Overview
Lewes presents a diverse economic landscape, marked by significant activity in professional, scientific, technical, and construction sectors. While no new IPOs were recorded, the overall employment growth is positive, indicating a dynamic business environment. A balanced gender representation in directorship roles and a notable number of young companies suggest a progressive and evolving business culture.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 17,057 employees with a 7.05% growth rate. This growth is indicative of a robust employment market in Lewes, likely driven by the expanding sectors.
- Employment Growth Drivers: 31 companies have notably raised their employee count, signaling an active job market and potential sector expansions.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors: Key sectors include professional, scientific, technical activities (896 companies, 16.07%), construction (615 companies, 11.03%), and retail trade/repair of motor vehicles (613 companies, 11.00%). These sectors are vital to the local economy, providing a range of employment opportunities.
- Growth Sectors: Sectors with notable company growth include food and drink processors, technology/IP-based businesses, and analytics. This diversification suggests a move towards high-value, knowledge-based industries.
Company Trends
- Scale-ups: 26 scale-up companies, showing a healthy ecosystem for business expansion and development.
- New Companies: 547 companies founded in the last two years out of 5,575 total companies, indicating a vibrant startup culture.
- SMEs and Exporters: 4,476 SMEs and 146 exporters, highlighting the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises in the local economy.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 465 companies ceased operations, which may reflect market adjustments or competitive pressures.
Diversity and Inclusion
- Founders’ Gender: 24% female founders, 74.67% male founders. This shows a gender gap but also a significant presence of female entrepreneurs.
- Directors’ Gender: 32.15% female directors, which is relatively high, indicating progressive gender inclusion in leadership roles.
Conclusion
Lewes’ economy is characterised by a strong presence in professional and technical sectors, with a growing focus on high-value industries. Employment growth and the rise of scale-ups point to a dynamic business environment. However, the challenge remains in closing the gender gap among founders. The blend of established and emerging sectors, combined with a progressive leadership landscape, positions Lewes as a promising hub for economic development.