreneurship
- Gender Diversity in Founders and Directors: Female founders represent only 14.38% of the total, while female directors constitute 26.49%. This disparity highlights the need for initiatives to support and encourage female entrepreneurship and leadership.
- Age Distribution of Directors: The majority of directors are in the 50-60 age group (30.29%), followed by those above 60 (28.04%). This distribution suggests experienced leadership, but also the potential need for fostering younger entrepreneurial talent.
Conclusion
Elmbridge’s economic environment is diverse and growing, with significant contributions from various sectors. However, challenges such as gender disparity in leadership and high company cessation rates need addressing. Initiatives to support emerging sectors and younger entrepreneurs, alongside strategies to improve business sustainability, could further strengthen Elmbridge’s economic landscape.