Overview
South Holland presents a dynamic and diverse economic landscape, marked by substantial activity in sectors like Transportation and Storage, Construction, and Wholesale/Retail Trade. A notable employee growth rate of 7.12% signals a robust job market. The presence of scale-ups, SMEs, and companies with foreign parentage indicates a blend of entrepreneurial energy and international influence. The gender distribution among founders and directors shows a tilt towards male dominance but with significant female representation.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 35,246, showing a growth rate of 7.12%. This increase is indicative of a healthy job market and possibly reflects the area’s economic resilience and attractiveness for business operations.
- Employment Growth Drivers: The top sectors driving employment growth include Other Telecommunications Services, Collaboration Tools, Internet Platforms, and SaaS, each contributing one new company. These sectors, though small in absolute numbers, are likely at the forefront of technological innovation and digital transformation in the region.
Sector Dynamics
- Top Sectors: Transportation and Storage (1,024 companies, 17.78%), Construction (887 companies, 15.4%), and Wholesale/Retail Trade (752 companies, 13.06%) lead in company count. These sectors are pivotal to the region’s economy, reflecting a strong infrastructure and a vibrant consumer market.
- Emerging Sectors: Notable sectors with emerging companies include Other Telecommunications Services and SaaS, indicating a growing digital economy.
Company Trends
- Total Companies: 5,759, with 789 being new companies in the past two years. This suggests a steady rate of entrepreneurial activity and business formation.
- Scale-ups: 33 scale-ups, indicating a nurturing environment for business growth.
- Company Cessations: 5,613, a relatively high number that might point to competitive market conditions or shifts in industry trends.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: 528 companies ceased operations. This figure is crucial for understanding the market’s competitive nature and possible challenges faced by businesses.
Gender Dynamics in Leadership
- Founders’ Gender: 23.08% female and 76.92% male founders. This gender distribution highlights a gender gap in entrepreneurial activity.
- Directors’ Gender: 24.66% female and 73.12% male directors, with a small percentage unknown. Similar to founders, there is a notable gender disparity in leadership positions.
Conclusion
South Holland’s economic environment is characterised by a strong employment growth, diversity in key sectors, and a notable presence of scale-ups and SMEs. The area shows potential in emerging digital sectors, although there is a noticeable gender gap in entrepreneurship and leadership roles. Overall, the region’s economic health appears robust, with a blend of traditional industries and new, tech-driven sectors.