Bath in focus
The City of Bath is situated approximately 12 miles south-east of Bristol and 100 miles west of London. It is a designated World Heritage Site, a University City, a Regional Shopping Centre, an International tourist destination and a major employment centre.
Employment & The Economy
Over 84,000 people live in the City which is home to more than 6,000 businesses employing approximately 50,000 people. Service sector employment accounts for 80% of local jobs which is above the national average. In contrast employment in manufacturing at 5% is only half the national average.
Important economic sectors in Bath include Education & Health (30,000 jobs), Retail, Tourism and Leisure (14,000 jobs) and Business & Professional Services (10,000 jobs). Growing employment sectors include Information & Communication Technologies and Creative & Cultural Industries where Bath is one of the recognised national centres for publishing.
The City Centre
Within the City Centre there are over 400 retail shops, 50% being run by independent specialist retailers helping Bath to offer a unique retail experience, and around 100 restaurants and cafes supported in part by the 1 million staying visitors and 3.8 million day visitors the City attracts on an annual basis. The central area also houses approximately 1.2 million square feet of office accommodation in a mixture of modern and period Georgian buildings making the City an important business centre.
Major Employers
The City is home to a number of world class companies.
Major employers include:
Public Sector
Bath & North East Somerset Council - 6800 employees
RUH Healthcare Trust - 3500 employees
Bath University - 2352 employees
Ministry of Defence - 2500 employees
Bath Spa University College - 700 employess
Service Sector
Future Publishing - 650 employees
Helphire - 800 employees
Buro Happold - 400 employees
BMT Defence Systems - 230 employees
Cramer Systems - 200 employees
Manufacturing
Rotork Controls - 300 employees
Polamco - 100 employees
The manufacturing process
Photograph © Neill Meneer, Ktwo 01225 483 151
Events & Festivals
Bath plays host to a number of festivals and events annually which help to attract "year round" visitors as well as making the City an exciting and vibrant place to live. These include the International and Fringe Music Festivals and the German style Christmas Market.
A full list of annual events in the City can be found by visiting www.visitbath.co.uk
Future Developments
While Bath is famous for its history and heritage it is also looking forward to a prosperous economic future. Employment in the City is projected to grow by 8% over the next six years and this will be driven by a number of major developments including the Kingsmead Leisure Complex, the Thermae Bath Spa, the redevelopment of Southgate and the regeneration of Western Riverside. For further information on these schemes visit the Key Projects page.
For a complete economic profile of Bath visit the Economic Intelligence page. See link below.
Downloads
- 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)
Recommended Links
- Bath & North East Somerset Council
The Council's website - Bath & North East Somerset Development & Regeneration
Development & Regeneration - Economic Development services for Bath & North East Somerset - Bath Film Office
The section of the Visit Bath website - Bath Spa University Business
The Business Support Services section of the University's website - Bath Tourism Plus
The Destination Marketing Organisation for Bath and the Surrounding area. Operate a membership scheme for businesses who wish to promote themselves to visitors. Contact Fiona Humphreys - 01225 477228 - Bath Chamber of Commerce
Link to site on Bath Chamber of Commerce
Related Pages
- Key projects
- Economic Intelligence
Information about the area
Recommended Contacts
- Bath Film Office
Promoting and assisting film and TV production in Bath and North East Somerset
Contact: Jenni Wagstaffe
Telephone: Tel: 01225 477711
Email: bath_filmoffice@bathnes.gov.uk
Address: Abbey Chambers, Abbey Churchyard, Bath - 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