Overview
Oxford’s economic landscape is marked by a vibrant mix of sectors, with a significant presence in professional, scientific, technical activities, and information and communication sectors. The city’s employment ecosystem is dynamic, evidenced by a considerable number of employees (78,842) and a notable growth in employment (10.58%). The gender diversity in company leadership shows a tilt towards male dominance, both in the realms of founders and directors.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 78,842. This number indicates a robust workforce, integral to Oxford’s economic vitality.
- Employee Growth: The employee growth percentage of 10.58% suggests a thriving job market, likely driven by the city’s strong sectors.
- Raising Sectors: Key sectors showing growth include Pharmaceuticals, Software, and Research Tools, indicating a tilt towards high-tech and research-intensive industries.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors: Professional and technical activities lead with 1,798 companies, followed by information and communication (1,159 companies), and retail trade/repair (933 companies). This diversity underpins a balanced and resilient economy.
- Sector Growth Drivers: Pharmaceuticals and software sectors are among the top raisers, aligning with global trends towards technology and health sectors.
Company Trends
- Total Companies: 9,203, reflecting a diverse and vibrant business environment.
- New Companies (2 Years): 1,146, showing a healthy rate of new business creation.
- SMEs: 6,609, indicating that small and medium enterprises form the backbone of Oxford’s economy.
- Exporters: 203, highlighting international business engagement.
- Companies with Foreign Parentage: 217, showing global connections.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 910, which is a natural part of the business cycle, reflecting both market dynamics and sectoral shifts.
Leadership and Innovation
- Founders Gender: 12.05% female, 85.71% male, indicating a need for greater gender balance in entrepreneurship.
- Directors Gender: 26.12% female, 62.35% male, reflecting similar trends in leadership roles.
- Young Companies with Young Directors: 406, suggesting a vibrant startup culture with young leadership.
- Patent Owners and Grantees: 654 patent owners and 40 grantees, indicating a strong innovation ecosystem.
Conclusion
Oxford’s economy is marked by a strong employment base, a diverse set of thriving sectors, and a dynamic entrepreneurial and innovation landscape. The growth in high-tech and health sectors aligns with global economic trends, offering opportunities for future growth. However, there is a noticeable gender disparity in business leadership, highlighting an area for potential development.