Overview
West Berkshire presents a dynamic economic landscape. With a total of 207,061 employees, the region shows a healthy employment environment. Notably, there has been a significant number of company raisers, indicating robust business growth. Key sectors like Professional, Scientific, Technical Activities, and Information and Communication dominate, alongside a notable presence in Construction and Retail trade. Despite no recent IPOs, the 5.59% employee growth and the emergence of 81 scaleups showcase the area’s entrepreneurial spirit and potential for future growth.
Employment and Business Growth
- Total Employees: 207,061 employees. The region has witnessed a healthy growth in employment, demonstrated by a 5.59% increase in employee numbers. This suggests a thriving job market and potentially a strong local economy.
- Company Raisers: 201 companies have raised their number of employees, reflecting an expanding business sector in West Berkshire. This trend is indicative of positive economic conditions and business confidence in the region.
Sector Analysis
- Top Sectors: The leading sector is Professional, Scientific, and Technical Activities with 2,470 companies, followed by Information and Communication (1,680 companies), and Construction (1,329 companies). These sectors represent a diversified economic base, with a particular strength in knowledge-based industries.
- Sector Growth Leaders: Notably, sectors like Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Mobile Apps, and Analytics are emerging as growth leaders. This trend points towards a growing digital economy in West Berkshire.
Business Continuity
- Company Cessations: Despite robust growth in some areas, there have been 1,036 company cessations, which raises concerns about business sustainability in certain sectors. This number needs to be contextualised with the overall business dynamics in the region.
Demographic Insights
- Gender Representation in Founders and Directors: Founders are predominantly male (83.33%), with female founders representing 15.97%. In director roles, 27.16% are female, and 69.13% are male. These figures highlight a gender gap in leadership positions within the business ecosystem.
- Age Distribution of Directors: A diverse range of ages among directors, with the majority over 40 years. This diversity can bring a mix of experience and new perspectives to the business community.
Conclusion
West Berkshire’s economic landscape is marked by a strong job market, diversified sectors, and emerging digital industries. However, challenges in business sustainability and gender disparity in leadership roles are areas that require attention. Overall, the region demonstrates a balanced mix of established industries and innovative sectors, offering a solid foundation for future economic growth.