Economy & Labour Market
The four local authorities of the City of Bristol, Bath & North East Somerset, North Somerset and South Gloucestershire, together with a range of other economic and environmental partners are driving forward action to improve prosperity and quality of life and to enhance the confidence of public and private investors. Ambitious targets for economic growth including new jobs, homes and business premises have been proposed up to 2026.
Bristol's status as a diverse economic powerhouse is evidenced by the highest GVA per head of the eight English core cities outside London. Thanks to an emerging world-class knowledge economy, the Bristol city region's major employment sectors are: Advanced Engineering and Aerospace, Creative Industries, Environmental Technologies, Construction, Finance and Legal services, and Leisure and Tourism. A strong public sector including Universities and Colleges, Healthcare and national government organisations also makes up an important part of the local economy.
The West of England has the greatest proportion of highly qualified workers outside of London and the skill base is enhanced by the strong academic accomplishments of four excellent Universities and a number of high performing further and higher education colleges. This skills base is set to be further accentuated by ongoing skills development programmes in key sectors and a new Skills Academy for South Bristol.
West of England Key Statistics:
- The working age population estimate for mid-July 2005 was 639,700.
- In March 2006, 72.4 % of working age individuals were working full time.
- In March 2006, 24 % of working age individuals were working part time.
- GVA per head in 2004 was 21,059 GBP.
- Average gross earnings of full time employees (by workplace) in 2006 were 29,335 GBP.
- The average house price in the April-June quarter of 2006 was 199,255 GBP.
- Three-year survival rates of VAT registered small businesses by Business Link area in 2001 were 69.4%.
- The number of vat registrations 2005 was 3085 businesses.
- 56% of LEA pupils obtained 5 or more GCSEs (grade A-C) in 2006.
Sources and further information from www.intelligencewest.org.uk
Further information:
The West of England Local Intelligence Network (Intelligence West) provides a focal point for data on economy, deprivation, demography, quality of life, housing, transport, environment, culture, leisure, and tourism. Its service is freely available to public and private sector organisations, individuals and business via the website.
