Overview
Merthyr Tydfil, a local council area, shows a dynamic economic landscape with a notable emphasis on sectors like Construction, Wholesale and Retail Trade, and Professional Activities. Despite a limited number of IPOs, the region demonstrates robust growth in employment and business activity, with a diverse range of sectors contributing to its economic vitality.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 7,180. The region has witnessed a significant increase in employment, with an 18.35% growth rate. This growth is indicative of a healthy business environment and an expanding job market.
- Employment Growth in Top Sectors: Key sectors showing growth include Construction, Retail Trade, and Professional Services. These sectors not only dominate the employment landscape but also contribute significantly to the economic development of Merthyr Tydfil.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors by Number of Companies: Construction leads with 413 companies, followed by Retail Trade (219 companies), and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities (177 companies). This diversity suggests a balanced economic structure.
- Top Sectors Showing Growth: Sectors like Newsagents, Corner Shops, and Post Offices, though smaller in number, are showing growth, reflecting the region’s evolving consumer market and local business opportunities.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: With 261 companies ceasing operations, there is a hint of business turnover. This figure should be monitored for potential impacts on employment and sector stability.
- New Companies in Last 2 Years: A total of 494 new companies have been established in the last two years, demonstrating a vibrant entrepreneurial environment.
- SMEs and Exporters: There are 1,259 SMEs and 26 exporters, indicating a strong presence of small and medium-sized enterprises that contribute to both the local and global economy.
Governance and Leadership
- Gender Representation in Founders and Directors: Founders show a gender split of 33.33% female to 66.67% male. In directorship roles, females represent 25.20%, while males account for 72.35%. This highlights areas for improvement in gender diversity at leadership levels.
- Age Distribution of Directors: The age distribution of directors is relatively balanced, with a notable presence in the 50-60 age bracket (27.04%). This diversity in age can bring varied experiences and perspectives to the business landscape.
Conclusion
Merthyr Tydfil presents a vibrant and diverse economic landscape, with significant growth in employment and business activities across various sectors. While the area shows healthy signs of new business establishments and sector diversity, challenges such as company cessations and gender representation in leadership need attention for sustainable economic growth.