Key facts and figures
Context
The area of Bath and North East Somerset covers some 346 square kilometres in the South West Region of England. The South West itself is an area of innovation and enterprise with GDP and employment growth consistently higher than GB average. With three Universities, 26% of registered companies and 20% of the population the Bath-Bristol area is very much the regional focus for businesses.
Key Facts & Figures
Photograph © Neill Meneer, Ktwo 01225 483 151
Communications
Bath and North East Somerset is located in a prime position with strong transport links, be it road, rail via a mainline railway station, air or ferry, to ensure that its businesses are within an arms length of the rest of the UK, Europe and even further a field:
Communications Bath to Total Travel Time Mode of Travel Bristol Temple Meads 30 minutes Road Bristol Temple Meads 18 minutes Rail Bristol Airport 40 minutes Road Bristol Airport 53 minutes Rail Royal Portbury Docks, Bristol 40 minutes Road London Paddington 2 hrs 11 mins Road London Paddington 1 hr 35 minutes Rail London Heathrow 1 hr 48 mins Road London Heathrow 2 hrs 28 mins Rail Cardiff 1 hr 09 mins Road Cardiff 1 hr 08 mins Rail Birmingham 1 hr 57 mins Road Birmingham 1 hr 57 mins Rail
Source AA Route Planner and National Rail Enquiries 25/08/04
Bristol International Airport is becoming the UK's fastest growing airport with a year on year passenger increase of 16% (2006). It is estimated that Bristol International Airport will handle 2.2 million passengers this year and with an increasing number of domestic and international destinations (including regular flights to New York), this trend is set to continue.
As well as a local airport, Bath also enjoys close proximity to the Royal Portbury Docks and Avonmouth Docks, an extremely important deep water Port. Tonnage handled has increased since 1991 from 4 million tonnes to 12 million tonnes in 2002, increasing annual revenue to £60 million. Over £330 million has been invested in the dock estate and the port is now recognised as being one of the most productive and technically advanced in Europe. The Port has its own dedicated motorway junction on the M5, only seven miles from the M4 interchange and both docks have a rail link. Bristol is recognised as the most economical port distribution location in the UK, reaching some 42 million people within a 250 km radius.
Population
There are three major urban areas in Bath and North East Somerset; Bath, our World Heritage City, Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Keynsham. The area has a total population of 169,040 people.
Population split within Bath and North East Somerset (Source Census 2001)
Economic Performance
The South West is a region of growth which, over the last few decades, has consistently outstripped the national average in terms of economic performance. It is one of only three regions to increase its share of national GDP and its rate of growth was fourth greatest in the UK.
Employment and Employment Structure
Employment in the South West increased between 1995 and 2005 by 12.5%, a net increase of 244,000 jobs. Only the South East, London and the East of England, experienced higher rates of employment growth. Bath & North East Somerset saw an employment increase of 10.2% between 1995 and 2005, with the rural areas of the authority experiencing a massive 20% increase. Bath saw greatest increases in office sectors, where Radstock experienced most significant growth in Distribution and Keynsham in Public administration and defence. Of the working age population of Bath and North East Somerset 81% are economically active, with unemployment in the area at a low 3.4% (2005).
Key employment sectors in Bath and North East Somerset are Banking, Insurance and Professional Services, Health and Social Work and Retail, whilst recent increases in sectors such as publishing shows that Bath in particular, is becoming a niche area for growth industries. There are a number of large employers across the area, based primarily in Bath, Keynsham Midsomer Norton & Radstock, however the rural areas have a diverse range of key small employers and with improved access to communications and liaison with local entrepreneurs underway, this trend looks fit to continue.
Tourism is an established industry within Bath and the surrounding countryside, bringing in 6,093,000 visitors per year, 12% of whom stay overnight with 74% of overnight stays being short breaks of 1-3 nights. Bath has one of the highest proportions of international tourist visitors in the South West at 41% (Source: Bath Tourism Plus and Bath Visitor Survey 1999). In 2002 Tourism brought in a total income of £283,291,000 to the area.
Labour Market and Qualifications
Of the working age population of Bath and North East Somerset 32.8% hold an HND, Degree and Higher Degree level qualifications or equivalent, a remarkable figure compared to the 24.2% GB average. This complements the influential higher education structure in Bath and as the Universities, Higher Education Colleges and Bath and North East Somerset Council work together with local businesses and potential investors the direct benefits for business are set to increase.
Qualification levels in Bath and North East Somerset, South West Region and Great Britian. (Source Labour Force Study 2000)
City and town centres in Bath & North East Somerset
Within Bath and North East Somerset there are the major towns of Midsomer Norton, Radstock and Keynsham, with Bath being the only city within the district. Each location has its own unique character and charm with a wealth of business opportunities to offer new and existing businesses alike.
Footfall averages for towns/city in Bath & North East Somerset
The following chart demonstrates the relative footfall for each location. This is intended as a guide to the footfall patterns and trends over recent years.
These graphs shows the average footfall for Bath, Keynsham, Midsomer Norton & Radstock Centres (taken over 30/20 count points). These Charts are intended as a guide only and are not indicative of a trend. These averages were taken over 3 days and are effected by external conditions such as weather and roadworks etc. For further information contact Development & Regeneration
Bath 2004 - 2010
Keynsham 2002 - 2010
Midsomer Norton 2005 - 2010
Radstock 2005 - 2010
Downloads
- DOWNLOAD - Economic Profile Midsomer Norton Radstock (925k)
Providing an economic overview of Midsomer Norton & Radstock including the population, labour market, travel to work, housing and education - DOWNLOAD - Economic Profile of Bath (1031k)
Providing an economic overview of the city of Bath including the population, labour market, travel to work, housing and education (Appendices available on request from Robert Sketchley, Bath and North East Somerset Council 01225 477748) - DOWNLOAD - Economic Profile B&NES (1054k)
Providing an economic overview of Bath & North East Somerset including the population, labour market, travel to work, housing and education (Appendices available on request from Robert Sketchley, Bath and North East Somerset Council 01225 477748)
Recommended Links
- Connecting South West
A site about Information and Communications Technology (ICT) developments in the South West, particularly broadband
Related Pages
- Economic Intelligence
Information about the area
Recommended Contacts
- Bath & North East Somerset Development & Regeneration
Development and Regeneration service of Bath & North East Somerset
Contact: Robert Sketchley
Telephone: 01225 477748
Email: development_regeneration@bathnes.gov.uk
Address: 10 Palace Yard Mews, Bath BA1 2NH