Overview
Warrington’s economic landscape is marked by a vibrant mix of sectors, with significant growth in employment and business activities. The city’s total employee count stands at 258,964, indicating a robust workforce. Key sectors such as Administrative and Support Service Activities and Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities dominate, reflecting a diverse and modern economic base. Despite no recent IPOs, the city shows healthy signs of growth in various sectors, especially in business services and distribution.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: Warrington has 258,964 employees. The city has witnessed a significant number of companies raising employee counts, totaling 427, indicating a strong and growing job market.
- Employee Growth Rate: The percent increase in employment is 6.40%, showcasing a positive trend in job creation and economic expansion.
- Scale-ups: The presence of 102 scale-ups signifies a dynamic business environment where companies are experiencing rapid growth.
Sector Dynamics
- Leading Sectors: The top sectors in Warrington are Administrative and Support Service Activities (4,945 companies), Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities (4,639 companies), and Information and Communication (3,992 companies). These sectors are pivotal to the city’s economy, demonstrating a strong service and knowledge-based industry.
- Growth in Top Sectors: These sectors are not just numerically dominant but also show a high percentage of total companies, indicating their central role in the local economy.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: The data indicates that Warrington has experienced a significant number of company cessations, with 36,676 attendances (possibly related to legal or administrative meetings for struggling companies) and 4,750 dead companies. This suggests challenges in sustaining businesses in the long term.
Gender Diversity in Leadership
- Founders by Gender: 14.29% female founders and 82.35% male founders. This indicates a gender gap in entrepreneurial activities.
- Directors by Gender: In directorship roles, 23.29% are female and 72.63% are male, pointing to a similar gender disparity in corporate leadership.
Conclusion
Warrington’s economy is characterised by a strong service sector, significant employment growth, and a promising number of scale-ups. However, the high number of company cessations and the gender disparity in leadership roles present areas for improvement. Overall, the city’s economic health is robust, with a diverse business environment and ample opportunities for future growth.