Business + Economy

Access a highly productive workforce

South Gloucestershire has a diverse economy ranging from rural and home grown small and medium sized enterprises to world leading companies in key high growth sectors vital to continued national economic growth. These include aerospace and advanced engineering, defence, micro-electronics and silicon chip design. We host the Bristol and Bath Science Park, a world class environment for businesses in science and advanced technology, which incorporates the National Composite Centre, the national leader on research and design. We are also a centre of excellence for green and environmental technologies, animation and IT solutions.

In 2016 there were 11,415 local businesses in South Gloucestershire, 81.7% were micro enterprises employing between 0-9 staff, which is similar to the regional average. When compared to the South West average, the district has a higher proportion of medium and large employers (those employing 50 to 249 and those employing 250+ respectively).

Collaborating locally to compete globally

South Gloucestershire is home to the University of the West of England, which plays a key part in supporting high standards of education and training for these cutting edge industries. The Mall at Cribbs Causeway – another major employer – provides extensive retail and commercial services. Both of these attract investment and help create a vibrant economic environment that benefits both businesses and communities.

Working with partners across the West of England and the Local Enterprise Partnership (LEP), we continue to be part of successful collaborative partnerships delivering infrastructure and economic development. We support the LEP’s ambitions to deliver tens of thousands of new jobs into the area by 2030 primarily across our three Enterprise Areas, attract substantial private sector investment over the next five years and create a well-motivated workforce with the right skills to meet business need and to build the foundations for a long term, sustainable economy for all.

Why invest in South Gloucestershire

Sustainable Economy

It is important that high level carbon emissions are reduced and the local economy benefits from opportunities associated with the transition to a low carbon economy. Local production and consumption and services close to where people live are an important part of this. The area continues to develop and grow but pockets of social and economic deprivation still exist. Helping adults back into work as well as raising young peoples’ aspirations through top class educational and vocational experiences will improve personal achievement, social and economic well-being and reduce the gap between prosperity and deprivation. Excellent educational provision underpins a healthy economy which is the bedrock of future success.

Economic Headlines

To view the council’s quarterly and monthly Economic Briefings, click on this link.

To view the WoE LEP Economic Profile for South Gloucestershire, click on this link.