Overview
Oldham presents a diverse economic landscape, characterised by a mix of traditional and emerging sectors. With a total of 64,916 employees, the city has witnessed a notable growth in employment, particularly in sectors like wholesale, retail trade, and professional services. This growth is complemented by the presence of 69 scaleups and a dynamic entrepreneurial environment, as evidenced by the gender diversity in company leadership.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 64,916. Oldham’s employment scenario shows a healthy mix of traditional and emerging sectors, with a significant presence in wholesale and retail trade. The 8.89% employee growth rate highlights a positive economic momentum.
- Top Sectors by Company Numbers: Wholesale/retail trade (18.15%), professional services (15.43%), construction (11.51%), administrative services (11.11%), and real estate (7.93%) dominate the landscape, illustrating the city’s diversified economic base.
- Sectors with Most Growth: Accountancy, business banking, e-commerce, electrical services, and SaaS are sectors with notable growth, suggesting a shift towards service-oriented and technology-driven industries.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: With 2,027 companies ceasing operations, there’s a noticeable challenge in business sustainability, possibly due to market dynamics or competitive pressures.
- Scaleups: The presence of 69 scaleups indicates a robust environment for business expansion, demonstrating the potential for further economic growth.
Gender Diversity in Leadership
- Founders Gender: 14.71% female founders and 82.35% male founders, with 2.94% unknown. This shows a gender gap in entrepreneurship, highlighting the need for more inclusive initiatives.
- Directors Gender: 25.58% female directors versus 69.59% male directors. This gender disparity in leadership positions suggests room for improvement in gender diversity at the executive level.
Company Age and Innovation
- Young Companies with Young Directors: 1,315 companies, indicating a vibrant startup culture with young leadership at the helm.
- Innovation Indicators: With 196 patent owners and 1 grantee, Oldham shows signs of innovation, particularly in patented technologies.
Conclusion
Oldham’s economic landscape is marked by a diverse mix of sectors, significant employment growth, and a dynamic entrepreneurial scene. However, challenges in gender diversity and business continuity need attention. The presence of scaleups and young companies with innovative leadership suggests a promising future for economic development in Oldham.