Overview
South Derbyshire showcases a diverse and dynamic economic landscape. The area’s employment and business activities span various sectors, with a significant focus on wholesale, retail trade, and professional activities. The region has seen a noticeable growth in employment and business scale-ups, indicating a healthy economic environment. However, it also faces challenges in terms of company cessations and gender diversity in leadership roles.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 25,670. South Derbyshire has experienced a notable increase in employment, with a total of 74 businesses reporting a rise in employee numbers. This reflects a vibrant job market and opportunities for local talent.
- Percentage Employee Growth: 8.52%. The region has witnessed a healthy growth in employment, indicating expanding business activities and economic vitality.
- Number of Scaleups: 24. The presence of 24 scale-ups signifies a robust environment for business growth and development.
- Top Sectors by Company Numbers: Wholesale/retail trade and motor vehicle repair (1,082 companies, 20.49%), professional/scientific/technical activities (728 companies, 13.79%), and construction (559 companies, 10.59%). These sectors form the backbone of South Derbyshire’s economy, showcasing diversity and strength.
- Top Sectors by Growth: Packaging and printing, Pharmaceuticals. These sectors, though small in number, show potential for future economic expansion.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 545. This figure highlights the challenges businesses face, possibly due to market dynamics or external factors.
- New Companies in 2 Years: 1,010. This robust number of new businesses indicates a fertile environment for entrepreneurship and innovation.
- SMEs: 3,630. Small and medium-sized enterprises form a significant portion of the local economy, driving growth and employment.
Sector Dynamics
- Information and Communication: 299 companies, indicating a growing sector.
- Manufacturing: 335 companies, showing traditional industrial strength.
- Real Estate Activities: 365 companies, reflecting active property market dynamics.
Company Trends
- Number of IPOs: 0, suggesting that local businesses may be focusing on private investment or alternative growth strategies.
- Number of Patent Owners: 5, indicating a moderate level of innovation and intellectual property development.
Gender Diversity in Leadership
- Percentage of Female Founders: 25%. This indicates a need for enhanced gender diversity in entrepreneurship.
- Percentage of Female Directors: 26.47%. Similar to founders, there’s room for improvement in women’s representation in corporate leadership.
Conclusion
South Derbyshire presents a healthy and diverse economic environment with significant activity in retail, professional services, and construction. The growth in employment and number of scale-ups is a positive indicator, but challenges in company continuity and gender diversity in leadership positions remain areas for development.