Overview
Slough, a significant economic hub, demonstrates a robust and diverse economic landscape. With a total of 166,502 employees, the city shows a healthy mix of industries, with notable growth in several sectors. The presence of 14533 companies, including 2660 new companies in the last two years, indicates a dynamic business environment. Key indicators such as the number of scaleups, patent owners, and fundraising activities suggest a fertile ground for innovation and growth.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: Slough has 166,502 employees. The city’s employment scene shows a positive trajectory with a 14.69% employee growth rate.
- Top Sectors for Employment Growth: The sectors showing significant growth include ‘Wholesale and retail trade’, ‘Information and communication’, ‘Professional, scientific and technical activities’, and ‘Construction’. These sectors are pivotal in driving the city’s economic dynamism.
- Number of Scaleups: With 71 scaleups, there’s an evident trend of established businesses achieving substantial growth, contributing to the city’s economic vitality.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors by Company Numbers: The leading sectors by the number of companies are ‘Wholesale and retail trade’ (2713 companies), ‘Information and communication’ (1789 companies), and ‘Professional, scientific and technical activities’ (1601 companies). These sectors form the backbone of Slough’s economy.
- Emerging Sectors: Sectors such as ‘Analytics, insight, tools’, ‘Mobile apps’, and ‘Software-as-a-Service (SaaS)’ are emerging, indicating a shift towards technology-driven industries.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: There were 2020 company cessations, which, compared to the number of new companies, suggests a relatively stable business environment with room for new ventures.
- Number of New Companies in 2 Years: The addition of 2660 new companies over two years highlights a thriving entrepreneurial spirit and a conducive environment for business startups.
Diversity in Leadership
- Gender Representation in Founders and Directors: There is a 7.81% representation of female founders and 22.66% female directors, showing a need for increased gender diversity in leadership roles.
- Age Distribution of Directors: A diverse age range in company directors, with a notable presence in the 40-50 age bracket, suggests a blend of experienced and younger leadership driving the city’s businesses.
Innovation and International Presence
- Number of Patent Owners and Fundraisings: Slough has a vibrant innovation ecosystem, as indicated by its 4668 patent owners and 5 fundraising activities.
- International Influence: The presence of 484 companies with foreign parent companies signifies Slough’s strong international business ties.
Conclusion
Slough’s economy is characterised by a diverse and growing business landscape, with significant contributions from sectors like retail, IT, and professional services. The rise in employment, emergence of scaleups, and a steady influx of new companies demonstrate the city’s economic resilience and potential for future growth.