Overview
Gateshead’s economic landscape is marked by a diverse array of sectors, led by wholesale and retail trade, professional services, and real estate activities. With a total workforce of 72,262, the region has experienced significant employee growth, alongside a vibrant mix of traditional and technology-oriented businesses. Key indicators such as the number of new companies, SMEs, exporters, and companies with foreign parentage highlight an active and evolving economic environment. The gender distribution among founders and directors, along with the age profile of directors, provides insight into the demographic makeup of the business leadership in the area.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: Gateshead has a workforce of 72,262. The employee growth rate of 10.73% indicates robust job creation, reflecting a healthy economic environment. Notably, 145 companies have contributed to this employment rise.
- Top Sectors: Leading sectors include wholesale/retail trade (12.6%), professional/scientific activities (12.58%), and real estate (12.48%). This sector diversity underpins the region’s economic resilience.
- Sector Growth Drivers: Emerging sectors like Internet platforms and mobile apps signify a shift towards a more technology-oriented economy.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: The data shows that out of 12,384 companies, 990 have ceased operations. This figure represents the challenges and competitive pressures within the economic landscape of Gateshead.
Entrepreneurial and Innovation Indicators
- New Companies: In the last two years, 2,601 new companies have emerged, with a total of 1,380 new companies overall. This indicates a dynamic entrepreneurial environment.
- SMEs and Scaleups: The presence of 7,754 SMEs and 70 scaleups underscores the vibrancy of the small and medium enterprise sector in Gateshead.
- Innovation Metrics: Gateshead hosts 185 companies engaged in fundraising activities, 11 patent owners, and 12 grantees, signaling a strong inclination towards innovation and growth.
International and Demographic Dynamics
- Exporters and Foreign Influence: The region has 195 exporters and 244 companies with foreign parentage, highlighting its international business ties.
- Gender and Age Diversity: Among founders, 15.13% are female and 82.89% male, reflecting a gender gap in entrepreneurship. The directorship shows 25.03% female and 70.70% male directors, indicating similar trends. The age distribution of directors shows a mature leadership, with a significant proportion over 40 years of age.
Conclusion
Gateshead’s economy is characterised by a robust mix of traditional and emerging sectors, significant employee growth, and a dynamic entrepreneurial environment. While it shows strong innovation and international ties, there is room for improvement in gender diversity among business leaders.