Overview
Rhondda Cynon Taf, a local council area, exhibits a diverse economic landscape with significant activities in sectors like construction, wholesale and retail trade, and professional services. This report delves into various aspects of its economic and business activities, analysing trends in employment, business growth, sector dynamics, and other key indicators.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: Rhondda Cynon Taf employs 46,865 individuals. There has been a notable increase in employment, with 1,684 businesses reporting growth.
- Percentage Employee Growth: The region has experienced a 13.41% growth in employment, reflecting a robust job market and expanding business activities.
- Number of Scaleups: The presence of 56 scaleups signifies an environment conducive to business expansion, further reinforcing the employment growth narrative.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors by Number of Companies: Construction leads with 1,500 companies (18.55%), followed by trade/repair of motor vehicles (1,038 companies; 12.84%), and professional, scientific, and technical activities (941 companies; 11.64%). These sectors form the backbone of the local economy.
- Sectors with Notable Growth: Healthcare products and Machinery sectors have shown growth, although they constitute a smaller portion of the economy.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: With 1,142 companies ceasing operations, there is a notable churn in the business landscape, warranting attention to business sustainability measures.
- New Companies in Last 2 Years: The emergence of 2,310 new companies over the past two years highlights a dynamic and evolving business environment.
- Number of SMEs: 5,923 SMEs form a significant portion of the local economy, emphasising the importance of small and medium-sized enterprises.
Diversity and Innovation
- Gender Representation: Founders show a gender distribution of 18.75% female and 80% male. In directorship roles, females account for 25.78%, while males represent 70.99%.
- Young Companies with Young Directors: There are 502 companies with young directors, indicating a vibrant entrepreneurial spirit among the younger population.
- Innovation Indicators: With 7 fundraisings, 132 patent owners, and 6 grantees, there’s evidence of innovative activities, though these could be further amplified.
Conclusion
Rhondda Cynon Taf demonstrates a strong and diverse economic profile with significant activities in construction, trade, and professional services. The employment growth and emergence of new companies highlight a dynamic business environment. However, the relatively high number of company cessations indicates potential challenges in business sustainability. The gender disparity in founder and director roles suggests room for improvement in diversity. Overall, the council exhibits a robust economic health with opportunities for further growth and innovation.